Tube dampers... wow

[ReasonablyLucid]

Bought some halo tube dampers from herbie the other day and... wow.

Everything is more clear, the microphonic problem with my kenrad vt231 is gone, and the bass seems better.

This is the chepest upgrade ive done in a long time, lol.

 

[djbnh]

I run a Jolida JD-100 cdp and had ordered the Herbie Halos when first running the unit with 12AX7 tubes. The Herbies worked as promised. After I upgraded the tubes to Sylvania Gold Label JHS 5751WA triple mica blackplates, I kept the Halos on, but I don't think these Sylvania 5751s suffer from microphonics the way 12AX7s and other tubes do.

While on the topic of Herbie products, I also use his CD Grungebuster Mat; my 15 yo daughter even can hear the improvement it brings in my home audio system.

 

[warubozu]

Yup, Herbie's Halo tube dampers doesn't cost much and does an excellent job in silencing noisy tubes.

 

[lan]

I have some also and they work for me. I'm using it on 12AU7 and the most noticible thing for me is the top end seems to clear up. GOod cheap tweak.

 

[skullguise]

I used them on various 12A#7 variants (T,U,X) with great results as well. Even some 5751's which are less prone to microphonics so I've read, benefited.

Another one that looked interesting was the one made from carbon-based material that had kind of heatsinks as well. Can't remember if these were the Pearl model or not.....

 

[Anders]

I had an excellent result with Herbie's tubedampers on my EarMax Pro. The Tenderfeet were also useful for small compents as headphone amplifiers. However, I didn't like the CD Mat, but the difference was clearly audible!

I think all of these tweaks are system dependent, often work but not always.

 

[MikeW]

I ordered some Hal-07's for my millet, can't wait to try them out. Though I can here an audible differnce just by putting weight on the tubes.

 

[eyeteeth]

I never heard of Herbie. I was looking at Duende Criatura tube dampeners which get good reports in the UK press.

http://www.thetubestore.com/tuberings.html
http://www.divertech.com/duendecribtara.html

I like Herbie's prices better.

 

[jpr703]

Anyone tried these on a Singlepower amp?

 

[Thaddy]

I've never used my Millet without the Hal-0 7 dampers, so I can't comment on the sound. But, I do know that they sure as hell look cool!

 

[Salt Peanuts]

Dang, those Duende Criatura dampeners are expensive.

jpr703 - I used to use Herbies with my MPX3-6cg7 and they worked well, though since most my tubes weren't that microphonic so I don't know how well they work with really microphonic tubes.

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReasonablyLucid Everything is more clear, the microphonic problem with my kenrad vt231 is gone, and the bass seems better.

I've noticed better bass with tube damping as well. Herbies and good old "O"rings both seem to work pretty well.

 

[MikeW]

The herbie rings are cheap, and have great reviews, both here and elsewhere. That's why i went with them over the ones from tube depot. The herbies also just look more effective imo.

 

[MikoLayer]

Would the hearbie's dampers improve 6cg7 based amps as well?

 

[MikeW]

I think it would improve just about anything with tubes.. of course YMMV. They are cheap as heck and he has a 90 day return policy. Cheap shipping too.. 3$