Bad 2a3? And loose 4-pin sockets...

[Sugar Man]

So I just had one channel of my Stereomour II lose about 80% of its volume.  Switched the 2a3's (JJ's) and the problem moved to the opposite channel.  Put my Sovtek's back in and everything is back to normal. Assuming this is just a bad tube.  Prior to this, I've noticed that the 4-pin tube sockets are not tight.  Is it possible to manually tighten those?  I believe I saw a post or two on this somewhere, but couldn't find it again after a search. 

[borism]

The same loss of volume on one side happened to me with two different pairs of JJ 2A3-40s. As in your case it followed the tube when switching sides. This makes lose sockets a less likely cause. In my case it was a tube failing both times.
Fortunately, my tubes were still under warranty and replaced for free. Ultimately, I switched to Emission Labs solid plate 2A3s and haven't had any problems for more than 2 years.

[Sugar Man]

Still lust for the EML's true meshies, soundwise and visually.  My concern with the loose sockets is that the Eurotube site mentions loose sockets causing tube failure.

[Rocketman248]

I too had the same problem with the JJ 2A3-40s.  Never buying them again.

[Paul Birkeland]

When you mention a loose socket, is it failing to make contact with the tube?

The current 4 pin sockets that we use are a bit flexible, which makes them more gentle on the tubes when inserted, but contact quality is quite good.

-PB

[Sugar Man]

Yes, PB, the 2a3's are loose in the 4-pin holes.  Occasionally will have a channel go out and I will adjust the offending tube and sound returns.  Can I use a jeweler's screwdriver to adjust them from the top?

[Paul Birkeland]

You can squeeze them together a little from the bottom (emphasis on a little).

[Sugar Man]

Thanks, I'll give that a try - carefully.