Tube dampeners on ARC gear ... FREE TWEAK

Oregonpapa -- yes I did start with them just on the signal tubes then ordered more for the power supply -- while having them on the signal tubes is good having them on the power supply as well is more than twice as good -- now note that my PS is not as well isolated as my control box (the ARC Ref40 is a two box set up) -- the latter sits on Marigo footers on a custom shelf while the PSU is just on the stock footers isolated by some constrained layer damping pads. Nevertheless I wholeheartedly recommend getting the dampers for the power supply tubes as well

^^^

folkfreak ...

Thanks for the quick response.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I suspected that the power tubes would be a significant improvement ... but twice as good? ... Great, I'll save them for last. I suppose the increased glass/size of the power tubes is what makes the difference over the signal tubes. 

Just changing the dampeners on the signal tubes in my REF-3 has made a world of difference. I can only imagine what your REF-40 and your Phono 2SE  sounds like.  It has to be wonderful.

I just love my ARC gear. I have an ARC Classic 60 that is used as a spare. It used to be my main amp. It doesn't have a removable power cord, no mods at all even. I had it completely gone through by the local tech this year. I used it when I was between the REF-75 and the REF-75se.  Gotta say ... its warmer sounding and not as accurate as the latest REF gear, but man 'o man ... it just melts your heart. 

Looking forward to more of your reports on the tube dampeners.

Take care ...

OP

 
Folkfreak, you use Herbie's tube dampers on both the 6H30 and 6550 tubes? I have them on the 6H30 signal tubes in my Ref 5se and Ref CD7. I thought about ordering some more for the 6H30 in each of the power supplies. I had not consider putting them on the 6550 in my Ref 5se though. 

Yes, I use the larger ones on the 6550s. They fit very easily and securely and with the adjustments can even accommodate tubes that are very close to one another. I'd heartily recommended using them on all the tubes in your system 

lostbears ...

I have the CD7-se.  How was the improvement with the Herbie's dampeners? 

Also, have you considered using Herbie's "Black Hole" CD mat? It has rave reviews. I contacted Herbie via Email and he says it works well with our top loading players.  Its on my bucket list ... to do after all tubes in the system has been outfitted with the Herbie dampeners. 

OP