The tubes are socketed. Not sure if the soldering was entirely meant for the users or for specialized maintainers, might have been a mix. these things cost the

The tubes are socketed. Not sure if the soldering was entirely meant for the users or for specialized maintainers, might have been a mix. these things cost the price of a new car and came with similar responsibilities. The soldering techniques are to prevent bad contacts or impurities as this is sensitive measurement equipment.