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Introduction

HAL-O products are not entirely new to AudioTweaks. Careful readers will have noticed that we have already introduced these interesting damping devices back in April of 2002 as part of our Montreal Audio show coverage. They were to be found on the output tubes of some serious Tenor amplifiers. I remember asking the exhibitor what the devices were and if they made any difference. The exhibitor smiled and acknowledged politely identifying them as tube dampers, ones meant to reduce tube vibration. The effect, he added, translates into a "slightly improved overall sound". Well that was enough to get me interested, if a tube damper could even slightly improve the mega buck Classe/Tenor/Verity Audio mix, then it deserves attention - well at least here at AudioTweaks it does.

Trying out HAL-O Vacuum Tube Damping Instruments, as they are officially called, was not really an option for me. You see, I had no tube gear at hand to try them out with. Now, HAL-O also makes interesting footers but having tested a number of footers from varying manufacturers beforehand I was a bit tired of footers and was looking for something new. Enter the HAL-O JR. Interconnect Damping Instrument. Recently introduced by Herbie's Audio Lab into the market they represent something quite new and refreshing, that is if you're into these kinds of things. Browsing through Audiogon classified listings I came across these and was immediately intrigued. A day later I was exchanging emails with Steve Herbelin, founder and owner of Herbie's Audio Lab. Ten days later, a three pair set was in my mailbox.

Before I move on, I will add that my interest in these was not solely superficial. Visiting different audio exhibits and shows I've seen a number of exhibitors damping loudspeaker terminals with things like Black Diamond Racing Cones or even Blue Tack. They did this in the interest of reducing micro-dynamic vibration of loudspeaker terminals and cables attached to them. Since then I have tried the same tweak at home with subtle but nevertheless positive results. So damping RCA connectors made sense to me but it wasn't until the introduction of the HAL-O Interconnect Damping Instruments that it also became practical.

Description

HAL-O Interconnect Damping Instruments (IDIs) are much the same construction and appearance as the Vacuum Tube Damping Instruments. The difference being in that the IDIs have been scaled down to accommodate RCA and XLR plugs. In essence you have a Teflon ring sporting three damping pads. The ring is not entirely closed off, allowing it to open and close just a bit and just enough to ensure a snug fit around the plug. The pads themselves are pretty soft and somewhat sticky. It's the pads that actually come into contact with the plug, and it would be my guess that it's the compound that they are made of that helps, in conjunction with the Teflon ring, reduce the plug vibration. Some may describe the device as overly simplistic, however the design I'm sure the same would agree is quite smart.