Open-Minded or Gullible?


Since recently joining this discussion group I have learned a few interesting things, reevaluated some of my opinions (biwireing), and marveled at a most astonishing collection of quasi-scientific mumbo jumbo. (Sorry about that).

Because I really would like to pick up some useful information, I need to have a feel for the degree of credibility to be given to comments made here. Should I really run out and spend $2000 on speaker cables because someone says they sound good?

I have suggested that we all have a limit to what we think might be true, or at least worth a try. Some, like me, are conservative: for example I believe that loudspeakers and phono pickups improve with initial use, but not wires. Others are more open-minded/gullible (you pick the word). I made an attempt to determine how "far out" the Audiogon opinion spectrum extends by asking a question that I thought would be near the limit.
"Do you think that reversing the direction of a cartridge fuse can affect sound quality?" Apparently not far enough!

8 of 17 people who responded to this question (some made other comments) think that reversing a fuse would (or could) make a difference.

What question should I ask next. Do granite shelves of equipment racks need breakin? I already know that some say yes. Does the air in the listening room need breakin? I don't dare ask. Instead why not have you guys tell me (us) where you draw the line, with a few examples near that line which you accept and reject.

Please no one take offense. I don't care what you choose to believe, and you ought to be proud to state your position.
eldartford
Quite a few have mentioned cleaning the fuse holder contacts. It is a scientific fact that contacts have resistance, but in practice the contact resistance of the fuse/holder is probably less than the fuse itself, and unlikely to change by removal/reinstalation of the fuse. IMHO, if the fuse holder is bad enough to make a difference you may have serious corrosion problems elsewhere in your gear.

Lets not get hung up on fuses. How about other tweeks?
Jax2 - Loved the ultimate tweak. One question, the base is maple but does it matter what the broomstick was made from? I assume it was wood so my fiberglass composite handled stick won't work though, perhaps, it may be smoother.
Wstritt- Go for the maple, it may take a bit of extra time sanding and a bit more vaseline, but the sonic results will be worth the extra effort. Oh, and if you'll check out my response to the thread you started here you'll see that using this tweak led to yet another discovery which I'll be advertising soon in Stereophile!

Marco
Eldarford,

Here's a list of what I believe will make sonic changes:

Dedicated AC
Power cords
Interconnects
Cryogenics
Isolation
Absorption
Coupling
Racks
Lead vs. sand vs. other weighting products
Shelf materials
Room treatments
Dust cover off vs. on
Tube rolling
Impedance matching
Cleaning
Alcohol
Weed

There are more. The obvious are speaker placement and equipment location. Looking at the list I guess I'm a believer to a certain extent. The fuse thing...NOT.