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Audio Research and Acme Audio Labs fuse

I’m toying with the idea of going down the rabbit hole of upgraded fuses.  Looking over the usual contenders I stumbled across Acme Audio Labs. Their philosophy of best bang for the buck certainly appeals to my wallet (@$20 a fuse).  One caveat, however, is they warn that their fuses aren’t for all components.  Specifically gear with “no inrush protection“ will cause their fuse to blow prematurely.  So my question to those reading this: 1) Any experience with Acme Audio Lab fuses, 2) do they “play well” with ARC, and 3) does ARC gear typically have inrush protection?  I’ll be experimenting with the fuses of a LS 27, PH 7, and a pair of VT 150 mono amps.




cmcdaniel5
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,641 posts
 
Yes the fuse, IEC and AC wire are all part of the power supply. Yes the power cord is part of the power supply. The quality of incoming AC impacts the sound and is indeed part of the signal path. If you don’t think so, then try playing music without these parts in place.


Based on the Acme Fuse verbiage I would buy the QSA Light Blue fuse from the Tweak Geek. They are $70. You will hear a nice sound quality improvement. Use the same value as the one in there now. If you don’t hear the sound improvement after a week or so, then just return it for a refund 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,325 posts
 
So QSA makes a dual-element, time-delay version?
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,383 posts
 
Myself and friends  tested fuses, cheap buzz fuses ,including Acme fuses can vary up to 15+% of the rated value ,premium fuses much more accurate within 1-2%  , I use slightly bigger 
under 1/4 amp difference in a premium fuse at most 
Time fuses have less chance of blowing on start up .
gpgr4blu
1,096 posts
 
For those who think power cords do not impact sound, check out Part 2 of Michael Fremer's tour of the ARC facility where in the main listening room ARC uses Shunyata power cords for front end components. I use them on my Ref 160s and my ARC front end components. They make a big difference. 
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