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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
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,
charles1dad's avatar
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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
David,
I agree with you, this has been such an enjoyable thread to participate in.
I suspect that the W.E. Replica 300b from Pavane is trying to stay as faithful as possible to the vintage Western Electric character. David I’m not familiar with the Sophia blue glass 300b so I look forward to your listening impressions.

I’m listening to Sarah Vaughan this evening and what a pure pleasure ☺
1, "How Long Has This Been Going On?" This is an XRCD +1 music and sound quality. Recorded in 1978 and also features Joe Pass and Oscar Peterson.

2, "Sarah +2" Early 1960s stereo recording, just wonderful! Added bonus is Barney Kessel on guitar.

3, " After Hours" another early stereo studio recording, again, wonderful talent and music. The beautiful guitar playing of Mundell Lowe is featured.
Charles,
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 

charles1dad;

What a triple shot of great guitar players! Mundell Lowe"s playing is always thoughtful and beautiful. He is not afraid to let some silence between notes create that deeper mood that is so satisfying.

Joe Pass and Oscar P.- that would test my system to see if it can keep up with all the notes played.

The Sophia Electric 300 Blue Glass tubes are new to the market. They also make a 274 Blue tube. Could be just good marketing to have a blue colored tube ala the 1930 Arcturis tubes. I saw and heard them at Newport Beach Audiofest. Jeffery Catalano from High Water Sound (New York ) was using them in his very expensive turntable - 300B mono block amps- Cassaro Horn system. He is impressed with the sound of the Blue Sophia's. I am looking forward to their audition.

The combination of using these Black fuses and Synergistic Research Black outlets has just improved my system's performance to such a degree that I am really concentrating on the communication these talented musicians are achieving.

David Pritchard

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