2. amps-preamps
  3. 1448317474

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?
oregonpapa
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 

tzh21y:

Excellent initial description of a Synergistic Research Black fuse sonic change. The fuse needs about 100 to 200 hours to fully settle in. However in My Marantz I heard positive trends at 24 hours of playing time. Then a gradual more relaxed and open sound.

I was very happy at the end of two weeks.

We are fortunate that the Marantz SA11-S2 SACD player has a replaceable power fuse. The SA11-S1 has a non replaceable fuse.

Congratulations on getting the player's lid off - it is a challenge to remove.


David Pritchard

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,970 posts
 
So if I come around and become a true believer do I get to use the true believer bathroom?

Skeptics john is open to all....
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
tzh21y ....

That edginess you're hearing is typical of a newly installed Black fuse. It gradually goes away, and as Richard said,  opens up into a very positive experience.  Its quite remarkable really. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mapman, 
In my experience I'd recommend a range of 70-100 hours for sufficient burn in time to judge their worth. With the exception of a tube power amplifier just about everything else can be left on 24/7  so that range can achieved in only 3 or 4 days. I guess I don't understand why something so simple is being made complicated. Audition the fuses with adequate burn in and then you make a decision. Keep them or return them. As this thread has demonstrated most users have found that the fuses were indeed an asset to their audio systems. A few had alternative results as would be expected with any product. It's wonderful to find a reasonably priced audio tweak that's generated such an overwhelming % of happy listeners and shared on audiogon.
Charles, 
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I am listening to tiger okoshi.  Never sounded like this before.  Getting a littles better. Now is a little bass shy.  Breaking in
More to discover