Almost all tube dampers actually hurt the sound. But we’re so convinced Tube dampers are a good thing we leave them on and don’t think twice about it. Big mistake. Most dampers overdamp or have some odd side effect. Herbies are the only ones that improve the sound imho. With some caveats. The trick is where on the tube to place a Herbies damper. You can’t necessarily go with what people say. The best place is usually - but maybe not always - right where the getter is on the tube. So if it’s a top getter the damper goes near the top of the glass. It’s it’s a bottom getter near the bottom of the glass. For large tubes with bases another Herbies can be placed on the base for further improvement. Obviously, it is possible in many cases to spend more on Herbies Dampers that you did on the tubes. 😀
Best tube dampers that you have used
I currently have a Thor Audio monoblocks TP-150, 8 EL-34's Sovtek tubes for each amp.
Was wondering in anyone's experience will tube dampers improve the sound quality.
Am hesitant to proceed as I have read that tube dampers can melt from the heat of the tubes and sometimes
cause smoke. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Was wondering in anyone's experience will tube dampers improve the sound quality.
Am hesitant to proceed as I have read that tube dampers can melt from the heat of the tubes and sometimes
cause smoke. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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- 46 posts total
- 46 posts total