A weak link in just about any component audio system are the links themselves! Some audiophiles try to overcome this weakness by "hotwiring" their interconnects directly to component circuit boards – and still, high frequency micro-vibrations remain a problem.
Now, there is a solution. HAL-O JR. Damping Instruments fit snuggly over most interconnect plugs to neutralize micro-vibrations. The JR. is a miniature version of the highly acclaimed HAL-O Damping Instrument, and has been proven to effectively reduce microphonic distortion in audio components.
Without the HAL-O JR. Damping Instrument, interconnects act as conveyors, transmitting vibrations from one component to another. Like a child's "telephone" made of tin cans interconnected by a wire or string, vibrations at one end are readily transmitted to the other, and vice versa. In most audio systems, interconnects also encounter airborne vibrations which are passed on to the components to create distortions in capacitors, tubes, digital processors and other sensitive electronics. HAL-O JR. and HAL-O Damping Instruments are also effective for damping capacitors and other sensitive electronic parts directly.
HAL-O Jr: Fits most RCA plugs, 1/4" headphone plugs, coaxial S/PDIF, I2S, DIN, BNC, USB, and fiber optic interconnect plugs, electronic parts, tonearms, and cables approximately 1/2" (11-15mm) in diameter.
Weight - 2.12 grams.
HAL-O Mini Jr: Little sibling to the HAL-O JR., this damping instrument is just the right size for banana plugs, Mini DIN plugs, spade lugs, cables, capacitors, Nuvistors, subminiature vacuum tubes, tonearms, and other devices approximately 1/4" to 7/16" (6.3mm - 11mm).
Weight – 2.06 grams.
- Reviews
- Questions
United KingdomHal-O Jnr for tonearm
Fitted one to my 12” tonearm, a Rega based model, modified with improved bearings and wiring. Best used with other Herbie isolation products, it offers an incremental improvement that helps reduce vibration noise, resulting in a smoother, but not bland, sound. I suspect you might not hear too much difference from such a small device if you haven’t already taken a more fundamental approach to turntable isolation. Can’t say for sure, because I didn’t try that, having already installed other HAL solutions to good effect. Done this way, HAL-O junior worked for me.
New ZealandBig Fat Dots
Used these to isolate spiked cups on my rack shelves. Certainly tightened sound across all frequencies. Highly recommended.
SpainAmazing service
I ordered several items from Spain, I got wrong with one unit but Robert solved the problem fast and efficiently so I am very grateful, nice service. Regarding the quality of his products I apply them to the preamp valves and the interconnects getting a more focused and calmed scene that makes me very happy.
United StatesMark Mack
I think Herbies tube dampers and interconnect dampers have made an improvement in my system
United KingdomAlmost unbelievable!
After fitting some of Herbie’s tube dampers with exceptional results I next fitted the HAL-O Jr on my SME 309 tonearm. It brought more of the same improvements as previous Herbie’s products (I’m spotting a recurring theme here!), more space, detail, richness, harmonic information and improved bass, among other things. The music is overall more involving and envelopes you, making it a more satisfying, enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. Considering the price of the HAL-O Jr this is almost unbelievable.
United StatesHAL-O Jr. Tonearm/IC Damper
Installed on pivot end, just ahead of anti-skating and lifting mechanism of an FR-64S Fidelity Research tone arm. Amazing results giving the tonearm a new level of performance by eliminating inherent tone arm resonance. Clearer vocals and much lower cleaner bass response. Installed a second HAL-O Jr. on the DIN end of phono cable close to the FR-64S tone arm with additional benefits. Good stuff!
United StatesEXCELLENT QUALITY PRODUCT
I have been using Herbie's products for a very long time, always with excellent results. (And if you are not satisfied, they have an excellent satisfaction guarantee policy!) The IC damper is not different than their other products in terms that they do exactly what they say their products do. I just installed the IC damper on my cables going from my turntable to my phono preamp (on the preamp side). I am using a Lyra Kleos MC feeding a Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena and i can hear a difference. I still need to determine if it is a difference i like, but again, i know Herbie is there if i don't. However, as with all of the other products i currently use, it has always been a positive experience and they are keepers.
United StatesWORKS AMAZING !
I have had them for 6 months before realizing I did not have them put on correctly ( the damping pieces were on odd angles ring was too tight) . I resized the outer metal ring and reinstalled. They make a huge difference on the JMW memorial arm on my VPI Classic table ( just 2 of them placed on front and back of the arm tube at the counterweight ). Highest recommendation !
United StatesCost vs sonic upgrade
These products bring a new meaning to cost vs benefit, they all do what they are meant to do. The grunge busters are by far the best damping items on the market, the halo jr I use as a micro adjuster ( I slide it back and forth for that extra tone, with the added benefit of damping the vibrations in my tone arm.
United StatesGreat product!
The HAL-O Jr. Tonearm/IC Damper do as advertised. They have reduced some vibrations in my system making it cleaner and a more enjoyable listening experience. A fine product for very little investment!
United StatesAbsolutely No noticeable difference in sonic improvement via tonearm or interconnect isolation.
I experienced zero noticeable difference in sonic qualities or tonearm isolation when using on a stock late model Technics 1200 tonearm. Setup being used for testing included: stock Technics tonearm, DS Audio Optical Cartridge and equalizer/phono-stage, McIntosh C29 Preamp, McIntosh MC2015 Amplifier, and all Audioquest interconnects and cables. I tried with both single and double applications, and in various locations on the tonearm. After no noticeable differences were heard with the tonearm, I moved on to trying the "isolators" on various sets of interconnects, (I purchased two sets of isolators) and again no noticeable sonic improvement. I'm not sure what others are hearing when they use this line of products that is creating such a stir, and with raving reviews, but I personally experienced no value whatsoever in this product. It is possible that once a system reaches a level of sophistication, products like this are harder to see improvements with, but I wouldn't exactly call my setup sophisticated or audiophile in any way, so the bar may need to be set very low from the start, in order to see any isolation or sonic improvements with this product. Also, If you are planning on using these on a stock Technics 1200 or 1210 tonearm, this product does not fit out of the box... the diameter is slightly too large. I tried to bend the rings by hand, but they are very stiff titanium and require a tool to manipulate. Not wanting to damage or bend the ring out of round with a tool, I first wanted to contact the manufacture to ask for advice. I emailed the manufacture several times, and also called several times, even leaving messages requesting a callback... after not hearing back for a week, I gave up. I did finally receive an email that basically said "bend the ring, or purchase the smaller size" (which would be far too small in my opinion). Take what you will from this honest review, but this product and the customer service from this manufacture, left a lot to be desired.
United StatesNo effective on FR64fx
We need a product on the market such as the old tonearm wrap that came with Sumiko Analog survival kit developed by Warren Gehl
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