Expanding questions about tubes in a preamp


Hello to all...

Started with a (helpful) discussion titled "How to select tubes for a line level preamp"... Expanding questions that have generated from that...

Have learned that hum/noise from tubes is a major consideration - now trying to figure cheap ways to address quieting the 12AX7s and the EF86s.

Would like to try "banding" the tubes with rubber ring washers - one?two?three per tube?

Where should the rings be on the tube: Top? Mid? Bot?

Can you over dampen a tube?

Knowledgeable tube users/ Masters input/suggestions please...

insearchofprat

Showing 1 response by pgaulke60

It has been argued to me that higher end audio component companies are making upfront decisions on the type and quality of the tubes in use.  So, if you have a high end product line, one should expect that the high end line is using the top quality tubes for their product and there shouldn't be a need to upgrade tubes - they were already upgraded in the first place.  Just let it ride.  I understand the desire to dink with sound and search for improvements.  We all do it.