Tube temperature for ARC Ref 6

why not go buy a infrared thermometer at a automotive store and you can find out how hot the tubes get......

 I use the UltraSonic Rx-9 on all the 6H30 tubes in my system with great results. I have had them for years and they still look just like new. I don't use a tube damper on the 6550 tubes.

addyson.......Because i thought maybe someone would know and tell me what kind of tube dampers they bought from Herbies.                                                                                                                                                                lostbears......Ok thanks...But is there a reason you dont use a tube damper on the 6550?

lostbears..... Also do you hear a difference with the Herbies vs the stock dampers from ARC? If you do what is it ?

I have a REF5se and had this concern when I first purchased the unit. Using an infrared thermometer I can get readings up to 156° which is mostly over the 6550. But in talking to the folks at Active Thermal Management, I was told that the 6550 would be equivalent to a 75 W lightbulb. And a little Googling and I found that the surface of a 75W bulb can reach 200 degrees. So ventilation is the best solution but if space is limited, ATM offers some very quiet fans. I have achieved a 45 to 50° reduction in temperature readings. As far as tube dampeners I haven’t tried anything other than the original ARC since last time I looked Stereophile had them listed as very good. I forget what classification the assigned, but it was enough for me to figure on keeping them. On a previous LS26 I experimented with some Silicone rings from Herbies and also some other, I don’t recall the brand but didn’t feel any advantage over the ARC standard rings. YMMV.