2. amps-preamps
  3. 194045-177823

Tube vibration control

For a while there, it seemed that many people used a vibration suppressor for tubes, and many manufacturers offered a version. Mapleshade had an elaborate all metal tube "jacket, complete with grounding wires that came off of it. More common were the rubber rings that would fit tightly over the tubes. I used to see them a lot - now, when I peruse members systems on this site and other sites, I do not see them as often. Did time teach us that they are not a necessary as we seemed to once think? Did we learn that they caused harm - concentrated heat, for example, and shortened tube life?

 

Just curious, as I have all-tube electronics, and wonder if I am neglecting something that would give them a little boost in performance.

 

Thanks, 

David

dtorc
jond's avatar
jond
5,984 posts
 

I've never used tube dampers but about a year ago I experienced a microphonic tube in my preamp. I had done some re-arranging and never put any footers back under the preamp. As soon as I put a set of Gregitek Aries footers under it the microphonic noises stopped.

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,091 posts
 

Every situation is different, but I prefer just to put the amps/preamp on some isolation feet or platform.  Like "sns", I found that those tube dampers damped the magic out of the tubes.  

iyamd1
1 posts
 

Ive bought both rubber rings and metal “heat Dispersion” jackets.  Tried the rubber rings on small and big tubes on preamps and amps and didn’t really hear any difference. But I have stayed with the metal jackets as I have sensed some differences;  no technical tests just my own ears.

 

tubes4good
42 posts
 

Having been around the hobby for a while, I've collected many tools. Tool dampers are one. After a change, I'll try stuff to see if I hear an improvement. If I don't, it goes back in to storage. Currently in my system I have 15 tubes and not one damper. 

dtorc OP
54 posts
 

Thanks - those are sensible answers, on both sides. I think I will first play with support of the electronics. I have three kinds - Brass cones, Cardas wood blocks, and the rubber/cork sandwich. I'll get the preamp/amp well situated before I decide how to deal with the tubes themselves. Thanks for thinking with me.

 

David

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