Reduce vibrations around your audio valves with a pure Teflon damping ring and spring-loaded titanium clamp. Select the size to match your valve’s glass diameter. Sold individually. Read more.
The Duende Criatura damping ring is designed to reduce mechanical vibrations and associated microphonics in audio valves. It combines pure Teflon with a spring-loaded titanium clamp that maintains contact with the glass envelope. Depending on the valve and system, this may contribute to a cleaner presentation, more precise stereo imaging and better-defined bass. Each valve damper is sold individually, allowing you to choose the correct size for your valve’s glass diameter and order the quantity you need.
Vibrations from the surrounding environment can set a valve’s glass envelope and internal components in motion. When these movements affect the electrical signal, the effect is known as microphonics. A valve damper is intended to reduce these mechanical vibrations. The audible result depends on factors including the valve’s sensitivity, equipment placement and the position of the ring.
| Brand | Duende Criatura |
| Product type | Damping ring for audio valves |
| Damping ring material | Pure Teflon |
| Clamp material | Titanium, spring-loaded |
| Size | Depends on the selected version |
| Compatibility | Choose according to measured glass diameter and available clearance |
| Supplied | 1 damping ring in the selected size; valve not included |
Measure the outside diameter of the glass where the ring will sit, then select the corresponding size range. Do not rely on the valve designation alone: the glass shape and diameter can vary between manufacturers and versions. Check the clearance beside the valve and beneath any protective cover. For advice or a non-standard size, please provide the valve type, manufacturer and measured diameter.
Use the chart below to identify a suitable ring size. The valve types listed are examples: always measure the outside diameter of the glass where the ring will sit.
| Valve diameter / ring size | Examples of suitable valves |
|---|---|
| 9–10 mm | 6021W, 6111WA |
| 17.5–19 mm | 6AU6, 5651A, 6AK6 |
| 19.5–22 mm | ECC81, ECC82, ECC83, EL84, EF86 |
| 26–29 mm | 6SL7, 6SN7 |
| 27.7–32 mm | EL34, 5AR4 |
| 32–36 mm | Some EL34 versions, 6L6GC |
| 36–39 mm | KT90, 6L6GC, 5881, 300B |
| 38–42 mm | 2A3, 300B, KT88 by Sovtek or Tung-Sol |
| 43–47 mm | 6550, KT88 (EH / Svetlana / Gold Lion), KT66 |
| 50–54 mm | 6C33 |
| 53–58 mm | 211, 805, 845, 813 |
| 63–68 mm | Some 300B versions |
EL34, 6L6GC, KT88 and 300B: these valves appear in more than one size range because the glass diameter varies between manufacturers and versions. KT88 by Sovtek or Tung-Sol is listed under 38–42 mm, while KT88 by EH, Svetlana or Gold Lion is listed under 43–47 mm. Some 300B versions require 63–68 mm. Select by the measured glass diameter, rather than the valve designation alone.
Switch off the equipment and allow the valves to cool completely before fitting the ring. Follow your equipment’s instructions when removing and refitting a valve. Gently slide the ring over the glass from the top; do not bend the clamp open beforehand or force it into place. Where the valve has a visible upper mica support, fitting the ring at that height is a recommended starting point.
You can also browse our range of valve and tube dampers.
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