THE LATEST---Gold plated fuses?

I have replaced all 5 fuses in both of my BAT VK200 monoblocks with the HFT fuses (waiting for the moans and groans). Those of you that are quick with math will realize that this is an almost $300.00 upgrade cost. I try to rate all audio purchases on a cost/sonic benefit upgrade, and in this case, the $300.00 was money well spent. Lower noise floor and better micro-dynamics on a system that had been very good prior to the addition ( Shunyata and Nirvana power cords, Audio Magic Reference conditioner, 3 dedicated AC circuits, etc). I have to agree - the power cord analogy is close to the additional improvement in the system, but at this level, the HFT fuses were a significant upgrade and cost a lot less than most good power cord upgrades. Yes, $30.00 fuses are expensive compared to 30cent fuses, but the sonic benefits that occur are worth the cost, at least to me.

Why are manufacturers using such lousy fuses? It seems to be a no-brainer to install these gold plated fuses and advertise it and sell the amp for another 1000$.
Bob P.

Some audiogon members have contacted myself for details of the "Power Matrix" that I mentioned in this thread sometime ago. The Power Matrix has now been discontinued and replaced by a new series "Infinity Power", selling for a high price of something like US 50 per piece. The only dealer that I could trace who carry these is a distributor located in the Far East. Audiophiles are known for their craziness but I am not sure if anyone would go the distance to get a fuse from overseas. I am including the details for information anyway:

Audio Link (H.K.) Ltd.
Email : audiolink8@biznetvigator.com
Contact : Philip

The limited information on the promotional materials refers that these use precious metals as conductor and housed in a quartz tube for micro-vibration and EMF absorption, etc.

Available rating is 0.25A, 0.5A, 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 8A, 10A, 15A, 20A.
Standard fuse size is 20 mm , 25 mm or 30 mm.

There will probably some overseas shipping and remittance / paypal surcharge, thus it seems more economical to team up a few audiophile friends and order some of these together to spread the cost. Remember to remind the dealer to package it well to avoid breaking these during shipment.

These works for me but obviously I can only speak from my own system and preference. I have been thinking why this manufacturer is seemingly anonymous in the US market. Not sure if this has anything to do with meeting the safety standards. Another thing you should know is that these are of the fast blow type and I do not recommend application if you equipment is designed to work with slow-blow fuse and in general power amps. I have the experience of blowing out one of these with power amp. The reason I have been given is that sometimes the instantaneous current when switching on the amp may be sufficient to blow a fast blow fuse, even when the rating is right. I never have any problem however with my CD player and pre-amp. For those interested, I would recommend these to be the places to start.

nickel plating is a big problem with AC related products. Most companies use it to just add a bright non tarnish finish. The quality of the plate and how it sounds are not a consideration. I offer a silver plated fuse holder, so have a bias toward believing in these small improvements. Here is something you can try. Sand off the nickel plating on a fuse, clean it and coat it with a contact enhancer and see if you can hear less brightness or sheen to the playback system.