I've been CD-only since I sold all my LPs and my beloved Simon Yorke S-9 Record Player (serial no. 005) back in 2007. A few years ago I started burning my CDs to an externally powered hard drive in AIFF format using iTunes on a Mac Book Pro so I didn't have to mess with the discs themselves (great for parties too with playlists and iPad control). Connections started with wireless to an Airport Express to my DAC on TOSlink. I got better sound by hard-wiring using USB and better sound still by converting USB to SPDIF via BNC and currently via ST glass fiber. I added Amarra HiFi to iTunes as the decoding engine to great effect and added a multi-rail linear power supply for the computer, the drive and piggy-backed Uptone Audio Regen hubs. Along the way I picked up a Bryston BDP-2 music player as a parallel source and got still closer to analog nirvana (with amazing help from two SR Black fuses). There is a huge amount of musical information on a well recorded and mastered plain ol' Redbook CD and breakthroughs in playback technology just keep coming.
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?
Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
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Nyame: In your last post you mentioned what has become for me the foundation on which to build a music system that is emotionally engaging and satisfying. That foundation is Black fuses, Black A/C outlets, and the Synergistic Research Grounding Block. My systems have become so much more enjoyable since I began using these devices. There is so much great music to enjoy when you have reduced the digital glare. Oregonpapa: Yes the table has to stay out of the path of the music. I tried very hard to put a small antique table in front of the listening chair. It looks great there but sounds bad there. It was a worse experience than watching a Broadway play behind the 80 year old lady with the three foot hat. jib222: Congratulations on installing the fuse, allowing it time to break in, and then trying it in both directions. Many audio users would not have persevered and thus would have missed out on improving their system. David Pritchard |
Andy ... Our systems are apples and oranges. I'm so old school, I didn't understand a word of what you said. *lol* I have no clue when it comes to the digital download/hard drive stuff. I think the problem is, at this juncture, I'm so old I'm still amazed that airplanes can fly without propellers. It doesn't matter though ... its all about the love of the music. Hey guyz ... how about some Cal Tjader and Stan Getz? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALs8bfhB6B0&list=RDALs8bfhB6B0#t=105 It was a Billy Holiday night at my place tonight. Even her marginal recordings were moving. Only a few of the greatest song stylists could turn a phrase like Billie Holiday. OP |
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