We are very pleased and proud to report that on January 5, 2017 we celebrated our 19th year of selling on eBay! Please check our 19 years of eBay feedback. Thanks to you for your continuing support!
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT PURCHASING CHEAPLY MADE ASIAN DAMPERS. THOSE MAY LOOK SIMILAR TO OURS, BUT THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CHEAP ASIAN DAMPERS IS NOT THE SAME AS OURS AND THOSE CHEAP DAMPERS FREQUENTLY MELT OR CRACK. WE SELL OUR DAMPERS TO SEVEN MAJOR AMP MANUFACTURERS FOR USE ON THEIR EQUIPMENT BEFORE IT LEAVES THE FACTORY. PURCHASE WITH CONFIDENCE HERE. PLEASE CHECK OUR 16 YEARS OF EBAY FEEDBACK.
This auction is for ONE SET OF EIGHT HEAVY DUTY HIGH MASS VACUUM TUBE DAMPERS. The winner of this auction will receive eight dampers for each item won at a cost of just $9.99 for the complete set of eight dampers. If you need more than eight dampers, just bid for more than one set. Shipping on extra sets in both the US and Internationally is free after the first set. These dampers are designed to fit 8 pin Octal vacuum tubes with large and large bottle size glass. See below for some tubes that these will fit. Most audiophiles and musicians use two dampers on each tube.
An exception would be tubes such as a 6550, 300B, 2A3 or others with similar ST "Coke Bottle" shaped glass. These tubes usually will not hold more than one of this type of damper. HOWEVER, WE HAVE SPECIAL DAMPERS DESIGNED FOR COKE BOTTLE ST SHAPED TUBES SUCH AS 300B, 2A3, Tung Sol AND OTHER ST SHAPED 6550 TUBES ON OUR OTHER eBAY AUCTONS.
These vacuum tube dampers are constructed of aerospace quality silicone with a temperature rating of over 400 degrees F.
So this set of eight dampers will improve the sound of four tubes if you use two dampers per tube as recommended, or improve the sound of eight tubes if you would like to try one per tube. NOTE: On 6550 2A3 and similar shaped tubes, it is difficult to use more than one damper per tube however we do have other eBay auctions with special dual sized rings for these ST shaped tubes. This is one of the easiest, lowest cost ways available to improve the sonics of your system.
The use of these vibration dampers is especially important for audiophiles as the small vibrations in the listening room can adversely affect the quality of the sound from the system. These dampers are also very important for musicians because the levels of vibration in your amps while performing, are even greater than in audiophile amps.
These heavy-duty high density dampers will fit the following and other similar size 8 pin octal vacuum tubes such as: 6550 (WITH STRAIGHT SIDES), 6L6, 6L6GC, 5U4, 6AS7G, 2A3 (top of tube only), 5881, KT90, 6CA7 (Large Bottle), 6146, 6146A, 6146B, 6146W, 5AW4, 6080, 5998, JJ EL509 (without plate cap), 5R4WGB, etc. These are the correct dampers for JJ 6L6GC tubes and all other tubes with this same diameter glass.
THESE DAMPERS ARE "SIZE EXTRA LARGE". I HAVE A TOTAL OF 17 DIFFERENT SIZES & TYPES OF TUBE DAMPERS AVAILABLE ON EBAY TO FIT ALMOST ALL TUBES. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR OTHER SIZES:
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/sandyphotos-Vacuum-Tube-Items_Vacuum-Tube-Dampers-Dampeners_W0QQ_fsubZ21033341QQ_sidZ398355QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322
Please read some comments I have received about these dampers from folks who have recently purchased tube dampers from me:
Well respected audiophile and frequent audio reviewer, Lok Lowe., of Australia writes:
"If I was to make an overall general comment on the improvements gained from these dampers, I would say that any well recorded musical instrument that is either percussion or string will see improved clarity or detail of the notes being played. In my case with using a valve headphone amplifier, I also noticed in various tracks that the soundstage became a little wider as well." Lok Lowe., Brisbane, Australia For a very interesting and full review with specific songs auditioned using these dampers received from me, please email me for a web link to Lok's review of these dampers.
