Tube temperature for ARC Ref 6

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.

I use the Rx in my Ref 40 and have had no issues. The effect relative to the original rubber type dampers is to give greater control and tightness. You can hear more air and snap in the recording. I have them on all the tubes including the 6550

i did opt for the HAL-O III for my VTL power amps but they run much hotter

I use Ultra Sonic tube dampers on all the small signal tubes with great results; most noticeable is tighter bass.

  The reason not to use dampers on 6550's or other power tubes is to allow the tubes to present harmonics and overtones. New production power tubes are low in microphonics and don't need damping. However, I can see how a damper might be needed for some NOS tubes.