Tube Extenders Where to find?

@buellrider97

I use them. Both the 8 pin and 9 pin. I’ve never had any problem removing them. BTW, why would you want to remove them? The reason for using them is when you change tubes frequently to save the sockets from wear and tear!

I started with Dynaco in 1973 and built SS and tube stuff , so I’d like to think I understand a little. Having not used them cost me on that one amp as I acquired 8 rectifier, 11 input , and about a dozen pairs of power tubes. I said what I did having read a post saying they sourced some cheap savers and had damaged the socket trying to remove it for whatever reason. As far a removing them , as I don’t have them , I do occasionally clean the sockets and all my RCA’s with a commercial cleaner and add a treatment. If I move my gear or have a new setup I’ll tear everything down and clean all my contact points , cables and power cords. But this might get done every other year.  If I had socket savers I’d probably clean them too. Since we’re totally dissecting this do you think socket savers would benefit components that are not pin to pin by lifting the heat source away from a socket that’s soldered directly to a printed circuit board ? This is a sincere question. Regards , Mike B. p

Here ya go! Purpose of Socket Savers

Socket savers are small adapters inserted into a tube socket to absorb wear and tear from repeated tube insertions. They make it easier to replace a tube without repeatedly stressing the amplifier’s original socket or pulling on the glass envelope of older tubes 

Amplified Parts+1

. This is especially useful for tube testers or for users who frequently "roll tubes" in preamplifiers.

Potential Concerns and Risks

1. Another connection in the signal path: Adding a socket saver introduces an extra connection, which could potentially degrade performance, cause hum, microphonics, or small changes in bias under certain conditions 

    

   2

   . While often negligible in low-Gain circuits, some high-gain points or pentode/beam power tube stages may be more sensitive 

    

   1

   .
2. Quality and fit: Poorly constructed socket savers can create resistance or intermittent contacts, leading to performance issues over time 

    

   2

   . High-quality, well-fitting socket savers mitigate these risks.
3. Heat management: Raising a tube slightly from the chassis with a socket saver can help prevent heat transfer to sensitive board components, resistors, or capacitors, potentially prolonging the life of adjacent electronics 

    

   1

   . Conversely, some designs may slightly alter shielding or expose the tube to more external interference.
4. Circuit-specific considerations: Certain amplifier designs, especially those relying on tight coupling of resistors to the tube socket, may risk parasitic oscillations or altered bias if a socket saver is used improperly 

    

   1

   .

5. 

   

   3 Sources

Practical Guidance

• For heavy tube rolling or older tubes: Socket savers are recommended to reduce stress and protect the original sockets 

   

  1

  .
• For occasional tube swaps or standard setups: They are generally unnecessary and could slightly degrade performance or introduce noise 

   

  1 

• Check quality: Use well-made, properly fitting socket savers rather than inexpensive, poorly constructed versions to minimize risks 

   

  1

  .

• Monitor performance: After installation, verify that the amplifier operates normally, with no added hum or distortion.

• 

  

  3 Sources

In summary, socket savers protect the amplifier’s tube sockets from mechanical wear and, if properly used, do not harm the tubes themselves. However, they introduce an additional electrical interface, so using high-quality savers and considering circuit sensitivity is advised. In most standard hi-fi applications with minimal tube swaps, socket savers are optional; in heavy tube testing or rolling scenarios, they can be a practical safeguard 

Thanks @yogiboy , that confirmed the heat dissipation issue . BTW nice rig , I live 2 hours south of Quicksilver. I was seriously considering their gear until my buddy gifted me a pair of Rogue M-180’s that needed repair. In your post it mentions oscillation due to a poor connection. One of the amps had a bad resistor on the 12AX7 phase tube and when it would intermittently act up it made the most god awful noise. With 180 watts wide open it was LOUD. I need to post my rig , so coming soon. Thanks , and Best Wishes , Mike B. 

The Freya+ has the sockets deeply extended into the chassis so if you want to change the tubes you have to grab the glass instead of the base.  That is why "socket savers", "tube lifters", "tube extenders", etc. are preferred.  You can order them from Amazon but they may not be of great quality but on the other hand you can send them back easily.  The tube sellers listed above have them.  I trust Jim and Charles at Tubes and More to have very good quality "savers", "lifters", "extenders".  You may have seen them on their YouTube channel demonstrating how to loosen up the ones they have for sale.  Here's their link:  https://valvesnmore.com/product-category/speaker-posts/