Determining current flow to install "audiophile" fuses.


There are 4 fuses in my Odyssey Stratos amp. I recently returned some AMR fuses because they rolled off the highs and lows a little too much for me. Mids were excellent though. Anyway, I'm getting ready to try the Hi-Fi Tuning Classic Gold fuses, as they are on clearance now for $10/ea. Are they any good? However, I have read that they are a directional fuse? Can anyone confirm this? If that is the case, does anyone know the current flow for the Odyssey Stratos? Or, does anyone know how figure out current flow by opening up the top and looking at the circuitry? 


jsbach1685
I have no doubt about boutique fuses being better than stock simply from my own experience. What I never got my head around was directionality. I really didn't want to participate in this thread but it occurred to me that I had to replace more than a few fuses in my Marantz Reference components (about 6 or 7) and the odds that I put them in correctly, all oriented in the right manner, the first time around, are nigh well near impossible.

Back then directionality was not as hot topic as it is now. I just made sure they were all facing the same direction using whatever it was that was inscribed on the casing. 

The sound I have right now is wonderful and though tempting at times (due to threads like this) I'd never tamper with them again.

All the best,
Nonoise
I do hope jsbach will give a sonic report on how his new fuses sound and if he heard a difference in the direction they are installed.

I personally enjoy evaluating and trying new products. I do not hesitate to return them if they do not improve my system's sound. I also give the seller my observations on the changes I noticed. I have found most of the seller's to appreciate the feedback. 

Maybe Australian audiophiles are more insecure than audiophiles raised in Texas. There is always someone in line at the return counter at the Walmarts in Texas!

David Pritchard
nonoise2,132 posts04-12-2016 7:00pmI have no doubt about boutique fuses being better than stock simply from my own experience. What I never got my head around was directionality. I really didn't want to participate in this thread but it occurred to me that I had to replace more than a few fuses in my Marantz Reference components (about 6 or 7) and the odds that I put them in correctly, all oriented in the right manner, the first time around, are nigh well near impossible.
I learned my lesson and always ask designers for the correct direction.   

Once a new fuse sounded better installed in wrong direction.  System sounds good but seems out of phase.  Friends notice the same and new fuse was never brought up or crossed my mind .    Then corresponded with several owners of the same component and they all heard same with fuse in wrong direction.    I reversed direction, still sounds tight but after more hours, it opened up and sounded right again.

This wasn't the case in all components but usually with higher quality components.

I learned my lesson and always ask designers for the correct direction


You had to ask.

As they would never put it in writing, as then that could very well be liable.


Cheers George

You had to ask.
yes to save time.   I'll eventually find a prefer direction if it makes a difference in a component.

As they would never put it in writing, as then that could very well be liable.

After market fuses cover a wide range of products so totally understandable.   Some owner manuals warn against after market power cords too,

I've been using after market fuses forever and can hear fuse direction in some components.   I'm not interested in a debate ... over and out!