[pdieten]

There’s nothing wrong with switching to an octal socket for a 5Z4. Typically if I’m restoring a set like this I try to reinstall the shield base and shield to retain the original topside appearance. But if that isn’t possible, then so be it.

The 9T is a better radio than the 8-tube set you’re working on. There’s nothing wrong with the 8-tube set, it just doesn’t have the technical advances that RCA developed for the 9T because the 9T is a year newer.