2. amps-preamps
  3. 1264865857

cleaning the pins of NOS tubes...bad idea?

I am a tube noob. Just bought my first set of NOS tubes. I use Kontak, Deoxit, ProGold and the like on the connectors on my cables. I notice that the pins of most NOS tubes show significant oxidation. So...is it a good idea to use Kontak or the like on them, or do you just leave them alone?
dgaylin
hifitime
715 posts
 
Use care when removing tubes with a base.Its easy to break the base loose.Also,you need to be careful about the writing if you want to resell them.The writing rubs off fairly easy.
dgaylin OP
255 posts
 
Thanks all -- much appreciated.

--dan
realdeal
63 posts
 
Clean pins do better contact/better sound than dirty ones.Not rocket scientist idea.
jj2468
280 posts
 
If you are not absolutely sure that your contact enhancer will not rub off and bake into and onto your tube socket, then don't use it. Instead, as suggested, do a very light sanding or buffing of the oxidation.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Pencil eraser and alcohol wipes. Safe, effective, cheap, tried and true.
More to discover