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Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ.

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Faraday tube amp tweak?

Posted by Ric on May 12, 2020 at 06:34:55:
Hi, just recently I was looking at an Allnic Audio amplifier review, then their website. Very interesting stuff that included his using faraday types of tube housings (cages)for the larger individual tubes. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to make a tin foil five sided box to fit over my four EL34 tubes, but didn't have the space to fit it in, so I just stuck some tin foil on the outside of my VAC integrated amp where there is open space, and on top, leaving an opening for tube heat to escape.
I did not expect to hear any difference, and was surprised that I did, as the instruments were more focused and clearer, but perhaps the bass was a bit drier sounding. VERY easy and cheap experiment that tells me to investigate more of perhaps trying mumetal instead of tin foil. And also means I will try reusing the cage around the amp, as that may also shield some of the RF interference.
If anyone has any openings around their tube amp, and want to give this a try, this is one easy tweak to test those ears. Let us know what you hear, thanks!
Update, I dug out the amps metal cage and put that on thinking I would not hear any difference (I did not A/B this) but then I added some tin foil again on the sides and top and AGAIN, the sound improved, which tells me the waves that are penetrating are smaller than the holes in the cage.
This is easily the simplest and cheapest tweak I've tried, the idea being to block EMF or radio or whatever from polluting the sound. If you try this, make sure you don't put any foil near any connectors--just on the outside where it is safe. Easy to put on, easy to take off. Let us know if you hear any difference, thanks!