Fuses that matter.


I have tried six different fuses, including some that were claimed to not be directional. I have long used the IsoClean fuses as the best I have heard. No longer! I just got two 10 amp slow-blows WiFi Tuning Supreme fuses that really cost too much but do make a major difference in my sound. I still don't understand how a fuse or its direction can alter sound reproduction for the better, but they do and the Supreme is indeed! I hear more detail in the recordings giving me a more holographic image. I also hear more of the top and bottom ends. If only you could buy them for a couple of bucks each.
tbg
I just think that if there is really a "major difference in sound" manufacturers would upgrade their fuses. Power cords either don't cause "major" difference" or manufacturer assumes you replace them to your liking. Unfortunately fuse in my Rowland 102 is inside protected by 5 years of warranty that is void upon opening of the unit. Why then Rowland decided to use standard fuses? Manufacturer's use other expensive components like Teflon caps - why wouldn't they change component that causes "major sound difference"?

Take into consideration that thermal energy to melt the fuse is described by I^2*t factor. With the same time and same current resistance of the fuse has to be pretty much the same to cause the same amount of heat, unless melting temperature is way lower - not likely with the silver in comparison to low melting point of special alloys used in fuse construction.

Don't get me wrong - I've never tried Hi-Fi fuses, but before I pay $100 per piece I'd like to understand why manufacturers don't use them and how they were able to reduce voltage drop without use of special alloys.
After thinking about this for a while I now believe in directionality.

Facing your speakers and having your back to them, should produce a noticeable audible difference.

Even my pet dog Tommy heard the changes in a series of deaf, dumb, and blind tests.

Thanks Al and Bryon
04-29-12: Bryoncunningham
Here are the putative explanations I've been able to find for why a fancy fuse might improve sound quality...

1. Lower DC resistance
2. Less voltage drop
3. Lower microphonics
4. More conductive materials
5. Better electrical contact between fuse caps and fuse wire
6. Better mechanical contact between fuse and clips
7. Better conductivity due to cryo treatment

For the folks who know about these things, do any of those seem plausible?

Of course they seem plausible. Well, with the exception of cryo treatment. Every skeptic worth his salt knows that cryo treatment is like hunting the snark, you can't see it and you can't measure it. But can you hear it? That's the question. Answer at 11.