Can a fuse affect sound quality in my Classe Amps


I've replaced the 8 amp fast blow fuses in my Classe DR-15 amps after I blew them with the cheapest 8 amp fuses you can buy (they're slightly different than the fuses that were in the amps but the same recommended 8 amps) and I've a suspicion that the sound quality has deterioated slightly? Is this possible or is it all in my head? Can you buy better quality fuses that improve sound? Thanks.
lornoah
I had a pair of Classe DR 8, ran them balanced mono, and replaced the stock fuses with IsoCleans.
This is a cheap way to protect your amp and improve the sound at the same time.
Ask yourself, what protection is a cheap fuse?
How much are you willing to risk to save a few dollars?
I used to run amps without any speaker protection fuses since I read about it in the audio critic(when PA was an audio critic).
I found he was correct, fuses degrade the signal,I was lucky in over 20 years and numerous amps tube and solid state to use solid core wire cut to the length of a fuse without any problems.
No amp failures, burnouts etc.
But that is risky business, I was lucky.
When word of the IsoCleans came out I gave them a try.
Solid wire still sounds better, but this is close and much safer.
I don't bypass fuses anymore, I use HiFi tuning in my current amp and so I can't say if it is better or worse than an IsoClean.
Treat yourself,you deserve it.
You could spend $60.00 on worse things that won't improve your sound and protect it as well as a quality replacement fuse.
He probably doesn't think that improving the voltage/current through the PS(or fuse) can positively affect the presentation of an amplifier. Most don't recognize that the power supply IS indeed directly in the "signal path" of the power amp. Every gain device/stage in an amp passes voltage from the PS to the next stage(as modulated by the signal). Then the output devices(whether tube or transistor) take voltage/current(as modulated by the signal) from the PS and connect it to the speakers. That's why it doesn't take much upgrading of power supplies, power cords, room wiring, etc. to yield a major improvement in an audio system's presentation.
Classé amps are not well designed ? All amps have either a line fuse or circuit breaker on the AC mains.
Boy am I glad too! That would be another couple Hi-Fi Tuning fuses I'd HAVE to buy.
Good plan!! Still- Before you install any expensive fuses: Be certain everything's Kosher, and the amps aren't blowing the cheapies.
There is switch for selecting regular and balanced inputs but Classe still advised that it could cause a ground loop by having two inputs connected at the same time. I decided not to drive my amps directly unless i first disconnect the xlr cables altogether.
You can't do that unless there is a switch Lornoah. The amp was trying to drive the other preamp.
The reason the fuses blew were because I was using a phono preamp to drive the amps directly using the single ended inputs of the Classe Dr-15's, while at the same time having another preamp connected into the xlr inputs of the amps. This last preamp was not even powered on when the fuses blew so I was somewhat surprised.
Rod, what you say makes sense to me and mirrors my experience. I second every word.
BY ALL MEANS: Find out why the fuses blew. The subject have been discussed/debated a couple times before. There are those that have not tried the high grade fuses, but feel they MUST share their unfounded/untested opinions anyway. Ignore them. THEN: The Cable Company has their Hi-Fi Tuning fuses on sale right now (http://www.thecableco.com/prodListing.php?cat=53). If you don't try them, you are depriving yourself of an audio revelation. Of course: There are variables in system resolution, individual hearing acuity and individual ability/training with regards to critical listening. If you heard a difference with the cheaper fuse, there's no doubt you'll notice a difference in presentation with the Hi-Fi Tuning, Isoclean or Furutech fuses(http://www.vhaudio.com/fuses.html). Whether you like the difference or not is another matter. In my system they improved the over-all organics(more realism) of the sound. I've no connection to the Cable Co. or Hi-Fi Tuning, other than being a happy customer. Happy listening!
There are audiophile grade fuses, Cryo'ed fuses and sand filled fuses. You will hear a lot of differing opinions from others about them. I tried Cryo'ed and didn't hear any difference.

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