Reviews/
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More Reviews/ Comments |
Steve McCullough, Atlanta, Georgia
"All I can say is WOW!!!!! What a difference! I am hearing greater detail, better image resolution and separation, tighter bass, and an overall smoother sound. I have them on the tubes in my Ah! SuperTjoeb 4000 and on the 12AX7 input tubes on my Manley Stingray integrated."
Jean van Laarhoven, The Netherlands
"Of course I was hoping to hear any effect at all, but what I heard was beyond my expectations. There is a much deeper and far more controlled bass now and the high notes are brighter and more defined. The whole of the soundstage is more holographic and the instruments are more separated from each other. I must say that I didn't expect that with my one-year-old Jadis Orchestra Reference amplifier (with 2xECC83 and 4xKT90 tubes) and the ten-years-old Quad ESL63 speakers.
"Needless to say that I am very pleased with the damping instruments (they look neat as well)."
Kevan Smith, Washington
"I installed the dampers on my Unison Research Unico integrated amp and Cal Audio SigmaII 24/96 DAC. Immediately I noticed a difference. Less grunge, wider and deeper soundstage, instruments (especially cymbals) sounded more true-to-life. I noticed that I could turn up the volume a lot higher without things sounding harsh. Highly recommended!"
Bob Zurcher, Spokane, Washington
"I just placed the tube dampers on my Rogue preamp and again your products work. I would describe the sound as more lush with a more focused soundstage."
Alex Kovaleski, San Francisco, California
"Just wanted to let you know that I received my order of UltraSonics and Iso-cups yesterday, and they're working beautifully. Albeit subtly, they perform as advertised. Everything coming from my integrated just sounds better--tighter bass, new details, darker backgrounds, and I can turn it up louder without it getting gnarly."
Ed Doell, Oakdale, California
"Well, you know, you have been doing business with Mr. Skeptical here when it comes to audio. And, well, the Black Hole was really something to do some magic on my most annoyingly edgy CDs. This afternoon, I put the four UltraSonics on my McIntosh C2200 preamp tubes, ran the digital source with the BH on the offending CDs -- well, I really didn't realize what a good music system I have until these microphonic mods. Just amazing: newly revealed and accessable bass, voice, inner rhythms, syncopation, and inner instruments within the larger piece.
"Hearable...listen-able...the ear can enter that part of the stage without being pushed out by flying bits of glass. The brittle and serrated edges are much diminished leaving very pleasing, detailed music! Thanks!"
Nigel Groves, Manchester, U.K.
"Just to let you know that I received the damper last thursday -- just 4 days after I had placed the order -- fantastic. I'm delighted with the improvements -- indeed, I've significantly (in terms of cost) upgraded interconnects in the past that haven't delivered this level of improvement -- so in terms of best value upgrade it's a clear winner."
Wilson Chan, San Jose, California
"The rings work like a charm. Image is so much more very defined and controlled. My entire system sounds one notch better easily.
"I don't have a bass problem. Bass is under total control by my DIY (i.e. over-engineering) bass panels. But I had a HF problem, a slight ringing around 5KHz. I suspect the ringing comes from (1) a metal floor lamp, (2) the window glass panel (probably too large for HF) and (3) the tubes. That prompted me trying the UltraSonic rings. Believe it or not, the ringing is gone after putting the UltraSonic rings on all of my tubes (except one). The UltraSonic rings are not inexpensive, but they really work. And the effect in my system is quite obvious. Very happy about them. Now, the Telefunken NOS tubes really shine!!!"
Alan Olan, Sidney, Australia
"The sound from my BAT VK3i is now clearer, but also has the drive from my familiar records. Vocals became more solid and an all-round great improvement. All your products have certainly worked for me, all worthwhile investments."
Paul Briggs, London, England
"I fitted these (tube and interconnect dampers) last night and was bowled over by the improvement! My Croft Super Micro dual ECC83 phono stage has become a lot more detailed---I have A/B tested with speakers and headphones. Thanks a bunch. These are the best and most reasonably priced tweak I've ever tried."
Matthew Trom, Portland, Oregon
"I don't suffer from Audiophile jaw-drop syndrome, but they sound good to me! Four are on the ASL Wave 6BM8's, and one is on the 6DJ8 in a Counterpoint SA-1000. As far as I can tell, the bass is tighter, mids and highs smoother and everything is more defined. How bout that! They work as advertised. Definitely worth it! (And you are certainly above and beyond in the customer service department.)"
Phillip Hyun, Lake Oswego, Oregon
"I am using your tube dampers on my 6SL7s and they are great!"
David McCormick, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
"This weekend I received and installed a pair of your dampers on the output tubes of my Jolida CD player. I am very pleased with the results. I have some choral music CD's that exhibit some glare and unnatural blending of voices. The same goes for some classical recordings with a large number of violins. Your tube dampers have alleviated all of these problems.
"To my surprise they also seem to give more bass extension on my rock/alternative CD's. I have to admit, I didn't expect that.
