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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?
oregonpapa
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
Jwm ...

Thanks for the heads up on Lynne Arriale. This is the first I've heard of her. I just checked her out on Spotify. Her "Inspiration" album sounds great on my Audioengine PC system.  Two cuts ...  "A House is Not a Home," and "The Nearness of You" are very movingly played. Nice! Tasty!

If you like Lynne Arriale, you'll also like Jessica Williams. Here's two of her very well recorded live albums: 

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vol-1-Live-At-Yoshis-Jessica-Williams-2004-CD-NEUF-/262409587779?hash=item3d...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Live-at-Yoshis-Vol-2-/331859091137?hash=item4d4457dec1:g:9tsAAOxyeR9TGFZ-

OP
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 

Jessica Williams- Live. That CD really captures the club ambience. The music is moving and she has her own style. Big thumbs up.

David Pritchard

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I had the opportunity to hear Lynne Arriale CD at Jeff’s this past weekend and she and her trio sound very good, she’s an engaging pianist for sure.
David, Jessica Williams "Live At Yoshi’s" recording is one I’ve enjoyed for years . Another good one from her is "Jessica’s Blues".

David I believe that you’d really like Kenny Barron "Live At Bradley’s" Vol 1 (Vol 2 is excellent also ) . Top tier piano trio performance with very realistic jazz club atmosphere captured. Some sound engineers are just better than others at preserving the natural and palpable ambience of the jazz venues. 
Charles,
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charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The "Jessica's Blues" I had recommended is very good but I like her "This side Up" even more.  I just listened to it (hadn't played it in a while ) and this is truly some fine piano work. There's so much music available from many talented musicians we're fortunate to have their recordings to listen to when ever we'd like to. 
Charles, 
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
charles1dad:
Thank you for the suggestions. I will look into Kenny Barron's "Live at Bradley's". The 300B SET amp does like the Synergistic Research Black fuse more than the RED fuse. The music is just more alive with the Black fuse.
Presently comparing the Sophia 300 Carbon tube versus the Psvane 300 WE tube. The Sophia has more punch and the Psvane We more of a softer delicate sound. Both sound very good but different. A set of Sophia 300 Blue glass tubes are awaiting their turn in the amp.

Between good music listening, good equipment upgrades, and good people posting good suggestions for music and upgrades, it just doesn't get any better.
David Pritchard
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