QUALITY AND SECURITY OF "LITTELFUSE" PRODUCTS

Peter, you’ve probably seen various references I’ve made to Littelfuse datasheets in the thread on SR fuses. And yes, Littelfuse is definitely to be commended for the very comprehensive, technically unimpeachable, and confidence inspiring information they provide on their fuses.

I have no doubt that Littelfuses of the same current ratings, voltage ratings, fast/slow ratings, and physical size as the ones in your equipment would provide proper protection, and would also not blow when they shouldn’t. As to how the resulting sonics would compare with either the stock fuses that are used in your components or with SR or other audiophile-oriented fuses, in the absence of reports from a variety of users who have performed careful, thorough, and unbiased direct comparisons in a variety of components and circuit applications (e.g., both AC mains fuses and DC rail fuses), I don’t think anyone can do more than speculate. And I think it can be expected that more often than not audiophile speculation will be in the direction of assuming that solid engineering and low price = inferior sonics.

Best regards,
-- Al

Almarg wrote,

"I have no doubt that Littelfuses of the same current ratings, voltage ratings, fast/slow ratings, and physical size as the ones in your equipment would provide proper protection, and would also not blow when they shouldn’t. As to how the resulting sonics would compare with either the stock fuses that are used in your components or with SR or other audiophile-oriented fuses, in the absence of reports from a variety of users who have performed careful, thorough, and unbiased direct comparisons in a variety of components and circuit applications (e.g., both AC mains fuses and DC rail fuses), I don’t think anyone can do more than speculate. And I think it can be expected that more often than not audiophile speculation will be in the direction of assuming that solid engineering and low price = inferior sonics."

That is SO funny. You can lead a hoss to water but you can’t make him drink. There’s no Skeptic like an old Skeptic. Faint heart n’e’r won fair maiden. Yadda yadda yadda. But looking on the positive side that was a well written paragraph. You came damn close to convincing me. 

;-)



geoff kait
machina dynamica
no goats no glory

I checked out the Littlefuse site and noticed that some, if not all, are lead free in their construction which is a must for audiophool fuses so they may just be the ticket for those who don't want to splurge on boutique makes. At the very least, it's a step in the right direction.

All the best,
Nonoise

What Littlefuse should do is start pricing some fuses (maybe paint em or claim they're frozen or zapped with a mysterious proprietary mojo) at 74 times the normal retail, market to audiophiles with claims of instant improvement to all aspects of the sound of whatever it's installed in (add a ridiculously long "break in" time with an electron "directionality" imperative), get somebody to write an over-the-top complimentary post on this site, and sit back and wait for the cash drawer to fill. No audio geek worth their salt is going to spend any time doing the comprehensive comparison testing suggested by Al, and besides, isn't it better to "feel" improvements that aren't there than find out you've been overcharged for a 2 dollar fuse? 

My BAT amp came with Littelfuse's for the output protection circuit.  After a tube failed and blew the fuse, I replaced the tube and installed a new fuse from Radio Shack.  The channels did not sound the same.  I tried 2 other fuse brands and was not satisfied with the sound.  I ordered fuses from Digi Key as Littelfuse was not available in my metro area.  Definitely the best fuse for that amp in that position.