Tubes--to damp or not to damp?

[earwicker7]

What do you guys think? I know there is some level of microphonics involved with my amp, as I get a quick "echo" effect when I turn the volume knob.

 

[PFKMan23]

If needed (and is effective) yes, if not, no.

 

[earwicker7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFKMan23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif If needed (and is effective) yes, if not, no.

Gee, thanks for clearing that up

 

[Gradofan2]

I've heard a lot of "old timers" and folks at Tube World, Tube Depot, etc.... say... the same thing.

"If you have really microphonic tubes, or have a lot of vibration in your system, or room, then you may want to use them... but... that if not - No.

They say tubes achieve their "euphonic" SQ as the result of a certain amount of micro movement in their construction - and that dampers will reduce their "lush, liquid" tone. So... I suppose if you like more of a SS sound, and a bit less "liquid analog" sound - you might use them... otherwise... not, or if you've got an OTL amp, that you want to sound more SS, you might use them. I tried them with my XCAN v3, which already has a bit of a SS sound, and thought they removed too much of the "liquid analog" sound - so, I removed them.

It just depends on your set-up, your tubes, and your preferences.

 

[earwicker7]

So how do I determine if my tubes are "really microphonic" or just microphonic?

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by earwicker7 /img/forum/go_quote.gif So how do I determine if my tubes are "really microphonic" or just microphonic?

With the amp on use a light tap with the eraser on the back of a pencil.

 

[earwicker7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif With the amp on use a light tap with the eraser on the back of a pencil.

What am I listening for? Any sound at all, or too much sound?

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by earwicker7 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What am I listening for? Any sound at all, or too much sound?

You will hear a ping or a click. Kind of hard to describe, but you will know right away if it is there. Be careful, I am talking about a light tap.

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif They say tubes achieve their "euphonic" SQ as the result of a certain amount of micro movement in their construction - and that dampers will reduce their "lush, liquid" tone.

i haven't dealt with tube dampeners but i have read the same thing - i.e., only use them if you need them. otherwise, the effect on the sound will probably less as opposed to more desirous. the key i suppose is how to determine if you need them. i'm not sure. but maybe this is helpful, taken from the Herbie site.

"Virtually all vacuum tubes are prone to distortion caused by microphonic vibrations. To overcome audible distortions, a firm-yet-flexible C-ring holds vibration-absorbing pads against the vacuum tube bulb. The tube's sound is made more clear and precise, less fuzzy and less harsh. Tonal qualities are rendered more true and natural, subtle passages more distinguishable, from the deepest bass through the highest frequencies."

 

[Csericks]

I use and love Herbies tube dampers.

 

[jamato8]

The best tubes I have heard with "life" and like real music, as real music is a tremendous variable, have some microphonics but not so much as to be really audible as in ringing or other negative qualities. A very unmicrophonic tube can sound dead, lifeless. I am mostly referring to driver/amplifying tubes.

 

[hugz]

out of interest.. would this all apply for speaker use only?