Rooster can you show us a pic of the socket from inside the chassis?rooster wrote: ... The Belton Co. makes the proper TW layout 9 pin sockets ... Order the bottom mount version...
Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
Tim
In case the NSA is listening, KMA!
In case the NSA is listening, KMA!
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
T - Well, er, actually, I think you can get the idea from the series of pics. Eh? The white silicone material is on the top of the socket - and that whole bit of business, the socket and the white silcone 'wafer' - is mounted underneath the chassis. All that pic would show is a wired socket with a sandwich of white silcone between the top of it and the chassis.
If there is any confusion, again, the key here is to make sure that the two bolts - that are threaded into the flying saucer looking dampener - are tight, yes, but not so tight that the dampener is rigid against the chassis. I can actually move my dampener slightly with a firm push or a tug then. Said another way, it is tight enough that it does not rattle against the tube, but not so tight that it reflects the energy of a finger tap back into the chassis. The whole affair is kind of floating then, not sloppy, but not EXTREMELY rigid either.
OK, I hope some of you try this. Its $27 delivered plus you need to either alter a socket (hard work kinda) or buy the proper bottom mount version of the Belton type you are using. The white silcon wafer is made from a hot plate thingy purchased from BiMart. as I mentioned earlier. Oh, and don't forget to oversize the chassis whole hole a bit - it is important that the tube does not touch the chassis directly in any way for this to work.
If there is any confusion, again, the key here is to make sure that the two bolts - that are threaded into the flying saucer looking dampener - are tight, yes, but not so tight that the dampener is rigid against the chassis. I can actually move my dampener slightly with a firm push or a tug then. Said another way, it is tight enough that it does not rattle against the tube, but not so tight that it reflects the energy of a finger tap back into the chassis. The whole affair is kind of floating then, not sloppy, but not EXTREMELY rigid either.
OK, I hope some of you try this. Its $27 delivered plus you need to either alter a socket (hard work kinda) or buy the proper bottom mount version of the Belton type you are using. The white silcon wafer is made from a hot plate thingy purchased from BiMart. as I mentioned earlier. Oh, and don't forget to oversize the chassis whole hole a bit - it is important that the tube does not touch the chassis directly in any way for this to work.
Most people stall out when fixing a mistake that they've made. Why?
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
Do you think you could achieve the same thing by mounting the socket on silicone O-rings on the two mounting bolts between the socket and chassis.
I've seen that before. Then if you have the hole big enough like you said, the socket would "float" on the chassis.
Though that dampener thingy does look cool.
Did they supply the spacers or did you just use some metal standoffs for that?
I've seen that before. Then if you have the hole big enough like you said, the socket would "float" on the chassis.
Though that dampener thingy does look cool.
Did they supply the spacers or did you just use some metal standoffs for that?
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
T(om) - I don't know. I think there is something to be said for the mass. Those cylinders are chrome plated brass and they are supplied. I typically remove about 3/16" for the application.
Let me give you a scenario, this might help explain even further what this device does. I turn my amp to 12 noon, all controls, and then I proceed to tap on the chassis, all around V1 - no tapping noise is transmitted. How hard am I tapping you ask? Well, hard. Hard enough that if I tapped you on the forehead just like I do, using all four fingers like I do, you and I would have a problem after 6 taps - if I didn't stop.
Glen once told me that his V1 was so sensitive that when he released the amp from standby, the switch action, the clicking of it, would make a rather loud 'pop' thru the speaker(s). My amps were like this too, with the volume turned to 12 noon. Now I have nothing, just the actual sound of the switch.
?? So keep thinking about it you all.....
Let me give you a scenario, this might help explain even further what this device does. I turn my amp to 12 noon, all controls, and then I proceed to tap on the chassis, all around V1 - no tapping noise is transmitted. How hard am I tapping you ask? Well, hard. Hard enough that if I tapped you on the forehead just like I do, using all four fingers like I do, you and I would have a problem after 6 taps - if I didn't stop.