"While the tube dampers you sell are rather simple in design, I'm well aware of how deceptive such appearances can be. I have no doubt that much testing and hard work went into the creation of them. My compliments for a job well done.
Richard Makarewicz, Lennox Head, Austrlia
"I received today the tube dampers for my Tung Sol black glass round plate 6SN7 and 6SU7 tubes, used in my integrated valve amp. I am already using your dampers on my GEC KT88's.
"The improvement was not subtle. Focus, clarity and bass definition all improved significantly, but the most noticeable improvement was the elimination of what I'll call grunge, especially from the upper mids to treble.
"Without this glare and grain, the sound is sweeter, clearer with more air and detail. I was frankly quite surprised by the improvement. Thanks again."
Bill Hunt, Birmingham, United Kingdom
"Absolutely remarkable! The effect on my 1962 NOS Siemens E88CC(6922) valves has been remarkable! The CD playing (Handel's La Resurrectione) really DOES sound like a live performance! I can't write further since I have to go back to listen to the music. God knows when I will be able to persuade myself to go to bed!"
John Chleapas, U.S.
"I got these to use in my CJ Premier 4, and my modified Dynaco ST-70. Both amps are using Mullard EL34 tubes. After some careful listening I must say these things really work. Unlike the soft rubber types these are very well made and will not melt on my expensive tubes. The sound coming from my speakers is much better. The voices are more clear, and there is more 'detail' in the music I am listening to. I was not expecting so large an improvement for such short money to be honest.
"I have tried all sorts of various tube damping devices, including the silicone o-rings. Really no contest. The Herbie works far better than anything I have ever tried."
Larry Welsh, New York
"Thanks for the great service, got 'em today. Frankly, I'm astounded at the difference they make.
"I'm running a Golden Tube Audio SE MkII with Mullard GZ34, KR 300BXLS's, Mullard 6CA7's and RCA red base 5691's, all of which are reputed to be among the more non-microphonic of their types. But, frankly, I'm blown away. I only play favorites when comparing tweaks, in this case Randy Newman's 'Faust' CD. Instantly, there was a huge improvement in soundstage and imaging. Detail is vastly improved and a slight 'tizziness' on top is totally gone. The sound is more mellow and laid-back than I remember, but I guess that's the point. At the same time, I've gained an octave of 'music' both top and bottom. Additionally, the limits of my not-yet-fully-tweaked Hammer Dynamics Super 12's (which I built) have been revealed for the first time.
"I also played a Brubeck LP, 'Time Changes,' on my analog setup and feel that I've finally almost reached audio nirvana!"
Michael Veit, Munich, Germany
"After I installed the tube dampers, I couldn't believe the difference. I had excessive microphonic problems with the line and phono stage. I have a Beck RV1 preamp."
David Rosenblum, New Jersey
"Your dampers are (by far) the best audio tweak I've ever bought. Just a tremendous improvement in sound focus and tranparency. A great product."
Derek McCallister, London, United Kingdom
"Initial impressions are very favourable. The sense of 'space' and a natural acoustic seems enhanced (particularly on Christine Collister's 'Love' album on REGA). Leading edges also appear slightly sharper, with more 'attack' and harmonics on acoustic guitar sounds."
Mike Schneider, Cordova, Tennessee
"I never would have believed it! I bought a set just to play with after reading about the tube dampers at Audio Asylum. I first tried them on a pair of EL-84s on my headphone amp and didn't hear much difference. Gave them a second chance on a pair of 6922's in my DAC. WOW I'm sold! Simply amazing the improvement. Sometimes you never know what you're missing. Thanks!"
Ed Tarantino, San Francisco, California
"I had a bit of buyer's regret right after placing my first order, but damn if these things didn't make more of an impression than a speaker cable upgrade! I'm using 'em on a Rogue Tempest integrated. These things really give it some balls, more punch in the low end, better delineation of harmonic detail, etc."
Kevin Rowley, United Kingdom
"Having now had time to try Damping Instruments I am over the moon with results. They are a must have for any valve amp owner; the improvement in sound quality is more than I was expecting, bass is better defined, mid range is more projected and treble is sweeter."
Sigmund Finman, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
"I could tell immediately that the cds playing on my Njoe Tjoeb 4000 were clearer, better defined, had more presence and in some cases, projected a height and depth of soundstage that were previously missing. That was immediately. I wonder if they'll sound any better after they've settled in? This is great for a $20 tweak."
Jagdeep Singh, Singapore
"A very clever and simple design. Definitely a KISS award nominee. My compliments to your brain.
"They brought my unruly 5687's nicely into line. The bass became much more solid and the harshness in the highs vanished, something I've been trying to do for quite a while and not been able to achieve."
Don Fleenor, Thomasville, North Carolina
"Installed the UltraSonic Minis into the Musical Fidelity X10v3 Friday evening. I can honestly say the difference was quite noticeable. It was'nt the fact that anything more came out of the cd but the quality of what did was quite remarkable. The sound (for lack of a better word) was more pronounced with less edge to it. Thanks again for the opportunity to expand my enjoyment in listening to my audio system."
