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Question About Tube Dampers

I have a Joule Electra tube preamp that I purchased here and it came with tube dampers on all the tubes. We all know of the advantages of using tube dampers on resonances and noise with tubes. Something I was thinking:

Are there any possible disadvantages to the sonics or performance of a preamp that you are aware of or have experienced with the use of tube dampers? Or is this always a performance positive?
foster_9

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,574 posts
 
Manufacturers of amps and preamps *do* use them. ARC has a proprietory damper for example.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,574 posts
 
If the dampers impair the tube's ability to get rid of heat then you can expect a shortened service life out of the tube. But usually they are a good thing sonically.

I have heard people say that there is a problem with loss of air due to the tubes being overdamped. Such a thing is not actually possible, FWIW.
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