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Tube dampeners on ARC gear ... FREE TWEAK

Here's a cheap (free) tweak for owners of ARC gear using the black tube dampeners. If you move both dampeners as far up toward the top of the tube as possible without having the top one fall off, taking care that both dampeners are solidly touching each other, you will get better dynamics, bass, mids, highs and a lower noise floor. Try it ... you'll like it.
128x128oregonpapa
oddeophile
38 posts
 
Hi Frank

So you didn't follow the all the way up to the top of the tube placement like the ARC rings?  Did you try them there?

FWIW on all the RX rings I have in my system I've never found the 1/3 placement to be optimum. On my amp on all four 12AX7s exactly one and a half inches from
the bottom of the tube which is almost to the top of the 12AX7. On all 12 KT77 tubes right at the getters and same with the 6550 tubes in my Ref 40. 
ARC recommends damping placement all the way to the top of the 6H30 tubes. I've not put the Herbies I have had now for well over a year on my 6H30 tubes mainly due to my disability. 
FWIW You might try the top of the tube placement and see if you have improved sonics with your RX dampers there. The 1/3 placement is just a starting point Herbies recommends. The vast majority find differing placements are superior. 
Just thoughts. 
All the best
Richard 

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
A couple tips for Herbies tube dampers. For tubes like 6SN7s the damper should go where the getter is located so for top getters that means near the top of the tube. Also, for tubes with bases like 6SN7s, etc. a second damper on the base will improve upon the one on the glass.

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
2,850 posts
 
^^^  Guys .... thanks for the tips on placement. I'll give it a shot later today and see what happens. The Herbies dampeners have been a wonderful upgrade to the system ... but we can always use more of the same. *lol*

Frank
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
2,850 posts
 
By the way, talking about "Herbies," have any of you tried the "Black Hole" CD dampening mat? Its the little one that just covers the inner circle of the top of the CD.  I've read some good reviews on it. 

Frank
oddeophile
38 posts
 
Hi Frank
thx for giving it a shot and being so great!  It's you that's the reason we're trying this stuff to begin with (starting this great discussion). 
Ive used many disc mats over the years especially versions from Marigo. My current drive -PS Audio's stupendous DMP has made me rethink using mats. I've not felt the need for one since introducing this into my system. 
All the best
Richard

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