Need Advice on Tube Dampers and Tube Rolling

[ggraff]

I just dipped my toe into the tube waters a few weeks ago by buying a balanced tube pre-amp. I have been out of tubes for 30 years so need some advice. What are some of the better tube dampers out there? I do hear a little micro phonics going on so want to try some dampers. Second, any recommendation on tube replacements for the stock Chinese 12AU7s that came with the unit?

Thanks

gjg

 

[A/V Solutions]

Herbie's Audio Lab - Home Page

 

[ggraff]

Thanks for the tip, I'll order some.

gjg

 

[ohbythebay]

Thanks for the tip, I'll order some.

gjg

GG..before you go spend money on tube dampers, lets look to the problem...and that is the TUBES themselves. You probably have cheap Chinese Shugang tubes ? Or something similar.

Microphonics is caused by the tube construction and its ability to resonate like a microphone pickup. You are in luck. There are some BEAUTIFUL 12AU7's that are nil in terms of microphonics. What you want is NOS (New Old Stock) tubes from the 60's. Lowest would be the RCA or GE's that end in JG or WA.

For examples - these all test like new
2 Matched 1963 GE JG 6189 12AU7WA Tubes Gray Ridge P 2RODS 2MICA Disc Getter | eBay

2 1964 Vintage GE JG 6189 12AU7WA Tubes Test Great Look | eBay

2 Matched 1960's RCA 6189 12AU7WA Tubes Black Ridge P 2RODS 2 Mica Top O | eBay

This guy has awesome 12au7's
12AT7,12AU7,ECC82,5814,7730 items in 12au7 store on eBay!

More info on 12AU7's
go to this page and scroll down for characteristics
12AU7 Tubes in Stock


If you buy dampers, its like putting electrical tape on a cheap cord. Don't patch it, replace it.

 

[ggraff]

Thanks for the advice on the tubes. I had not planned to do tube rolling until later and wanted something to just get rid of the bit of micro phonics I am catching. You are correct that the unit came with cheap Chinese tubes that I had planned to replace. But first we want to do some other mod's to the unit. We are going to mod the power supply and roll the coupling caps then finally select the tubes we want to use for the final touch. As a temporary fix, I was going to just use some tube dampers. Hopefully, when we select the final tubes the dampers won't be needed. I appreciate your advise and will keep the links you have provided when it comes time to select the final tubes.

gjg