Fuses that matter.

If you are suggesting blind listening test, then none of the other audio tweaks mentioned will pass the test either.
Vinw (Answers | This Thread)

Vinw, the other tweaks like coupling caps may not work that way in your world, but they do in my world. I don't know if your referring to being blindfolded, or something else. I don't have to see what caps, or tubes are in my amp. I'm able to identify which ones are in my gear, by the whay they sound. If you can't hear yours without seeing, or knowing which ones are being used, maybe your tweaks aren't doing what you think they are.

Hifitime, "If" is the operative word. Don't assume that people need to see the fuses, etc. I knew a guy who considered himself an audiophile who had his system of all renown manufacturers. I went by once and he showed me the system but did not turn it on. He had heard my system. I suspect he did not care that mine sounded better as his wife exclaimed.

Tbg, my comment was meant for Vinw. I know at least a half dozen audiophiles in my area. We go years back. When any of us get something new, we listen to it at the owners house, and then pass it around, if possible. I can't imagine anyone in this hobby that doesn't show his new piece of gear to the others, and pass it around if they want to try it. It saves us a ton of money, and gives us the opportunity to hear something, we may never have bought on our own to try. Trying several different amps a year alone, isn't uncommon. And I'm not talking about mid-fi gear.

Hifitime, I fondly remember a time in Tallahassee when there were other audiophiles around and we went to listen to their systems when they had new products. In LA there were more and more formal meetings and dealers who would have such meetings. Now I know of no audiophiles within a hundred miles.

Hifitime, that's good news that you are not a solitary audiophile.

I belong to a little audio group which gets together every week on a rotational basis to listen to socialize and listen to new tunes and the occassional piece of new gear.

Saddly ,as we get older(we've been doing this for 15 years plus, and used to belong to the WNYAS)our purchases seem to be less frequent.

I know the benefits of group participation, and getting feedback from others when you contemplating a move in a new direction.
Also, if other's ears are hearing what you are hearing, it's a good bet you aren't imagining things.

This is so much better than being an audio hermit.

You can benefit and grow from experiencing different systems in different homes.
It also doesn't hurt if one or more members have deep pockets.

The most beneficial lesson I learned was how important the delivery of electricity is to the sound of our gear, and how it can affect the sound, from the panel to the fuse and everywhere in between.

I would suggest that you take a poll in your group about what is the most common fuse you may share.

Then chip in, buy the fuse and send it around to audition in whatever component it is matched for.

I think this would be a fun thing for a group of audiophiles to do, and you may be surprised with the outcome.

It may make an improvement in all or some of the gear, but at least it will be some added infotainment, and hopefully you'll post what you find out.

We are supposed to be an audio community,we don't always agree on everything and we all don't own the same systems,but what we do share is our passion for the hobby.

If your passion is to obtain the best sound you can, as it appears,then try out the fuse test with your friends.