A very discriminating audiophile, Andrew Chester O., of Hong Kong writes:
"Hi Sandy, Many thanks for the prompt shipping of the tubes. I received them today along with the tube dampeners. I think these dampeners are great, I may order some more from you in the future as i am going to be on leave the day after tomorrow…BTW, would you put two dampeners on each tube? For now I put one dampener on each preamp tube and one on each EL84 power tube, there is indeed a noticeable improvement on the quality of the sound…" Andrew Chester O., Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Jazz Guitarist, Robert L., of Los Angeles writes:
"Sandy, I want you to know that I installed two of your dampers on all the 12AX7s, the single 12AT7 and both EL34s in my Bogner Shiva combo guitar amp. The result amazed me. I really did not think something like this would make any difference, let alone such a significant difference. The improvement must have something to do with the fact that in a combo amp, the speaker will vibrate the tubes. I cannot understand why manufacturers do not use these as stock equipment. I'm totally impressed!" Robert L., Los Angeles, CA
Audiophile, Tsuyoshi M., of Tokyo, Japan writes:
"Hello, Sandy & Barbara! This is an email to say thank you. The packaging was really good and arrived in good condition. I thought that I needed time to evaluate the effect of the damper. However, I was able to take in a change of a sound instantly. I have already assembled myself five tube power amps and one pre-amp. At first I tried it in RCA 8417 power amp that is ultra linear push-pull type and compatible with 6550/KT88. Sharpness of a sound improved with better fine details. This is just high technology...I left positive feedback for you. Thank you again," Tsuyoshi M., Tokyo, Japan
Audiophile, Sherwin B., of New York writes:
"My pair of McIntosh MC60s never sounded better! I just put two of your dampers on all the input tubes and two on each of the 5U4s and one each on the 6550s. It is hard to believe that for just a few dollars, I have such a great improvement in my system! Thank you!!" Sherwin B., NYC
Darrell W., a keyboard musician in Ft. Worth writes:
"Hi Sandy, I did get the Mullard 12AU7 tubes last Saturday. Thank you for the tube dampers. As you know I have installed these tubes in two Leslie 122 speakers for my Hammond B-3. I don't exactly know where to give all the credit, to the Mullard tubes, the dampers or I suspect both. The Hammond sounds better than ever, wonderful. I have spent a lot of time and money on these Leslies trying to achieve this sound. This installation has definitely been the crowning jewel. Thank you so much," Darrell W., Fort Worth, TX
Audiophile Dan P. of the
"Hi Sandy, Just a quick email to say thank you! The packaging was really good and everything arrived in mint condition. I'm impressed with how quick the valves arrived from
Thank you for the Valves and tube dampers!"
Dan P., Brierley Hill, West Midlands, UK
Below is Dan's photo of his X-Can V3 with my JAN Philips 6922 tubes installed along with my High Density Vacuum Tube Dampers:
FIRST...A WORD ABOUT DAMPER THICKNESS
Unlike some other sellers, we only sell one thickness of tube damper. We only sell dampers of the heaviest thickness available. This is because through testing and experimentation, we have determined that in order to obtain the maximum benefit from tube dampers, you need to use the heaviest mass damper available. Why bother at all if you are not going to get the maximum effect?
NOTE: These High Density/HIgh Mass dampers will not interfere in any measurable way with the proper dissipation of heat from a vacuum tube when two dampers per tube are used as recommended and the approximately 44 sq. mm area that these dampers cover, will not measurably affect tube cooling. In fact, these dampers also absorb heat and will contribute to the cooling of the vacuum tube.
FURTHER CLARIFICATION ON DAMPER THICKNESS
Some folks have compared Vacuum Tube Dampers to shock absorbers on mechanical devices such as automobiles. I have discussed this comparison with vacuum tube engineers, and they tell me that this is a false analogy.
For example with an automobile, you want to “feel the road” to some extent. With vacuum tubes, you never want the tubes to “feel the vibrations” or have any microphonics. A totally dampened tube is very desirable (if not fully attainable). When vacuum tube engineers design these tubes, vibration and microphonics are not factored into the equation. Overdampening a speaker will dull out the sound, but that is not the case with vacuum tubes. Internal vibrations within a tube’s mechanism are never good, and even small ones will diminish the quality of the sound.
