Tube dampers?


My system consist of Shanling STP 80 and T200 cd player, I have been looking around for tube dampers and I found some o-rings and other types of dampers, dont know which ones will work better for my setup since my El 34 electro harmonix and WE 396A/GE 5670W have a metal type cage around them so I dont know if I will have enough room to play with when it comes to tube dampers. I did look into Brass, O-Ring and Herbies type of dampers however I dont know much about any of them. Any advise?

I've heard about ARC, Herbies, Mapleshade and other vendors, some cheap and some $$$ If you recommend a product please please provide me with a link so I can lookup the information. Not looking to break the bank but do some worthwhile improvements.

Thanks, Robert
chgolatin2
I use Herbies and really like them. At first I thought they weren't making any difference... then I took them off; shock and horror things got a bit worse. Haven't tried any others. http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/

Chris
I am also a fan of Herbiesaudiolab.com.
However, if Herbie's will occupy too much space around your "caged" tubes, then check out
tweekgeek.com
for
Marigo Audio Dots
which are placed either on the tube base, or tip of key pin, for resonance control. These add virtually nothing to the dimension of each tube, and will allow for tight clearance locations.
Also, Herbie's proprietor, Steve Herbelin, may be able to suggest identical placement of his own tiny dimension Grungebuster Dots (a different part of his product line) in a way to emulate Marigo Audio Dots.
May the better dot win!
Another vote for Herbies. He is very helpful, there is a full range covering all likely temperatures and tube sizes and they are cheap. What more can you say, OH yes he has a returns policy, a no brainer.
Herbie's work very well. The change is not immediately apparent for some reason, but over time you will hear the improvements.

Neal
Herbies ring look good however I dont want to remove the cage around the tubes, they look fairly nice oem style. Any other recommendations?

Thanks