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Fuses - Why do same size fuses sound different?

Because of recent reviews on fuses and some manufacturers using some fuses to voice their products, I am embarking on a fact finding mission of why some sound better than others.
Most electronic fuses have nickel plated brass caps with glass or ceramic tubes but vary in sound despite that. I have not been able to find any info on the construction of the elements themselves, is this where the variability in sound stem from?
So far I have compared a set of Cooper-Bussman Ceramic, Radioshack Ceramic, and Littlefuse Glass 10 Amp fuses on my amp. They all sound very different, the Radioshack is by far the worst of the group, its imaging is diffuse, timbres sound off, and it lacked tranparency and extension relative to the others. The Littlefuse have better focus than the Radioshacks, timbres are more accurate and it was more transparent, however, it was extremely bright and etched up top. The Bussmans sounded very good compared to the others, everything fell in place with this fuse, it had very focused images with added weight and detail, timbres were true, and it was the most transparent and relaxed of the group. It had very good dimensionality and musicality, but only when oriented in one direction only.
The moral of this story is that I hope all manufacturers spend the time researching fuses when they use them in their products, otherwise we have to start "fuse rolling" to get the best sound. The good thing about fuses is that they don't cost much.
plelko
krell_man
827 posts
 
I use the IsoClean fuses too, except in my pre-amp. It comes with a 1/2 Amp fuse in it, and the smallest IsoClean is 1 Amp. I called the designer of the pre-amp, Keith Herron, and he asked me not to use it, that the posiibility of the additional 1/2 Amp getting through is dangerous.

For some reason, the IsoClean 1 Amp fuse doesn't sound as good either, trying it in both directions. In the other pieces though, they make a huge difference for the better.
artg
362 posts
 
Stan's cynical post notwithstanding, allow your ears to be the judge, not what you read here.
stanhifi
224 posts
 
If my post is cynical then yours is disingenuous. After spending $25 you probably hear what you want to hear. Send me your fuses and I'll give them a listen; however no way will I dish out my money. Simply because you were conned into this purchase doesn't mean we will all drink the Kool Aid. I was born at night but not last night.
plelko OP
26 posts
 
The most intriguing part of this fuse comparison is why they sound different, I don't know much about fuse design, but I don't think its because of the endcaps. That leaves the tubes and filaments, I will endeavor to procure some Bussman glass fuses to compare to the ceramic types; I cannot find any info on the filaments i.e what type material and possibly size tolerances. I believe something must be causing this variation in sound eventhough they are identical mechanically. Any ideas?
artg
362 posts
 
no, Stan, you need to buy your own, but since you are so much smarter than all of us, I know you won't; isoclean fuses are obviously a scam for lemmings like me. It must be equally amusing and frustrating knowing so much more than everyone else (even regarding a product you've never even tried). I am sure you have saved many from getting taken for $25 - well done.

For anyone who is still interested (cover your eyes Stan, esp. since I am sure you dont 'beleive in' press reviews either), you can read a review of this fuse here:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/isoclean3/fuses.html
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