What is this & what's it supposed to do? (tube holder?)

[twigfarm]

Hey folks. New to the forum but not to tubes, having been associated with a few high-end audio manufacturers specializing in tube gear back in the day, but for the life of me I can't figure out what this is or is called:




Came installed on the tube in a DAC I bought. I imagine it's some sort of tube "holder" but what's it's purpose & does it really do anything outside of making it a little less convenient to tube roll? Is it supposed to "dampen" the tube?

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Steve Williams]

It's an old tube damper

If you want to see current day dampers

http://herbiesaudiolab.com

 

[twigfarm]

It's an old tube damper

If you want to see current day dampers

http://herbiesaudiolab.com

Thanks! Is it really doing anything in my application (single tube DAC)?

Dave

 

[Steve Williams]

only way to know is to play music with the damper off and then play same music with it on

 

[Lowrider75]

Herbies Ultrasonic dampers can have an audible benefit when used on components with exposed tubes. These tubes can be subjected to acoustic vibration. The dampers can tighten the bass and increase focus. Tubes that are slightly microphonic can benefit from tube dampers.

I've found that tubes enclosed in the component may or may not benefit from damping. ARC uses tube dampers, while my Audio Note components perform better without.