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
Almarg, I borrowed a voltage tracking machine from a friend in EE and checked my voltage continually for two weeks. I got occasion drops from the typical 122.4 volts. In Texas the electric companies are accustomed to heavy use in the heat. Last year they lost a good deal of their reserve as they had exposed water pipes that froze in the winter and were being repaired. Some planning! But here we were not subject to the black out that Texas inflicted on New Mexico.

I, at least, don't have any pattern of when the system sounds better.
I cannot speak to any of the technical aspects of fuses, but I have been an audiophile for many years and trust my ears, not hype. I sprang for the top of the line, $90 Supreme versions. If worthless, my loss would be limited.

I have installed HiFi Tuning Supreme fuses first in my Wyetech Opal pre, where the improvement was on the order of 10% - 15%; greater smoothness, definition and "naturalness" in sound. definitely woth the $$.

I then installed one recently in my modded Sansui TU-9900 tuner and I would now say the sound is CD quality -- an inprovement on the order of 25%. I occassionally have to remind myself I am listening to an FM tuner. The WFUV NY DJ is talking in the room! The detail on the music is stunning.

This has been my experience. Next up for a new fuse is my W4S DAC2. These fuses are the real deal.

Neal
Al,
An update on my AC readings.

Throughout the last two days my AC stays stable @ 119v on five readings and 118V on three readings, all @600V setting. At the 200V setting, the normal fluctuations occur (+ or - .3).

What all this means I can't really say as I don't know which setting is the more pertinent. It seems to be predictably stable.

Neal,

Great to 'hear' you hear a difference. I'm curious now as to whether or not a step up from the HiFi Silvers will make an improvement in my system.

What also gives me pause is the one inside my iMac. I have no intention of opening it up and wonder how much of a weak link it could be considering all the improvements one hears downstream from it.

All the best,
Nonoise
Nonoise, I started at the top of the line, so I cannot answer. My speculation is the improvement would be small but noticeable. Do doubt next year there will be an "Ultimate Supreme." Good luck.

Neal
I once replaced a stock 15 amp fuse with an Iso Clean 15 A in a Foundation Research power cord/conditioner and noticed an improvement.

Will there be a new even better fuse on the horizon? I would think there will be,that's the way of all things in this hobby.