Tubes, to damp or not to damp?


I’ve not had much luck with dampening devices when it comes to tubes. For myself, it seems to strangle the life out of the music. Tubes just seem to have more life without them. Maybe I’m using the wrong ones? I purchased a few from Audio Research the black rubber type. Any thoughts on this subject would be interesting to hear.
hiendmmoe
I may be imagining things but I seem to remember putting Tube Socks over my Quicksilver Mono Amp's output tubes.
There are different silicone compositions. Some of the compositions are ferrous, some are not (alloys). Others just a single added element, like lead, copper, or silver. The highest temp silicones are conductive, (graphite, carbon).
The high temp o-rings in hydraulics are very dark, nytrill, teflon, silicone all kinds of o rings for REAL high temp...

I’ve seen entire pieces of heavy equipment burned to the ground. Aluminum pumps burn the O-Ring was still there...

The high temp SILICONE HOSES, engine block, rims and frame, was all, that was left. Aluminum/Magnesium, burn just fine, add a little diesel
yahoo, ride um cowboy.

50 years I’ve always removed the o-rings. Valves acting a little shady.
Microphonics for me, means one thing, change the valve... I don’t use
valves to play instruments. I use them to reproduce, what someone else
has already messed with.. Not mess with the sound while it’s being reproduced...

Easier to stay out of trouble, than get out of trouble.

 O-Rings are just that... They will distort the glass, too. Never been a fan...


Regards
Whether you're a fan of tube damping or not, O-rings are too tight and apply pressure on the glass.

The stock dampers on ARC amps are probably ok since they selected them or they're proprietary.

O-rings are too tight and apply pressure on the glass.
Only if your a total (whatever) and purchase them too small.
here there are sizes that vary in just 1mm ID diameters, from 4mm to 61mm ID (inside diameter) with 2mm thickness to suit every tube you have, on this site. Others have them up to 85mm ID
Just measure your tube diameter and go 1mm less for a neat fit without being tight!!!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2mm-Cross-Section-OD-8-65mm-FOOD-GRADE-Red-Silicone-O-rings-Washers-50-100pcs/193009581470?var=493208405430&hash=item2cf0447d9e:g:sOcAAOSwKTddNtGK

Cheers George