fuse damage

Geoff (and anyone else who feels Modjeski’s views on the topics Geoff quoted renders his opinion of the Hi-Fi Tuning Fuses questionable, if not downright invalid), allow me to suggest that even if Roger is "wrong" about any other topic (as I feel he is about acoustic room treatment, specifically bass traps), that does not necessarily mean he is wrong about the fuses. It’s easy enough to read what he has said about them, consider what he has said, and make of it what you will. I realize his opinion of some of the "sacred" audiophile beliefs calls into question amongst audiophiles his credibility---if he doesn’t hear evidence of burn in, for instance, how good can his designs sound? (very good; read Michael Fremer's review of the Music Reference RM-200). It reminds me of the reaction owners of the Audio Research SP-3 had to Frank Van Alstine---himself dismissive of "tweaks"---when he dared to find fault in that pre-amp and offer a mod to correct what he claimed were it’s design weaknesses. Bill Johnson was held in far higher esteem by 70’s audiophiles than was Frank. Yet Frank was proven to be correct, and his mod did indeed improve not only the bench test results of the SP-3 (it’s linearity, RIAA equalization accuracy, overload margins at low frequencies), but it’s sound as well. That’s right---a traditional conservative, non-audiophile approved electronic engineer improved on a design by the at-the-time undisputed king of audiophile designers. Hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day ;-) !

More Roger Modjeski quotes on Audio Circle, from a thread on aftermarket fuses.

1. "Quote from: *Scotty* on 14 Jul 2014, 05:29 pm
Did you also test them for suitability as AC mains fuses or speaker fuses?
Scotty

I did not. I have done all I can to inform the public that they are not suitable for tube fuses and that their claims as to microphonics and improved electrical performance are specious. I have no interest to do further tests unless they want to engage my services as a consultant."

2. "There are very few instances when a fuse is right in the signal path. If people hear a difference there I am fine with it and it is explainable. The bulk of these fuses are used in power line and tube fuse applicators where I cannot imagine them making any difference. I would like to hear your thoughts on those applications."

3. "Most likely a design choice for short circuit protection because electronic protection (current limiting) is often a problem with difficult loads. As long as the output devices are protected from shorts I prefer a fuse to current limiting. If it has any effect it is far less than current limiting. It takes twice as many fuses to put them in the power rails outside the signal path, but that is a good place to put them.

The one place a fuse might be audible is in the speaker output. This is widely known and perhaps the reason that premium fuses got a foothold in other applications. It is typical of people with limited knowledge to paint something with a broad brush or generalize. In this case since a fuse in a speaker might be audible then fuses in all applications might be audible. With proper knowledge of the situation one can be more specific."

The Roger Modjeski quote in which he explains what he means by the term, High Breaking, which apparently is the issue he is all hung up on.  Now, please correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't his definition mean he has heartburn about ALL GLASS FUSES including stock fuses or ANY fuse that's not filled with sand?  HEL-loo!

"I have previously defined these terms, however I will again as those posts have been Quarantined. We currently have more posts in the hospital than any other forum.

You are correct, the fuse must not allow plasma to form. It is therefore filled with sand or some other material to fill the space when the fuse element vaporizes. It is not so much about voltage rating. I think 32 volt fuses are made differently from 125 volt fuses so as to have less loss at low voltages as they typically have elements that are wide at the ends and narrow in the center thus reducing resistance which is important in a low voltage circuit. Given that I feel 32 volt fuses would be a good choice for speaker fuses where high breaking is not an issue at all.

I get more questions about the voltage ratings on fuses than any other parameter. In actuality it is the least important parameter.

The responses from vendors and manufacturers have displayed no knowledge of these requirements at all. The respondents have missed the target entirely."

Rodger Modjeski only reccomends using a hardware store fuse in one special location- the tube protection circuit in one of HIS designed amplifiers. I can not find other reports of audio grade fuses failing to blow.

In fact there are multiple reports of using the correctly rated fuse and having it blow due to the circuit's normal energy use. So if anything the fuses are more protective than hardware store fusses. I have blown two audio fuses while fuse rolling in warmed up equipment and popping fuses in and out for quick comparisons. So do not do that!

I have three different audio systems to maintain. Three tube amps, three subwoofers, two solid state SACD players, one solid state DAC.

I have never had a component damaged by using an audio grade fuse.

I do hope everyone reading this forum will audition at least one audio grade fuse in their system. I found the sonic improvements to be significant in every system I own.

I especially like the Synergistic Research Black fuse for it's sonic qualities and the fact it comes with a 30 day money back policy. But the bottom line is the use of ordinary fuses are a major impediment to maximum music enjoyment!  Try an audio grade fuse. I think you will be glad you did.

David Pritchard

I think installing a single fuse in, say, a pre-amp, would be worth the $50 price, even if it were not returnable. Installing eight of them in a power amp running eight output power tubes, at a cost of $400 (!), maybe not! But if one can audition them with a money-back guarantee, why not? I would insure the tubes have no shorts before doing so, that's for sure!