2. amps-preamps
  3. 1448317474

Synergistic Red Fuse ...

I installed a SR RED Quantum fuse in my ARC REF-3 preamp a few days ago, replacing an older high end fuse. Uhh ... for a hundred bucks, this little baby is well worth the cost. There was an immediate improvement upon installation, but now that its broken in (yes, no kidding), its quite remarkable. A tightening of the focus, a more solid image, and most important of all for my tastes, a deeper appreciation for the organic sound of the instruments. Damn! ... cellos sound great! Much improved attack on pianos. More humanistic on vocals. Bowed bass goes down forever. Next move? .... I'm doing the entire system with these fuses. One at a time though just to gauge the improvement in each piece of equipment. The REF-75se comes next. I'll report the results as the progression takes place. Stay tuned ...

Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
128x128oregonpapa
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Rob,
Happy New Year to you as well.
I've also decided to go with the Oyaide WPC-Z  outlet cover with the Afterburner 8. I'll  use the Furutech cover elsewhere. I believe  putting some high quality parts at the AC wall receptacle will payoff for the  money spent. The WPC is said to be top tier, we'll see. These  types of  accessories if done right  the first time,  usually no need to revisit again.
Charles,
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
I am glad the Afterburner is getting conditioned on an Audiodharma conditioner. I do think it is the best approach. I think a week will do it as there is not the Rhodium plating. It might sound a bit bleached or dry when first installed but will be settled in at the end of a week. I like the Oyaide frame and outlet cover. Remember to use the Afterburner cover plate screw and not any supplied by Oyaide. Might be US versus metric.  
fliz
66 posts
 
Oregonpapa,

Did the fuse chips arrive yet?
fliz
66 posts
 
macdude,

are you referring to the difference between a beeswax fuse and a stock fuse, or a beeswax fuse and a SR red?
macdude
187 posts
 
Fliz, stock fuse vs Beeswax. I have had the Red fuse before and I liked it. But the Beeswax is is just a huge upgrade with the Exemplar DAC. It dropped the noise floor significantly, and has a lot of the benefits similar to the ESS rack.

As you know, the Exemplar stuff is incredibly musical and engaging. And the Beeswax just takes it to another stratosphere. The stock fuse is holding it back more than you'd ever believe.
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