2. amps-preamps
  3. 124017-10135

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
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
George, et tu, Brute?

idle observation: there appears to be no joy in Mudville today.


:-)

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello Ralph, 
I'm pleased that you acknowledge and respect the listening impressions of your customers regarding premium fuses rather  than belittling their informed feedback to you. Good quality  audio components exploit the impact of these fuses.
Charles, 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Nothing there about sound improvement in Ralph’s post. Just the the mention of build quality regarding the Teflon support tube that stops the resistance wire from moving too much with every switch on. That could eventually break because of self hardening. That’s all.


Cheers George

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ralph graciously acknowledged his customers were adamant regarding positive results with upgrade level fuses. They had no comments in regard to fuse directional properties. George I understand your position concerning fuses, that has nothing to do with some of Ralhp's customers. Not everyone shares the same viewpointas you. 
Charles, 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
It is supported only by expectation bias; anyone who really wants to get to the bottom of it will find that if they try reversing the fuse again after finding the ’favorable’ direction, will find a similar benefit in the other direction. That is if they keep an open mind.

"Expectation bias" I totally agree.

Then unbelievable improvements heard like this that just suck the gullible into purchasing these $100 "super fuses" That the supporters of these fuses pat on the back for hearing such great fantastic differences.

Now, with substantial hours in and all-SR Black fuses in the amp, here’s what my ears hear (forgive my lack of audiophile vocabulary, I’ll just describe it as best I can):

- Improved instrument separation, placement, and 3-dimensionality

- Perception of more immediacy and "smack/oomph"

- Lower, tighter, punchier bass

- Overall just a better sense of musicality

- I feel there was a very, very subtle loss of realism in instrument/vocal texture.



Cheers George

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