Tube Dampers for EF86

[Structo]

You can also take an 1-1/4" piece of heat shrink tube, dia larger than the dia of the tube, and shrink it onto the top 1/2 of the tube.

The Heat shrink does not give off any burning smell. It is designed for high heat. Also, I have been using it for years without any problems.
I ended up with Heat shrink on all the preamp tubes and it works as well if not better than O-rings. a fraction of the cost. you can even use BOTH !

So is that what is recommended?
To just cover the top half of the tube with the heat shrink tubing?
Do you leave the top of the tube exposed?
I don't suppose you would have a picture of this?
I'm having a hard time visualizing this.

[jaysg]

Conrad Johnson uses the O-ring dampers in their preamp, but I switched tubes out so much ( to find the Holy Grail) . I ended up with Heat shrink on all the preamp tubes and it works as well if not better than O-rings. a fraction of the cost. you can even use BOTH !

One of the newer & successful boutique manufacturers uses both for ef-86's.

[billyz]

Pictures.

I don't think you have to be too exacting. Just leave the top and bottom open. Some sockets require you to leave the bottom 1/2 clear to fit.

I like the clear stuff so I can read the tube nom. MESA used black as in secret mojo tube.

[butwhatif]

The top can be shrunk to the nipple---that way the spring in the cover presses against plastic, not glass

[Structo]

Cool, thanks guys.