Tube temperature for ARC Ref 6

Hi folkfreak: Ask Ron at Marigo Audio to let you audition some of his 3mm white dots underneath the smaller tubes of your preamp. That's what I've been using.

@docknow .........  Thanks for the info...I guess if you used the UltraSonic Rx-9 for the Ref 150 and that did not need the Hal-O III for extremely hot tubes, that would be safe to say about not needing that for the Ref 6 power supply 6550 and 6H30 .... So i will order 7 UltraSonic Rx-9 dampers , 6 for the analog stage and 1 for power supply ( 6H30's) And 1 UltraSonic Rx-50 for the 6550 power supply. I was concerned about the power supply tubes and NOT using the Hal-O III for extremely hot tubes and having UltraSonic Rx - 50 and Rx - 9 melt . 

On the 6550:
(5429748) UltraSonic Rx-50 Damping Instrument     $30.29 X 1 = $30.29

on the 6H30's (# for both REF6 and REF150SE)
(5429716) UltraSonic Rx-9 Damping Instrument     $27.95 X 11 = $307.45

@docknow .........  I read what you wrote about you putting Herbies Ultra Sonic tube dampers on all the tubes in your Ref 6. Did that include the 6H30 and the 6550 in the power supply? If so did you use the Hal-O 111-9 and the Hal-O - 50 because of the heat with the power supply tubes? 

tattooedtrackman, I may have mislead you some. My temp reading with an infrared thermometer was thru the top cover and not directly on the surface of the tube. So the surface temp maybe higher and I am sure it is. And my highest readings were the 6550, and also were indicative of the amount of cooling I gained. The 6550 does run a lot hotter than th 6H30, which I am sure is some of the motive to replace them at 2000 hours instead of 4000 on the 6H30.

 Everything seems slightly more solid with more air as I remember. It has been quite awhile. I know people that have put them on 6550 tubes but I have not. tried  Only you can decide if they are worth the cost..

I recently put Herbies Ultra Sonic tube dampers on all the tubes in my REF6.  Unfortunately, I can't tell you what difference they made, as it occurred at the same time as the installation of a new set of tubes from ARC, plus pasting the tube pins and back panel connectors with Total Contact.  It all sounded much better when re-inserted into the system.

theo.....Thanks for that great info....Very helpful. I really would of thought those tubes would of ran alot hotter.                                                                 theo.... folkfreak......lowrider57.......I guess there will always be some kind of debate as to wether Herbies dampers improve the sound as to stock ARC dampers. I guess you really have to try them yourself and see if your ears hear a difference. At  about $250 for dampers is quite alot. At least Herbies has a 30 day money back guarantee. So with that said, i am curious to see or hear for myself. 

I use Ultra Sonic tube dampers on all the small signal tubes with great results; most noticeable is tighter bass.

  The reason not to use dampers on 6550's or other power tubes is to allow the tubes to present harmonics and overtones. New production power tubes are low in microphonics and don't need damping. However, I can see how a damper might be needed for some NOS tubes.

I use the Rx in my Ref 40 and have had no issues. The effect relative to the original rubber type dampers is to give greater control and tightness. You can hear more air and snap in the recording. I have them on all the tubes including the 6550

i did opt for the HAL-O III for my VTL power amps but they run much hotter

I have a REF5se and had this concern when I first purchased the unit. Using an infrared thermometer I can get readings up to 156° which is mostly over the 6550. But in talking to the folks at Active Thermal Management, I was told that the 6550 would be equivalent to a 75 W lightbulb. And a little Googling and I found that the surface of a 75W bulb can reach 200 degrees. So ventilation is the best solution but if space is limited, ATM offers some very quiet fans. I have achieved a 45 to 50° reduction in temperature readings. As far as tube dampeners I haven’t tried anything other than the original ARC since last time I looked Stereophile had them listed as very good. I forget what classification the assigned, but it was enough for me to figure on keeping them. On a previous LS26 I experimented with some Silicone rings from Herbies and also some other, I don’t recall the brand but didn’t feel any advantage over the ARC standard rings. YMMV.

lostbears..... Also do you hear a difference with the Herbies vs the stock dampers from ARC? If you do what is it ?

addyson.......Because i thought maybe someone would know and tell me what kind of tube dampers they bought from Herbies.                                                                                                                                                                lostbears......Ok thanks...But is there a reason you dont use a tube damper on the 6550?

 I use the UltraSonic Rx-9 on all the 6H30 tubes in my system with great results. I have had them for years and they still look just like new. I don't use a tube damper on the 6550 tubes.

why not go buy a infrared thermometer at a automotive store and you can find out how hot the tubes get......