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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
aolmrd1241
1,025 posts
 
It leaves me to wonder why a fuse [at 3/4 inches long!!!] that sells for $120.00 and a power cord that sells for $499.00 [at five feet long!!!] using the same materials and processes can be justified in SR's pricing scheme (And yes,I know its their call). I would think that a power cord using a substantial amount more materials and labor versus the minimal amount needed in the construction of a single fuse would validate a much lower fuse/price point cost ratio than the math indicates.

I am not dising  the merits of the fuses in question,just the huge disparity between the materials/cost needed in the construction of both products....8^O
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi aolmrd1241, I have to totally agree with your analogy  of your post,  +1 !!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,239 posts
 
I view it this way, the fuses deliver excellent performance for their cost, that's the bottom line.
Given that fact, you could say the power cables are a fabulous value if their impact on performance is proportion to the SR fuses. What matters to me is sound quality performance gain per dollar spent.
Charles,
mid40sguy's avatar
mid40sguy
162 posts
 
Both the red and black fuse are a huge value in regard to what they provide the user.
I am giving thought to the less expensive power cables. 
fourwnds's avatar
fourwnds
277 posts
 
OregonPapa, I almost feel obligated, as I'm so stoked, to say thanks for starting this thread as well as everyone else who have shared their enthusiasm. I would have never considered spending so much on a fuse if it weren't for your guys willingness to call it like you hear it. As illogical as the prospects for improvement seemed with the return policy there was no reason not to try it for myself. Bottom line, I've spent far more for far far less. I went from a RadioShack to the Black. Back to the music. No need to think about that phono stage upgrade anymore for anyone that might recall my semi-recent thread. 

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