David Lee, London, England
"I received the UltraSonic 30s a few weeks back and I am very pleased. I'm using them on a pair of NOS Tung-Sol 6SN7s (1940s vintage) and the difference is very noticable. When compared to the old style dampers the sound is certainly cleaner and faster, the old style sound rather soft and leaden in comparison."
Patrick Ngu, Singapore
"I've just received your Ultrasonic 45 dampers today -- wow! what a great difference it made to my Cary SLI-80 amp!"
Derek McCallister, London
I received the mini damping rings yesterday and fitted them this morning (Musical Fidelity X10 V3). Initial impressions are very favourable. The sense of 'space' and a natural acoustic seems enhanced (particularly on Christine Collister's 'Love' album on REGA). Leading edges also appear slightly sharper, with more 'attack' and harmonics on acoustic guitar sounds."
Eric Hesselberth, San Luis Obispo, California
"I received the tube dampers, and installed on the two Electro Harmonix 6922 line stage tubes that came with the Audible Illusions M3A they are working beautifully! Initial concern regarding the close proximity of the tubes with capacitors proved unwarranted as the dampers were small enough to slip right on without any problems. The pre-amp had a very subtle distortion in the voice range, the source of which I was unable to determine. The dampers appear to have resolved this problem, and the result is a lovely enrichment in my listening experience.
"Installation was also performed on a 12AT7 in a modified FM tuner from Mapleshade, and the result is a fantastic improvement in midrange and bass providing an astounding presentation of natural tone. I am impressed with the simplicity of design. The Mapleshade brass anchors are a huge improvement, but the installation is tedious, and the 6922 Electro Harmonix tube diameters were large enough in diameter to demand significant alteration of the brass anchors.
"I will recommend the dampers wherever I am able. Nice job, and thanks again!"
Bjørnar Nilsen, Skogn, Norway
"These dampers WORK, Steve! I must admit I didn`t expect this kind of improvement in sound. It seems my APL Hifi NWO-2 is digging out much more of what`s on the discs. Greater dynamics, much tighter bass and impact paired with even more natural vocals and instrumental decay. GREAT :-)"
David Schiavone, Acoustic Zen Technologies
"The effect was pretty immediate; everything cleared up and was more focused."
Terry Phipps, Lemon Grove, California
"This was my second try at your products and I could not be more pleased. Your tube dampeners are better that a NOS upgrade and a lot cheaper!"
Joseph Eagleeye, Chicago, Illinois
"Hey, I've had a chance to listen to your tube dampeners for a few days now. I've got Avantgarde Duos and a David Berning 300B Siegfried amp. At this point, I'd have to say they are an awesome tweak for the $$$. Much better pacing and rhythm. You know, the stuff that gets you sorta swingin' with the music."
Gerasimos Provatas, Greece
"Thank you for your excellent tube dumpers they work perfect on my AI MODULUS 3/PASS ALEPH5 and pre/power DYNAVOX COMBO."
Dean Johnson, Valparaiso, Indiana
"Let me say how stunned I am at the improvement your products have made in my system. I was concerned that too much of a good thing may dull the sound but it never happened! As you know, I have your goodies sprinkled throughout my rig -- I don't think that there is anything that I have missed. It sounds wonderful and I am very pleased with the results. Thank you!"
James W., North Tonawanda, New York
"On the Ear 834P and Minimax the image is more stable, a tad more inner detail, a little less glare in the upper mids, and most of all, it's hard to put this -- but they allow the tubes' sound to come through. Does that make sense? I can hear these 50 year-old tubes better now."
Bill Dion, Austin, Minnesota
"Well, I cant understand why every single tube amp owner would not own these. One of the biggest improvements to my system ever -- period. More refined, detailed, focused, controlled, more like music. These work without a question in my system."
Phillip Evans, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
"The rings sound remarkable. Definitely not 'snake-oil,' but do make a considerable improvement to my Quad 11-forty power amps."
Jason Chervokas, Hastings on Hudson, New York
"I love the tube dampers on my preamp and driver tubes. They are the only dampers I have ever used that actually work, and work fabulously. They sound great on the 7199's on my old Dynaco. They've worked fabulously in every application so far."
Jeffrey Roth, Denver, Colorado
"I put the dampers on today and they're doing just what you promised. More clarity, detail, tighter bass. These are a great bang for the buck. I'm going to put them on all the rest of my tubes."
Martin Gabel, Durham, North Carolina
"Boy, they are pretty good. The difference is truly remarkable."
Indranil Dandaroy, Wichita, Kansas
"I got the dampers and have tried it in my system briefly for a couple hours. I do hear some improvements. The difference is not night and day but not very subtle either. Tone is a bit better, the clarity is improved a bit and presentation is more relaxed."
Douglas Piccard, Port Matilda, Pennsylvania
"Completely satisfied."
