Do all vacuum tube sockets face backwards???

rbyar · « **on:** 24 Apr 2010, 02:41 pm »

Hi,
Last year i purchased my first tube integrated amp. It came with a set of tubes, EL34b, 12X7, 6SN7. I set it up and noticed all the tubes faced backward. What i mean is, all the writing on the tube is on the back side. From the front all you see are glass bottles. A week ago i purchased a new set of tubes, an upgrade. I thought maybe it was just the old tubes tubes just happened to be pinned a certin way and the new ones would face forward. Again the new tubes face backward.

I know this makes no difference to the sound. Its more aesthetic and the ability to know what tubes i have in the unit without sticking by big head in between two shelves so I can see what tubes are being used.

Can this be changed? Or would it be too much trouble for what i would gain?

Thanks for your thoughts.
R.E.B.

Niteshade · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Apr 2010, 02:46 pm »

Since sockets are round, there is a 360 degree selection of orientation. Sometimes they are all placed in the same direction for symmetry, aesthetics.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Apr 2010, 04:52 pm »

Hello,
A good socket/tube position on the table amp is one that let you see the plate. This allow you monitor all the time the plate temperature,
If the plate get very hot(red) you will see it just at a look.
.
IF this amp was mine I could not change any socket until they get old and start mede problems(false/poor contact on pin tubes etc...)
then I could change all sockets for Teflon sockets(PartsConnexion or Yamamoto).
IF the current sockets are working fine you may let they untouched, go using them while they are good.
Just a idea... Gustavo

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Apr 2010, 06:48 pm »

I don't think tubes are printed with the labels in the same location relative to the pin. I haven't paid too much attention to this though. I'll look through my stash when I get a moment to see.

rbyar · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Apr 2010, 07:39 pm »

Thanks for the info. I think I will leave the sockets as they are. I did notice that some Chinese tubes have labeling with the key facing forward and sometimes Russian tubes have the labeling with the key facing to the side.

I have to agree that being able to view the heater plates are more important than the labeling on the tube.

Thanks
REB

Bill Baker · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Apr 2010, 12:02 am »

I don't kno wif there is a "norm" but when building tube equipment, I prefer to orient the sockets (tubes) to allow for the shortest wiring paths rather then visual appearance of the tubes themselves.