Tube Dampers

marty · Jul 28, 2017

I'm curious about listener's experiences with tube dampers. I've explored old threads but the institutional memory here is very scattered and much of it is dated. I'd love to learn what specific dampers people have found useful, if any, and the sonic benefits that result from their use as it pertains to small tubes (12AU7, 12AT7, 12AX7, 6922, etc). Do they shorten tube life? It seems as though we go to great lengths to quench spurious vibration everywhere in our systems, so why are they not used universally?

thedudeabides · Jul 28, 2017

marty said:
I'm curious about listener's experiences with tube dampers. I've explored old threads but the institutional memory here is very scattered and much of it is dated. I'd love to learn what specific dampers people have found useful, if any, and the sonic benefits that result from their use as it pertains to small tubes (12AU7, 12AT7, 12AX7, 6922, etc). Do they shorten tube life? It seems as though we go to great lengths to quench spurious vibration everywhere in our systems, so why are they not used universally?

Marty,

Have not done any comparisons to other products but the EAT damper for the 6922 seems well constructed and definitely is a snug fit over the tube.

I believe Lloyd (LL21) uses these and hopefully will chime in.

LL21 · Jul 28, 2017

I have found my favorite of the few that I have tried are the EAT Tube dampers for the 6922s, 7308s. However, Brent Jessee makes big copper rings with siicone inside that worked for some of the larger rectifier tubes that i have in the PSU. The solidity of note is by far the most notable benefit in our system. Listening to solo piano is a great place to enjoy the improvement. However, it applies to all music. Plus with this solidity (described in reverse as lack of shimmer), there is also superior separation of instruments and improved detail/decay.

Marcus · Jul 29, 2017

+1 for Brent Jesse copper rings. I use one in the PS of Zanden 1200 Mk3 phono stage and it works exactly as Lloyd described.

Blue58 · Jul 29, 2017

My favourites are Herbies Audio Lab Ultrasonic SS for small signal tubes.http://herbiesaudiolab.net/preamp.htm
And for hot tubes like rectifiers the Hal-o III
http://herbiesaudiolab.net/haloiii.htm

I do like HAL products and just purchased some giant glider feet for my Duos and wonder why I hadn't bought them sooner, doh!

Blue58

LL21 · Jul 29, 2017

Marcus said:
+1 for Brent Jesse copper rings. I use one in the PS of Zanden 1200 Mk3 phono stage and it works exactly as Lloyd described.

Hey Marcus...great to see you! I have just PM'd you for some advice on something else.

Marcus · Jul 29, 2017

LL21 said:
Hey Marcus...great to see you! I have just PM'd you for some advice on something else.

Hey Lloyd. Great to see you too. You have the answer...

LL21 · Jul 29, 2017

Marcus said:
Hey Lloyd. Great to see you too. You have the answer...

Thanks! BTW, what tubes are you now using in your CJ GAT 2?

Marcus · Jul 29, 2017

LL21 said:
Thanks! BTW, what tubes are you now using in your CJ GAT 2?

Still Ei Philips that came with the S2 upgrade. They showed some signs of problems after a month or so but they work now as they should.

LL21 · Jul 29, 2017

Marcus said:
Still Ei Philips that came with the S2 upgrade. They showed some signs of problems after a month or so but they work now as they should.

Great! Thanks!

daytona600 · Jul 29, 2017

$10 audiophile branded or $10 for a pack of 20 (Silicone O-Rings high temp industrial 300deg C )

microstrip · Jul 29, 2017

Marcus said:
Still Ei Philips that came with the S2 upgrade. They showed some signs of problems after a month or so but they work now as they should.

PCC88's?

murphys33 · Jul 29, 2017

I am using herbies on my tube preamp and lampi. The arc preamp has its own tube damper rings but I found the herbies better with more air around instruments. Herbies provide arguably some of the best compromises. My view of dampers is that you achieve a more solid presentation at expense of air.

chopchopbin · Jul 29, 2017

I am using the new Audio Research tube dampers for my small tubes. I think they sound better than the Herbies.
For the price, you can't beat it. $6 for 2 rings (You will need 2 rings per tube).
Call Audio Research parts department to order if you are interested.

See Stereophile review: https://www.stereophile.com/content...reamplifier-audio-research-tube-damping-rings

Marcus · Jul 30, 2017

microstrip said:
PCC88's?

Yes.

Kingrex · Dec 24, 2023

Could I just wrap teflon tape in a tight ring around a tube?

PaulB · Dec 25, 2023

Kingrex said:
Could I just wrap teflon tape in a tight ring around a tube?

I use silicone O rings from Grainger. Works great.

Kingrex · Dec 25, 2023

PaulB said:
I use silicone O rings from Grainger. Works great.

That is what I will probably try. I just need to measure my tube. I also looked at Brent Jesse's rings. I could use copper pipe and a piece of silicone to make it tight against one side. Not sure about the heat dissipation. Brents says it cools the tube. But I see a very small contact line of glass and metal. Seems more like it traps heat.

Robert Young · Dec 25, 2023

I’ve tried dampers, back when i had hope that some 2-digit investment would improve my equipment by a 4-digit amount. Wanted them to work, but really they did nothing. Fooling oneself doesn’t overcome the basic physics problem.

spiritofmusic · Dec 25, 2023

He really doesn't like 'em, does he? Lol
I've just looked at the Brent Jesse ones, they seem to nearly fully enclose the tubes, that can't be right, surely?

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