2. amps-preamps
  3. 1171816839

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
groberts3's avatar
groberts3
38 posts
 
I just put some Herbie 09's on my 6922's in a BAT Vk300x Integrated and also in a BAT VK-D5 tube CD player. I'm not sure how much difference I heard since the gear was still relatively new to me. But I am getting a 3-D soundstage with amazing space, air and instrument placement. I believe all those attributes improved with the Herbie tube dampers. The pricepoint is sweet enough that I am going to just leave them on. The Amperex tubes I am using deserve the very best!

If my Audiophile listening club wants to scrutinize the tube damper tweak some night, I'll do an A-B test with, and without them and ask the group to report on what differences they hear.
chgolatin2 OP
53 posts
 
Teflon tape? Huh, wrap it around 15 times wow, if that doesnt kill vibration I dont know what will, lol!
magnepanmike
57 posts
 
Another vote for Herbies. I use them on my Ref 2 mk1 and heard differenty sonics as you "roll" them up or down the tube quite easily. They also do not dry up so you can use them on your next tube change.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
I suppose it is time to dig out the Herbies that came with the amp I bought here on audiogon. They are in the basement somewhere.
loki1957's avatar
loki1957
122 posts
 
I tried using O rings on my pre. Didn't notice any change. After a while the tubes started to make a ringing sound so I removed them. I think I'll try some teflon tape as I have some on hand.
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