What are your favorite vacuum tube dampers?

[joeinid]

I'm researching getting some tube dampers for my BHK amps.

I was recommended to get the Audio Research (part #20004660) tube dampers. Any thoughts?

There's not a lot of clearance/room in the back of the amp but more than enough for rubber rings for sure.

[Jack]

Joe

Try Herbies.

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/preamp.htm

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/rx.htm

[joeinid]

Thanks Jack. I'll have to see if I have enough room in the back of the amps for those.

[jdandy]

Joe.......What exactly are you hoping the tube dampers will do for your BHK amplifiers?

[joeinid]

Others have reported a "benefit" to using the tube dampers. I believe that removing vibration from the tubes yields a quieter, cleaner signal going through the tube. Most tube power amps that I've owned, came with little rubber rings on the input tubes.

Joe.......What exactly are you hoping the tube dampers will do for your BHK amplifiers?

[Jack]

Joe

Since you don't have to worry about little prying hands you can leave the covers off if you have to.

[jdandy]

Others have reported a "benefit" to using the tube dampers. I believe that removing vibration from the tubes yields a quieter, cleaner signal going through the tube. Most tube power amps that I've owned, came with little rubber rings on the input tubes.

Joe.......Okee dokee. It will be interesting to discover what "benefit" appears. I know Audio Research uses the silicon dampers on their small tubes. I am curious why there are so many other highly respected tube component manufacturers who choose not to add dampers. I have read a fair amount of personal testimony from individuals who use dampers, some reporting hearing no difference, some reporting a slight improvement in resolution, and some reporting a reduction or clouding of resolution, particularly in relation to where the damper is located on various tubes. I will be waiting to read your impressions.

[joeinid]

Thanks Dan. I've never "added" tube dampers where non existed on previous tube amps.

Herbie's dampers seem better engineered and here is a description, according to Herbie, of the benefits and disadvantages of the various dampers.

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ultrafq.htm


Q: What's the advantage of Herbie's dampers over other kinds of tube dampers?

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/compare.htm

[wisnon]

Joe,
Herbie's all the way. LoL

[wisnon]

Px4s flanking the RCA 1944 WW2 5r4gy...the special one.

[blackdog]

The only tube dampers I have ever heard work are these:
http://www.thetubestore.com/Parts-Ac...ura-Tube-Rings
The only advantage of the Herbies are they are more forgiving of the size of the tube, but I found they just don't fit tight enough to do much good.

[jadedavid]

Everyone has their opinion on tube dampers. It seems to me that teflon/rubber type doughnuts, while effective in minimizing resonances, create a hot ring around the tube where they contact. And to a lesser degree disrupt the natural cooling air flow up the tube envelope. While this probably is not of major concern with small signal tubes, however with rectifiers and power tubes it is a different story. Both of these are avoided with Herbies dampers.
The benefits of tube dampers has been known for a very long time. Particularly, in the early days, to tame microphonics. I have collected an assortment of vintage tube dampers dating back to approx 1930's. Many ideas have been tried.
I personally find the Herbies provide the best of both vibration control of the glass envelope (both internally and externally induced) while maintaining natural air flow for cooling. YMMV

[wisnon]

Herbie rules!