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

Hi aolmrd1241,

I think there's been an  abundance of common sense provided on this thread based on actual listeners experience with their systems.

The point that's been made repeatedly is , simply try and hear for yourself. The beauty of these fuses is the simplicity of their use. Pop one in, take it out and compare with another. Listen for a while in one direction, reverse direction and listen again, very easy to do. Afterwards determine if you did or didn't notice/hear a difference. Results may not be uniform amongst all listeners.


All I can report is what I hear with various fuses in my components. They go well beyond subtle but fall short of "jaw dropping to the floor". I relate to Oregonpapa's written comments because my listening impressions are nearly identical to his. This is as easy as rolling various tubes, yet the potential change (of fuses) is greater in some cases.

Compared to cables and many audio products the premium fuses are inexpensive yet yield very noticeable improvements. This has been my experience and I'm very happy to have them. No doubt YMMV.

Charles,

Hi Charles,thanks for your reply. Don't get me wrong,I do appreciate this thread. I am just trying to soak it all in. How a single fuse can make so much of an impact on ones sound system is beyond my comprehension. But,I am here to learn...I want to thank everyone for their time. Please...carry on.

I prefer the Red over Black in my DAC for the same reasons oregonpapa mentioned. The Red is just more involving and fun to listen to.

macdude,

I believe the Red vs Black fuse preference is going to be system/component(and listener) dependent. Not earth shaking news
I realize. Sometimes when an audio component/part is designed for "ultra" detail and resolution, musicality and emotional connection can be sacrificed. It doesn't always go this way but there's a fine line of trade offs most often. I notice this particularly with speakers. I'll see which direction things go when I get my Black fuses. If I prefer the Reds,the Black fuses will be returned. I look forward to hearing the comparison. I can honestly say that in my case the Reds improved transparency/clarity but also increased the emotion expression/ musicality/organic aspect as well. That's usually easier said than done.

Charles,

Charles, mmm, you are going to compare the red's vs black's? , if so,  I look forward to your impressions,  and appreciate your efforts.