fuses - the $39 ones or the 85 cent ones

Pubul57, thanks for the lead. Starting with that, I eventually found this US company, sand-filled ceramic, fast and slo blo, all sizes, UL approved. I'm going to try some!http://okwelec.com/products/camden/fuses/ceramic-fuse.htm

This is not about listening versus DBT. Many have listened and heard no difference, others have listened and do. The question is if a fuse can make a difference, why? And can you get one for less than $39. The Acme is interesting as it has many of the design features of the HiFi Tuning, including the close tolerance tube for the filament, and cryo'ed as well, all for $12. I'm sure that being commited to listening rather than accepting theory, you'll want to try them and compare them with the Isocleans and Hi-Fi Tunings. The sand-filled ceramic approach also seems to have an understable justification for reliability and possibly vibration damping that might make a difference. If the $39 fuses do sound better than the Acme, fine, they'll justifiably find their market, if the Acme are just as good or better, I'll save the $27 x 6 to fuse my system. Neil, thanks for the link.

I have to agree with Dave_b, the sonic benefits of these fuses change and improve over time. But I had what seems to be a unique experience after replacing blown stock fuses in my integrated amp with the HiFi Tuning fuses. The sound characteristics changed considerably and somewhat erratically, and it wasn't until many hours (>>100 hrs) that the sound stabilized and I noticed the overall benefits typically identified by users here and in professional reviews immediately after replacement. I am very pleased with the overall improvement in sound quality I am enjoying now.

My experience is described in detail here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ymisc&1192881548&openusid&zzKnownothing&4&5#Knownothing

Knownothing, since you do hear the difference, it would be interesting to see if you could hear the same level of improvement with the $12 Acme. No DBT, just listening.

When I bought most of my IsoCleans they were $25 each. They are now$35 for all values.