Tube Dampers - what's the story?

Mikeam is correct in my opinion, also try 3M (yes, the Scotch Tape people) their tube dampers are great, also Tube Socks. All of these dampers improve the sound to a different degree, depends on the tube, the damper and the equipment. Like everything else in this crazy hobby, you must listen to decide which one of these solutions is right for you.

The Audio Research dampers you guys like are the 3M. They do not melt on the tube. The tube dampers Otiscat speaks of, must have been another brand, probably made of sorbothane. The sorbothane not only melts and deforms as he describes, but is at the bottom of my list on sound as a tube damper material.