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Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Herbie's Audio Lab => Topic started by: Netdewt on 10 Jan 2012, 02:14 am

Title: Best place to start?
Post by: Netdewt on 10 Jan 2012, 02:14 am

I have a tube amp with 2x 12AX7, 2x 12AT7, 4x EL34. Where would be the best place to start with tube dampers? On the 12AX7 and 12AT7? Do they solve specific problems or just improve the sound in general?

Title: Re: Best place to start?
Post by: Herbie on 10 Jan 2012, 03:27 am

Hi, Netdewt. In general, small-signal and power tubes have equivalent potential for distortion from microphonics and microvibration-induced distortion, also with equivalent potential for improvement. Whether damping small-signal only or power tubes only will provide greater improvement varies from one component to another and among individual tubes. You'd likely get substantial improvement starting with either. You might not realize the full degree of improvement because the undamped tubes will mask the results with distortions. By default though, starting with the small signal tubes is a good choice. Damping instruments improve the sound in general by addressing a myriad of specific problems.

Steve
Herbie's AUdio Lab