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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
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 

andynotadam:

I congratulate you on undertaking this experiment.  It is both a lot of time and effort to really dial in a system and there are no sure short cuts.  I do think you plan has great potential and will answer many questions about the best Wall outlets for your system.

The Synergistic Research Black outlet in my system had a significant effect on the system when I replaced a PS Audio Power Port Premier outlet (grey colored body). The background became darker, and the music has a richer harmonic texture. There is a more relaxed flow but with excellent detail.

Upon installation I found the music to be more forward but with some hardness. Give these outlets a week to really settle in. I think you will be happy. If not, send them back!

Charles1dad:
I am enjoying my 300 B tube amp as a change to the Art Audio PX- 25 amp. I first tried the Psvane WE tubes (nice)  and now am listening to the Sophia Carbon Plate Princess tubes. These have a more punchy palpable sound. More of the excitement of a live musical event. Both types of tubes give a satisfying music listening experience.


David Pritchard   

thaluza's avatar
thaluza
285 posts
 
Andy, I just installed a SR Black outlet for my power conditioner, which replaced an Oyaide R1 outlet. I found the Oyaide R1 to be bright sounding, not to my liking. In comparison, the SR Black outlet sounds more natural and organic, right from the get go. The difference between the two outlets is very noticeable. I am looking forward to the sound improving even more with the  Black outlet as time goes by.

For anyone interested, I also just bought two Oyaide wpc-z outlet covers on Amazon. They have two left for $139 each, which is a substantial discount from msrp.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello David,
You are privileged to be able to alternative between the two SET amplifiers, no doubt that both presentations are very enjoyable. I firmly believe that the individual 300b tube preference varies depending on the particular amplifier in use. For example the Western Electric reissue American tube is superb in some amplifiers. I didn’t care for it at all in my Coincident amplifier. In this amplifier the EML XLS is a much better match. 
Charles,
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
thaluza ...

Thank you for that post re: the SR Black outlet.   

I'm presently using the Oyaide outlet and considering going with the SR Black.  Question:  You say the Oyaide was "bright sounding."  It doesn't sound bright in my system ... so, I'm curious ... does the SR Black have any "dark" attributes to it at all, or do you find it neutral like the SR Black fuses? 

Thanks ...
thaluza's avatar
thaluza
285 posts
 
Oregonpapa,

The SR Black outlet is neutral to my ears, nothing dark at all. I don't feel like anything is missing. I put the outlet in 3 days ago. The first time I listened, I was in my chair for a few hours before I realized how much time had passed. That's an indication that I am really enjoying the music in my system. With the Oyaide, I would get up and wander and do chores or something else. I got more done around the house, so in that sense the Oyaide is better for me. But for musical enjoyment, the Black is better, at least for me. I only gave the Oyaide 2 weeks, and for sure it needs more break in. But I am not willing to go through hundreds of hours for an outlet to break in. I already went through something like that with the Acme outlet that I bought 10 years ago. That sucker didn't sound right until several months later. I did not want to go down that path again. The SR Black outlet sounds good right away and will only get better, I anticipate. 

Tom
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