Golden Dragon Tube Rings

I'm considering trying out a set of Tube Rings on my Unison Research S6. Anyone tried these, or have any opinions on their effectiveness in general?

Thanks.

 

Are these the rubber rings you can get to go round a valve in order to reduce microphony?

Chris

 

Yes, that's the type of thing. They're only dampers, not coolers, though. I'm also going to investigate Pearl coolers, as these can also help with microphony, but I'm not sure that I have enough space between the tubes on my amp.

 

Have a set of these on the EF86s on my old Quad II,and on my Earmax....just a general impression,but maybe a little clearer...but not a huge difference.

 

I have them on my amps and preamps. On the V1 and V2 they made for me a difference. Call them to see if you can send them back if you don't hear a difference.

 

I remember (very vaguely) something along the lines that they may shorten tube life (?). That memory is an old one though, and I could be wrong.

Chris

 

i use those rings for "small" tubes in preamp and power amp.

they do make a lot of difference in both elements.

in some cases i felt that putting two of them on the same tube "over-damped" the sound - so some experimentation is required.

IMO the easiest way to see whether those will make any effect in your amp is just to tap with a finger on the tube while the amp is turned on - if you hear it in your speakers (and i can't imagine tube amp that won't behave like this) then tube dumpers will have some effect on your amp.

 

I wonder if you could get the same effect with buying some rubber O rings?

(or would they melt?!)

 

Thanks for all the replies ~much appreciated.

I'll give them a go!

Bottleneck: I think ordinairy O rings would melt but I might try out some high temp versions.

 

Hi.
I've used high temperature o=rings on small valves, with some success (definitley improves the tap test). I used Viton o-rings by dupont available from RS these are rated to 200 degrees. Silicone o-rings are also rated to 200 deg.

HTH

Chris

 

Got any left Chris?! hhehehe

Do they sell them in small quantities at RS? I really dont want a box of 200!

I was thinking of my pre, which uses ecc83's