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
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Thanks Al,
Yeah, I personally wouldn't modify a component under warranty.
I for one have never seen any such detailed specifications for aftermarket audiophile-oriented fuses. So I guess it comes down to relying on a combination of reported experiences and faith.
That's why I appreciate threads like this one. I think it's worth trying in my CDP, long out of warranty, and with such agreement on improved sonics.
But, it makes me wonder if I really want to replace all the rail fuses in my amp without knowing the tolerance of an expensive fuse.
 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
There have been failures of electronics due to aftermarket fuses? When, where, who, how? Gee, you’d think it would be all over the boards. Are audiophile houses burning down even as we speak? Rome burned while Nero fiddled with his fuses. All I see on audio boards are heaps of praise on aftermarket fuses. Could there be a deep hidden dirty little secret here? Perchance an exploding transformer or two.
 ;-)
p59teitel
312 posts
 
David, I have Revel Salon 2s.  The Star Sound Apprentice XLs really took them to another level.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Lowrider57,
You raise very reasonable points.  I say if you have any reservations about premium fuses in your components still under warranty, don't use them if they'll cause you anxiety. I've used these premium fuses in all of my components over a period of 3 years without any problems,  just improved sound quality. We all know our individual thresholds and comfort zone. I'm perfectly comfortable with these fuses in my components. 
Charles, 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Thanks for your comment, Charles. Ok, so there doesn't seem to be a risk using aftermarket fuses; I'm here to learn.

I've only heard and read positive results when using audiophile fuses, that's why I'm going to start with a SR RED fuse in my ARC CD player.
Since these are slow-blow fuses, I guess there's little to no chance of any damage to a component under stress, and the amplifier is the one component to experience high-current surges, such as powering up.

With that said, on a SS amp, is there an benefit in sonics by swapping the AC line fuse with an audiophile fuse? Or do all rail fuses need to be changed to hear the benefit?
More to discover