Fuses that matter.

07-23-12: Nonoise
There is enough anecdotal evidence around for any naysayer who hasn't tried a high end fuse to readily accept the fact that we do hear a difference.

True. But, as I suggested earlier, how do we know that comparable differences would not occur if an extensive and thorough comparison were performed among several different inexpensive garden-variety fuses? Especially given that the technical explanations for the alleged benefits of expensive fuses are not well established, at least in a manner that withstands quantitative scrutiny, as I indicated in some of my earlier posts in this thread.

There would seem to be no significant anecdotal evidence regarding that possibility. And note that in the meticulous and disciplined comparison that was performed by Bryon, who IMO is one of our most credible, intelligent, and open-minded members, the stock fuse was found to be preferable to one of the expensive fuses.

Best regards,
-- Al

Al,

I agree with your first thought on the testing of the many and various garden variety type fuses. It could very well be that one or two are made to a higher standard, have the same benefit as the high end type, and still be priced cheaply.

I do take a different position on the amount of anecdotal evidence. I believe that if one were to add up all the 'professional' reviews with the ones from this site alone, there would be a big pile of evidence that they do work. I would consider that significant until I have an equal (or approaching) pile of evidence by those who have tried it and not heard an improvement, and that appears to be the missing piece here.

As for Bryons experience, I've already noted elsewhere that his system could very well be of such a higher level of resolving power that the difference he'd heard wouldn't be apparent. I also recall Bryon stating that he couldn't really discern a difference and it was a toss up, but that could have been in another situation and not the one you refer to.

Also, along those lines, i've mentioned that I got not as big a result with what I consider a better made amp compared to the big results I got with a lesser quality amp (Burson PI-160 vs Classic 6.1).

I just can't deny what I'm hearing. Bryon hears something different. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree until more negative anecdotal evidence builds up.

All the best,
Nonoise

Hasse, all that I can really suggest is that you listen to the Supremes with the WA fuse Chips on them and also listen to the SR fuses. I hear a big differences but cannot put myself into your shoes.

07-23-12: Almarg
...as I suggested earlier, how do we know that comparable differences would not occur if an extensive and thorough comparison were performed among several different inexpensive garden-variety fuses? Especially given that the technical explanations for the alleged benefits of expensive fuses are not well established, at least in a manner that withstands quantitative scrutiny...

I agree, Al.

07-23-12: Nonoise
I just can't deny what I'm hearing. Bryon hears something different. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree until more negative anecdotal evidence builds up.

Hi Nonoise - I can't recall exactly what your experiences with fuses have been. Mine were mixed.

In my first experiment, described on 5/5, I preferred the stock fuse to the Hifi Tuning Silverstars, both in my Pass amp and my Meridian preamp.

In my second experiment, described on 5/18, I preferred the Isoclean fuse to the stock fuse in my preamp, but I could not hear a difference between the Furutech fuse and the stock fuse in my Pass amp.

In my third experiment, which I never described in detail, I slightly preferred the Furutech fuse to the stock fuse in my Parasound amp.

So my order of preference for each component was...

Meridian Preamp: Isoclean > stock > Hifi Tuning Silverstar
Pass Amp: Furutech & stock > Hifi Tuning Silverstar
Parasound Amp: Furutech > stock

Of course, YMMV.

All this is just a friendly reminder to Nonoise. To my detractors, please let's not start the argument all over again.

Bryon

Just when you think all the controversy regarding fuses has been settled This happens!