Determining current flow to install "audiophile" fuses.

Fuse directionality is not something exclusive to only high-end fuses. I found that even cheaper fuses have a preferred direction. One way to find out is to look at the cap ends with a magnifying glass. I found that the majority will have the power rating stamped on one end, and the other will usually have an assortment of symbols. Yes, I found the OEM fuses even sound better in one direction, but not the same as the high-end ones. I have the Hi-Fi Supreme fuses.   Before plunging, I tried ceramic fuses of the same rating as the OEM. They sounded a bit smoother than the OEM. I simply diagrammed on a paper the direction using the cap's indicators. So far, its been consistent for each fuse. They key is, one direction will sound smoother in comparison.

What you are most likely hearing is the warm-up of the unit after its been powered down in order to replace the fuse. I think you will find that this is repeatable, regardless of which direction the fuse is installed. This is an excellent example of expectation bias.

@georgelofi , +1

"What you are most likely hearing is the warm-up of the unit after its been powered down in order to replace the fuse. I think you will find that this is repeatable, regardless of which direction the fuse is installed. This is an excellent example of expectation bias."

No, actually it can’t be expectation bias or warming up of the component, inadvertently scraping off the dirt or oxide from the fuse holder or even placebo effect. We’ve already been over that. You can easily eliminate those possibilities through careful testing.  It’s due to the non-symmetrical orientation of the crystals in the conductor. I can provide a paragraph describing the Backfire Effect if anyone is interested. No strings attached. Ironically the reverse expectation bias might actually explain why some people can’t hear directionality.

No, actually it can’t be expectation bias or warming up of the component, inadvertently scraping off the dirt or oxide from the fuse holder or even placebo effect. We’ve already been over that.

Well actually it totally can be; just because  'We've already been over that' (which 'We' haven't by any means) does not make it so. Some more gullible types might be taken in by that though.

Occam's Razor applies- the complex explanation being the one you often give; expectation bias or warmup- both being **much** simpler explanations.

Otherwise simply must be ready for the sale on bridges in Brooklyn.

Just in case there is any issue here- most of these fuses are simply gold-plated versions of exactly the same fuse that you can buy off the shelf. The element does not get treated- its the gold on the ends that gets added. So there is no mechanism to allow for directionality.

" Ironically the reverse expectation bias might actually explain why some people can’t hear directionality"

Geoff,

Can you recommend a qualified MD to cure my inability to hear direction of the fuse?

Czarivey wrote,

"" Ironically the reverse expectation bias might actually explain why some people can’t hear directionality"

Geoff,

Can you recommend a qualified MD to cure my inability to hear direction of the fuse?"

Actually I can:   Dr. Phil. Thanks for asking.