2. amps-preamps
  3. 1448317474

Synergistic Red Fuse ...

I installed a SR RED Quantum fuse in my ARC REF-3 preamp a few days ago, replacing an older high end fuse. Uhh ... for a hundred bucks, this little baby is well worth the cost. There was an immediate improvement upon installation, but now that its broken in (yes, no kidding), its quite remarkable. A tightening of the focus, a more solid image, and most important of all for my tastes, a deeper appreciation for the organic sound of the instruments. Damn! ... cellos sound great! Much improved attack on pianos. More humanistic on vocals. Bowed bass goes down forever. Next move? .... I'm doing the entire system with these fuses. One at a time though just to gauge the improvement in each piece of equipment. The REF-75se comes next. I'll report the results as the progression takes place. Stay tuned ...

Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
128x128oregonpapa
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Frank,
I’m sure the Huffman is a fine push pull amplifier (I trust your judgement). If Wolf however is interested in entering the world of lower power single ended I suggest that Canadian Coincident Dynamo MK II from Israel Blume. It is a SEP (el 34 Pentode wired for triode duty). It has very high quality transformers and robust power supply. Just another option to consider. It weighs 30 lbs,very solid chassis and has significant grunt yet very refined sound quality.
Good luck Wolf.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
John,
You gave the Had Inspire a honest chance.  One thing I have observed,  tube rolling won't rescue an inherently "too" compromised amplifier. It must have a solid foundation to begin with. 
Charles 
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
Charles ...

I'd love to hear a comparison between the two amps.   Not saying that one is "better" than the other as I haven't heard the Coincident. 

Frank
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Frank,
Yes I believe that both would impress. Just depends on what type of sound you want, well executed class A/B  push pull or class A single ended. Two audiogon members I really trust Brownsfan and Mikirob say that the Coincident Dynamo is excellent. I happened to own their Frankenstein MK II SET amplifier. 
Charles 
wolf_garcia
6,686 posts
 
I simply noted that HAD said something about fuses in a youtube thing so I could garner more support for my opinions about fuses…and why shouldn't I? Plus, it's fun to watch geoffkait paint himself into corners. I already have a nice sounding push pull tube amp, but since I'm switching to a set of sensitive (not unlike myself) speakers I'm casting about for single ended stuff. I do have to rely on reviews since I'm unlikely to order several amps to test, but if I bought a Fire Bottle from Mister Had and it sucked, it would be politely shown the door (or the UPS man). Note that Had states that his new transformers are "real good" or something, and hey, would he exaggerate just to promote his amps? (heh heh). I own a single ended tube rectified "boutique" guitar amp and it's great, but not necessarily greater than my push pull guitar amps. Maybe I'll just get a First Watt SS thing and be done with it all, although I dig tubes man.
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