Noval Print 18mm Röhrenfassung B9A Printfassung versilbert

Noval B9A PCB socket in a compact 18 mm ceramic format

This compact Noval B9A valve socket is designed for direct through-hole mounting on printed circuit boards. It is suitable for valve amplifiers, Hi-Fi equipment, guitar amplifiers, studio electronics, test equipment and space-saving DIY audio circuits. The white ceramic body provides a dimensionally stable and temperature-resistant insulating base. Silver-plated spring cup contacts securely engage the nine valve pins, while the PCB solder pins allow direct integration into the board layout. The socket is suitable for new designs, repairs and restoration work. A mechanically compatible valve should be inserted before final soldering so that the contacts and solder pins can align without tension, reducing unnecessary forces on the valve pins and glass base.

Technical data

Typical mechanically compatible valves

Preamplifier and dual triodes: ECC83 / 12AX7 / 7025, ECC82 / 12AU7 and ECC81 / 12AT7

Audio and RF triodes: ECC88 / 6DJ8, E88CC / 6922 and 6N11

Power valve: EL84 / 6BQ5

Rectifiers: EZ80 / 6V4 and EZ81 / 6CA4

A common Noval B9A base does not guarantee electrical interchangeability. Pinout, heater data and operating values must match the relevant circuit.

Alternative designations

Internationally used designations for this format include Noval, B9A, Pico-9, 9-Pin Miniature, Miniature 9-Pin, Noval PCB Socket, B9A PCB Socket and 9-Pin PCB Tube Socket.

PCB mounting and application questions

Which dimensions must be considered in the PCB layout?

The ceramic body has an outside diameter of Ø 17.8 mm. BTB recommends PCB clearance of approximately Ø 17.5 to 19 mm and holes with a diameter of Ø 1.5 to 2.0 mm for the nine solder pins. The pin arrangement, conductor routing and electrical clearances must be checked before the PCB is manufactured.

Why should a valve be inserted before soldering?

Insert a mechanically compatible valve into the socket without applying force before final soldering. This allows the spring cup contacts and solder pins to align with one another. It reduces lateral forces on the valve pins and helps prevent mechanical stress at the glass base. The valve must not be energised during this procedure.

What contact construction is used?

The socket uses silver-plated spring cup contacts of the tulip type. The resilient contact surfaces engage the valve pins and support reliable contact. During soldering, prevent solder and flux from entering the contact springs.

Which valves fit mechanically?

Noval B9A valves such as ECC83 / 12AX7 / 7025, ECC82 / 12AU7, ECC81 / 12AT7, ECC88 / 6DJ8, E88CC / 6922, 6N11, EL84 / 6BQ5, EZ80 / 6V4 and EZ81 / 6CA4 fit mechanically. A common base does not guarantee electrical interchangeability; pinout, heater data and operating values must match the circuit.