My experience in a Jadis JP80 and JA80s, using the devices on 12AX7s, 12AU7's and 6DJ8s, was that the Top Hat's did a better job, focusing the images a little better. The differences between the two weren't earthshaking, but definitely in favor of the Top Hats, to my ears. They can make the sound a shade leaner as they dampen vibrations, but nothing objectionable. The things are pretty expensive, though, for what they do; a problem of high tooling costs and small sales volume, I guess. See if you can try before you buy, or get a money back trial. I think you can buy them direct from the manufacturer, Right Way Manufacturing (they may advertise in Stereophile, possibly in the classifieds--they also advertize Suspendors); otherwise, you can contact Andy Bouwman at Vintage Tube Services (616-454-3467), and I believe John Ruttan at Audio Connection also carries them. Hope this helps.