Glen once told me that his V1 was so sensitive that when he released the amp from standby, the switch action, the clicking of it, would make a rather loud 'pop' thru the speaker(s). My amps were like this too, with the volume turned to 12 noon. Now I have nothing, just the actual sound of the switch.
?? So keep thinking about it you all.....
Most people stall out when fixing a mistake that they've made. Why?
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
I think I would have a problem after one tap to the forehead! 
Well you know how we like to overthink everything here.
I noticed even on my D'Lite that isn't near the gain of an Express, that when chopsticking around V1 that it is pretty sensitive to tapping even on the wires that feed the socket.
Is it very hard to pull that tube out of the dampener?
Doesn't look like there is much there to grab onto.
Well you know how we like to overthink everything here.
I noticed even on my D'Lite that isn't near the gain of an Express, that when chopsticking around V1 that it is pretty sensitive to tapping even on the wires that feed the socket.
Is it very hard to pull that tube out of the dampener?
Doesn't look like there is much there to grab onto.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
Woah! I was planning to use o-rings under the socket (one bigger, two smaller) to dampen vibrations, because I've some microphonics problems with an EI 12ax7 in V1 in a higain amp, and by serendipity I find this thread. Next weekend I'll try them and post here my results. Does someone has already used them?
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
i've ordered one...
Life is great!
Life is great!
tube sockets/dampers
first post got lost I guess. i've spent tons of time selecting preamp tubes for Express's and invariably I always pick the ones that soon turn a little microphonic..I put some foam under the amp and keep the tube in, and it usually does fine, unless room volumes and acoustics are way up. Sometimes people ask me what's wrong with the amp tho! I like the sound so unless they're really bad they stay in the amp. Tube damping rings can help tubes in lots of amps, but again, i prefer the mechanical vibrations within the tube. On power tube coolers, again , tried them in lots of amps and never liked the result. I think the tubes sounded better running hotter temps on the glass..
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
Heheheheh, yes, Rooster started this whole thread about them, and he used it on V1 of his Express.roberto wrote: Does someone has already used them?
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
T(om) - Heh, yeah, that is how hard I am tapping alright, one tap would do it!! As to the lack of interest and tire kicking here, sure, I get this. ...er, I do and I don't, actually. For myself, standing on the other side of the curtain with the mod in place, the resistance displayed here makes me smile a bit. I mean, well, put one of these in and you will smile along with me. Hah! That's all I'm gonna say.
2tone - Man, you are the guy who needs to get onto this! Hearing your story about vibrating preamp tubes and output tubes - and your conclusion that you actually like this vibrational sound? Ha! I am old school, 2tone, but you are clearly old old old school! Ha! If you think this is the Express 'sound' well, OK, go for it. I am not here to argue with you!! 
roberto - Cool. Remember this install will be kinda weird for you (actually all of you) I'm sure, because it is nothing anybody here is familiar with. The first one I did I had to figure out an adaptation to what I received in the mail - yes, this is origianlly a Hi-Fi application so going into a gtr amp is something different. The key here is to make the isolation even better than what was intended. And it works like MAGIC. I've done two now, my 25 watter and now my 35 watter. Both amps were improved in such a noticably GOOD way that it is hard to explain - beyond what I have said already. Too, where 2tone says that he kinda likes the vibrational thing? Well, when it is GONE, then you know that it is actually NOT anything likeable! Hah!
OK, to make this easier for you first experimenters, if any of you want a piece of the exact material that I am using - cut out for drop in application - send me $1 via Paypal. As I said, I am using a silicone pot holder purchased from BiMart!! I have to think there are millions of these things out there, but if this is holding you back, get in touch. roberto - if you are in Europe, send me $2.
T(om) - Oh, yeah pulling that V1 out of the socket? Yes, it is slightly hard because the Tungsram is kinda at that awkward point. I could make the two cylinders shorter, yes, but instead I just put some masking tape on the tube top and pull it out. Eh, I know, immediately you will all be thinking - OH NO! WHAT WILL I DO AT THE GIG WHEN V1 GOES OUT!!! My response to this: DUCT TAPE. ..But seriously, although you should have some duct tape with you, I have found that when the MacGyver moment comes, most of us will find some MacGyver in us to get the job done. What, me worry?
