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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
 
I spun this in the CD player last night. The piano, drums and bass are right there in the room. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Connick-Harry-Jr-Loftys-Roach-Souffle-CD-New-/142040253140?hash=item21124242...


sherod
1,690 posts
 
I found a thread here on Audiogon that provides a youtube link for a DIY fuse break-in device. Maybe it will help someone who has tube equipment to save some tube life.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud2n7Mut13s&feature=youtu.be

     
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I was following the thread in the early days and installed a SR Red fuse in my ARC CDP; I wanted to start at the source. It was such a tremendous improvement in every way and since the spinner is naturally detailed, I stayed with the Red.
Next I auditioned the Red and Black UEF PC's on all components and found that my Audience PC's were more musical with deeper imaging. IOW, I didn't need both the fuse and PC upgrade.

Now I have the SR Black fuse in my modified Sunfire 300 amp and waiting for it to burn-in. My question is to others who have the SR Black in a high power/high current SS amp. Did you find that during the burn-in period, the sonics were similar to breaking in a new cable?
I find the sound veiled, instruments lack separation (Classical music), and 2 dimensional.
I know the fuses are allegedly directional, and for now I'll assume mine is installed correctly due to the fact that the imaging of string instruments are in the proper place and the soundstage is wide and high.

So, I guess I'm asking for reassurance that others have heard these sonic characteristics. As mentioned before, it sounds like I'm breaking in some new cables.
Many thanks.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,957 posts
 
I've only used HiFi Tuning fuses but the results were the same as yours:
kind of awful sounding until they broke in. Mine took about 4 days to completely break in, playing 24/7, much like a cable, and I've never thought twice about it since. A definite improvement. 

Your patience will be rewarded.
All the best,
Nonoise
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
sherod ...

Thanks for that very interesting link. 

lowrider ...

Same experience with tube electronics. The Red fuses come into their own at about the 20 hour mark. The Black take about 70 to 100 hours. Until they open up, watching the news is more interesting than listening to the stereo system. BUT, once the fuses open up ... OMG!  :-)
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