[R-390] Ceramic sockets or not?

[Tim Shoppa]

My yellow striper has several tube sockets in pretty sorry shape.
The phenolic (or whatever plastic-like insulating material it's made
out of) is crumbling in at least a couple of cases.  Naturally, the
ones deteriorating the most are those in the least accessible locations
(e.g. under the BFO, in-between shielded compartments, etc.)

I have some phenolic sockets with shield bases already.  But I also
see that ceramic sockets with very similar dimensions are available
for a couple bucks a pop.  Any opinions on the longevity/durability of
these two options?  I'm used to seeing ceramic sockets only where there's
a lot of heat, but when the next radio's owner comes along in a couple
decades I don't want him to find that the 30-year old "new" sockets I
put in have turned to dust too.

The ceramic sockets with tube bases I've found are the ones in the AES
catalog.  From the pictures and numbers they appear to fit in the same
size holes and have similar dimensions.

Tim.