As to the lack of interest and tire kicking here, sure, I get this. ...er, I do and I don't, actually. For myself, standing on the other side of the curtain with the mod in place, the resistance displayed here makes me smile a bit. I mean, well, put one of these in and you will smile along with me. Hah! That's all I'm gonna say.2tone - Man, you are the guy who needs to get onto this! Hearing your story about vibrating preamp tubes and output tubes - and your conclusion that you actually like this vibrational sound? Ha! I am old school, 2tone, but you are clearly old old old school! Ha! If you think this is the Express 'sound' well, OK, go for it.
I am not here to argue with you!! roberto - Cool. Remember this install will be kinda weird for you (actually all of you) I'm sure, because it is nothing anybody here is familiar with. The first one I did I had to figure out an adaptation to what I received in the mail - yes, this is origianlly a Hi-Fi application so going into a gtr amp is something different. The key here is to make the isolation even better than what was intended. And it works like MAGIC. I've done two now, my 25 watter and now my 35 watter. Both amps were improved in such a noticably GOOD way that it is hard to explain - beyond what I have said already. Too, where 2tone says that he kinda likes the vibrational thing? Well, when it is GONE, then you know that it is actually NOT anything likeable! Hah!
OK, to make this easier for you first experimenters, if any of you want a piece of the exact material that I am using - cut out for drop in application - send me $1 via Paypal. As I said, I am using a silicone pot holder purchased from BiMart!! I have to think there are millions of these things out there, but if this is holding you back, get in touch.
roberto - if you are in Europe, send me $2. T(om) - Oh, yeah pulling that V1 out of the socket? Yes, it is slightly hard because the Tungsram is kinda at that awkward point. I could make the two cylinders shorter, yes, but instead I just put some masking tape on the tube top and pull it out. Eh, I know, immediately you will all be thinking - OH NO! WHAT WILL I DO AT THE GIG WHEN V1 GOES OUT!!! My response to this: DUCT TAPE. ..But seriously, although you should have some duct tape with you, I have found that when the MacGyver moment comes, most of us will find some MacGyver in us to get the job done. What, me worry?
Most people stall out when fixing a mistake that they've made. Why?
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
a lot of posts are lost, or am I livin' in a flashback?
rooster, I'll try some spongey O-Rings I've found, but send me a PM with your paypal address and I'll charge you 2$ (I'm in Italy). Really Thanks!
rooster, I'll try some spongey O-Rings I've found, but send me a PM with your paypal address and I'll charge you 2$ (I'm in Italy). Really Thanks!
lost posts
My last post was deleted again. This is about the 3rd one that has disappeared. Hmmmmm
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
T(im) - Are you up and running? My post was deleted but I had said that I was looking for some feedback by other users of the dampener. Got any?
Most people stall out when fixing a mistake that they've made. Why?
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
Hey Rooster, I ordered a Tri-tube Tube Ring for my express build. Looks like a cool product. Looking forward to trying it out.
Re: Would the Express V1 benefit from this?
I'm not trying to sway anybody from the great device that Rooster found but I was wondering if anybody has tried Ted Weber's shock mount device.
[img:180:310]https://taweber.powweb.com/store/chassis/sm9.jpg[/img]
Shock mount device for preamp tubes to help prevent chassis-induced vibration noises. May also be used for 9 pin output tubes.
Includes shock plate, grommets, springs, and #4 mounting hardware.
9 pin socket ID is 3/4", mounting ear holes center to center is 1-1/8".
$6.00
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/chassis/chord2.html
[img:180:310]https://taweber.powweb.com/store/chassis/sm9.jpg[/img]
Shock mount device for preamp tubes to help prevent chassis-induced vibration noises. May also be used for 9 pin output tubes.
Includes shock plate, grommets, springs, and #4 mounting hardware.
9 pin socket ID is 3/4", mounting ear holes center to center is 1-1/8".
$6.00
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/chassis/chord2.html
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!