Anyone use tube dampers?

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by jfray

Dan,

What is the actual function of tube dampers? They don't look like they would help with heat dissipation at all........

Josh.......From what I can glean from my searches, tube dampers reduce vibration in the glass envelope of the tube, and this is suppose to help eliminate any possible internal microphonic vibrations. The end result is claimed to be an improvement in the focus and clarity of the music. That always seems to be the claim with tweaks, so I generally take it with a grain of salt. That is probably why I have yet to try tube dampers. I was hoping someone here has tried them and could report their findings.

As for heat dissipation, I am not concerned about that. Small tubes don't get hot enough to even worry about, and heat from the filament is necessary for electron flow across the tube. I really don't want to cool a tube.

[GaryProtein]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Okay Gary

Best

Bob

BOB, OK, now you're just being annoying!

[Volks]

Dan ......from what i am gathering here......would it be correct to say that a Tube Damper extends a Tubes life?

[jfray]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Josh.......From what I can glean from my searches, tube dampers reduce vibration in the glass envelope of the tube, and this is suppose to help eliminate any possible internal microphonic vibrations. The end result is claimed to be an improvement in the focus and clarity of the music. That always seems to be the claim with tweaks, so I generally take it with a grain of salt. That is probably why I have yet to try tube dampers. I was hoping someone here has tried them and could report their findings.

As for heat dissipation, I am not concerned about that. Small tubes don't get hot enough to even worry about, and heat from the filament is necessary for electron flow across the tube. I really don't want to cool a tube.

Hmmm..... I am not sure about this tweak. Typically by cooling metal it increases the conductivity...... (Superconductors)

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Volks

Dan ......from what i am gathering here......would it be correct to say that a Tube Damper extends a Tubes life?

Michael.......I don't get the impression from what I have read that tube life extension plays into tube damping at all. I'm still not totally clear on whether there's any true audible benefits from their use. It is the possibility of audible improvements that has me curious.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by jfray

Hmmm..... I am not sure about this tweak. Typically by cooling metal it increases the conductivity...... (Superconductors)

Josh.......Getting electrons to flow across a vacuum from the cathode plate to the anode plate through a control grid requires heat. The function of vacuum tubes is different than the flow of voltage and current through a metal conductor. Heat is good in a vacuum tube and bad in an electrical wire.

[jfray]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Josh.......Getting electrons to flow across a vacuum from the emitter plate to the collector plate through a control grid requires heat. The function of vacuum tubes is different than the flow of voltage and current through a metal conductor. Heat is good in a tube and bad in a wire.

Dan this is interesting...... I need to read more about how a tube actually works. THANKS!

[sanji]

When it comes to tube rings, there are definitely two camps. One believes that it is snake oil and the other that believe it makes a difference. I know of two manufacturers that actually supply them with their products (Audio Research & Conrad Johnson). Personally I've used them and have noticed a difference for the better. To my ears when used, the bass has become more controlled and also the sound stage has become more defined and focused. They are quite inexpensive, ARC sells them for $5.00 a piece. Try them and see if you hear a difference.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by jfray

Dan this is interesting...... I need to read more about how a tube actually works. THANKS!

Josh.......Watch these three videos. It will give you a basic understanding of how a vacumm tube works. Adran Arduman explains the basics of a diode and triode tube using an anaology of a make-believe water amplifier to help you visualize how the flow of current and voltage drives a speaker. It is very basic, but enlightning in layman's terms.



[ame=http://youtu.be/UM3av6moJd4]Vacuum Tube: How Does It Work? (Part 1) - YouTube[/ame]

[jdandy]

[ame=http://youtu.be/kY_w6H40ECs]Vacuum Tube: How Does It Work? (Part 2) - YouTube[/ame]