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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?
128x128oregonpapa
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
Goldencutt ...

Loved your picture analogy.  

All of the harshness will go away when the fuses finally break in. That's when the "picture" comes forth in full relief. Its pretty amazing really. 

OP
clifton
3 posts
 
Hello all,

I have one of these in a power cord running my CD player. Can anyone confirm which way they generally have the fuse inserted - with the SR writing with or against the flow of current?

I'm not sure which is correct as they sound different each way. Currently I have it against the flow of current as that was the way everyone said the Red and earlier SR-20's worked best.

 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,239 posts
 
Clifton,
You note that the sound changes based on the fuse direction  (as many have also noted). Choose the fuse direction that sounds best to you. As Geoff pointed out that the fuse lettering is done randomly and isn't current flow /direction specific. 
Charles, 
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
clifton ...

If the fuse is installed in the "wrong" direction, the sound will be somewhat diffused as if the system is out of phase. The sound stage may appear to be a little wider but don't be fooled by that. When the fuse in in the "right" direction, everything will be more focused and locked into place. 
clifton
3 posts
 
Thank you both.

Actually focused is the right word to describe the difference in direction.
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