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 also had Hi-Fi Supreme fuses in all of my components until I tried the Synergistic SR fuses and the difference was quite startling. Much cleaner sound with better placement of images, deeper/wider soundstage, more decay and blacker background.

The difference is obvious from the start...
@Wig- KUDOS for not allowing the prevention of your experimentation/listening tests, by the daunting technological challenge of changing those fuses. =;^)
If one places the wrong fuse in the wrong location(too HIGH an amperage rating); it IS possible for the circuit to be destroyed, should a fault occur(a harder lesson learned). Care must be taken, to select the proper fuse for the application. It's GOOD that some understand their own limitations.
Fuses on the Marantz SA11-S1. The basic power fuse on this player can not easily be changed. It is hardwired to the circuit board. You can change the rail fuses by removing the top of the player. There are 5 fuses in the unit. 1.6 amp and 1.o amp. All are slow blow and size small. Each is clearly labled. I have changed the fuses to Synergistic Research on the SA11-S1 player and it does make a worthwile improvement ( even at $59.00 X 5 ).
The Marantz SA11-S2 does have a power fuse inside. You have to open the top like the S2 model. Inside the power fuse is labled 3.15 slow blow and easy to see and get to. It has 6 rail fuses. 1.0 amp and 1.6 amp. All small slow blow types. Just replacing the one power fuse on the S2 player makes a difference. Replacing the rail fuses makes a further difference.
The two amps I have replaced power fuses on are the Art Audio PX-25 and the Eddy Current Zana Deux amps. With these amps the power fuses are located in removable trays below the power cord socket.
It was easy to replace the fuses on all four products and all four improved in sound when the Synergistic Research fuses were installed.
E mail me if you want me to walk you through how to open a S-1 or S-2 Marantz SACD player. It is fun to get to look inside your own player. It helps demystify the equipment.
I should have known better, and should have used a magnifying glass to check which original fuse was the 5 amp and which was the 1.5

The more robust looking original fuse I mistook for the 5 amp fuse.The 5 amp fuse was actually the thin single wire, the 1.5 had a spring type coil inside.

There were no markings on the Acoustat servo amps designating fuse values.

Initially I thought I had a problem somewhere else.

I re-installed the stock fuses and everything was fine.

Upon closer examinationation of the value etched onto the fuses I discovered my error.

I had to re-order another pair of 1.5 fuses,and have had no problems ever since.

As simple as simple gets.

Just remember to always look at the fine print.