Engineers who have designed tubes have told me that a totally vibration free tube is the “Holy Grail” to which the design engineers strive. In a high-quality tube design, vibration free supports and thick mica insulators are what is specified…not thin supports and thin mica to allow vibrations.
This philosophy has been explained to me by a retired Vacuum Tube Engineer who worked for RCA designing vacuum tubes during the 1950's and retiring in 1968. He is also an audiophile and we have had some very interesting discussions about tube design. I also have a distant relative who worked for Raytheon in tube design, and although he mainly worked on transmitting tubes, he also echos the same philosophy about microphonics.
Microphonics to any extent are not desirable, and the very best sound comes from tubes where the microphonics are not detectable. Hence our decision to market only the highest density dampers.
NOW...A WORD ABOUT MICROPHONICS
Microphonics is a characteristic of all vacuum tubes to some extent or another, when in use. Microphonics occur when vibrations (both small and large) to the internal parts of the tube, affect the way those internal components process the electron flow through the tube. We normally only hear about microphonics on defective tubes or very inexpensive tubes, but the truth is, that microphonics are almost always present even in the best and most expensive tubes. Normally we do not notice the effects of microphonics with quality tubes, but after listening to your system with these tube dampers installed, you may very well be able to hear the small but important improvements in the sound.
WHAT SIZE AND THICKNESS DAMPER DO I NEED?
As stated earlier, we have learned that there is little point in using a vibration damper with low mass. Therefore, we are only offering the heaviest mass dampers available. The tube sizes that these heavy-duty dampers will fit are listed above. Please see my other auctions for sizes to fit input and preamp tubes, power output tubes as well as rectifier tubes.
NOTE: THE TUBES SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS AUCTION. THEY ARE SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THESE DAMPERS LOOK WHEN INSTALLED.
I have been involved with vacuum tubes since the mid 60’s and I have been selling tubes on eBay since Jan. 1998. I believe my feedback reflects my dedication to selling only the very best products and to my commitment to total customer satisfaction.
Please email me using the "Ask Seller a Question" link above with any questions.
Feel free to check my feedback and bid with confidence. Please email with any questions before bidding. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express through PayPal. NOTE: We also accept your Visa or MasterCard from anywhere in the world via www.BidPay.com We reserve the right to reject bids from those with negative or hidden feedback. If you fall into this category, please email before bidding! We also reserve the right to declare this auction null and void if eBay is not accessible during the last three hours of this auction.
SHIPPING COSTS-DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL-COMBINING SHIPPING
(New Postage Rates Effective Jan 22, 2017)
Flat rate shipping (no matter how many dampers you have shipped at the same time) VIA USPS First Class Mail within US including Alaska and Hawaii with a normal 2-3 day delivery is $3.99 including a USPS Delivery Confirmation Number emailed to you when shipped. First Class shipping to Puerto Rico is also $3.99. If your invoice does charge you more than one shipping cost for multiple damper orders, please adjust accordingly or email me for an adjustment to shipping cost. 98% of our items are shipped the same day or day after payment is received.
Airmail First Class Mail International (4-7 days transit time) shipping outside the U.S. is a flat $12.99 no matter how many dampers you order as long as I ship all together.
This means that for INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS, including the extra time required to fill out the CUSTOMS FORMS, we charge $12.99 to ship one pack or 10 packs, or 15 packs or even 100 packs will still cost just $12.99 to ship Internationally. This includes packing materials. This policy on flat-rate shipping cost allows us to keep the cost of the dampers themselves as low as possible.
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ATTENTION: ITALY / ITALIAN BIDDERS:
Due to NUMEROUS AND REPEATED problems with the speed of Italian Customs & Post Office, we cannot respond to questions about shipping via First Class International to Italy for SIX FULL WEEKS after the ship date. If your item is being shipped to
Please click on: "View Seller's Other Auctions" for more interesting items. Please check my feedback and bid with confidence. Good luck & thank you for bidding. You may pay for this item on your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express card at no extra charge through PayPal. If you use PayPal Instant Payment, I will get immediate payment and be able to ship without waiting for your payment to arrive. Thanks and Good Luck to all!
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Copying of photos or text will be reported to eBay and further legal action will be instituted.
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