Synergistic Red Fuse ...

"further down and a bit to the right, just under where the power cord emerges from the panel, the photos I’ve looked at say something like "for continued fire protection use original fuse type and rating only of MDA-10."

Al, I appreciate your research into the correct type of fuse. I didn't see the instruction on the back of the amp since I have a conduit on that shelf to separate cables.

 My first move will be to pick up some Bussman MDA-10 fuses and return the amp to baseline. Thanks again for the info.

BTW, all contacts on my amp were cleaned not very long ago, and I will clean the fuse holder.

Lowrider, it looks like the MDA-10 may have been superseded by the MDA-10-R, which is very similar except that it is lead-free and complies with the European RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) requirements.

As you may have noticed at the link I provided for the MDA-10 Digikey has no stock under that part number, but that page refers to the MDA-10-R as being an RoHS compliant replacement, and the technical specs on the two parts look very similar. The page for the MDA-10-R shows thousands as being in stock, for $1.58 each in small quantities.

Digikey is a distributor of electronic parts, mainly serving industry. But they have no minimum purchase requirement for most items (apparently including this fuse, since a quantity 1 price is indicated for it), and every transaction I have had with them over the years has been prompt and flawless.

Best regards,
-- Al

It sounds like the SR Black line of products are improving detail to a point that is not ideal for your system. That is my emotional response to my son's new 4K TV compared to my Panasonic Plasma TV. Too much detail that for me is distracting. He  loves the added detail.

David, I feel the same way regarding video.
As stated earlier, I got the same highly-detailed sonics when using the SR Black power cord. But the lush, sumptuous sound of the SR is addicting.
Regarding the Isoclean fuse, there's a very good review written by Albert Porter, although he's probably moved on to some other tweak by now.

Thank you once again, Al.

A friendly reminder to all that replace fuses in their equipment to remember to turn off the equipment before replacing the fuse. I do not know why but changing the fuse recently with a different fuse resulted in the new fuse blowing. I would guess it was a current in rush situation but on a solid state piece of equipment. So turn off equipment - replace fuse - turn on equipment.

Today I am again listening to Vivaldi: "The Four Seasons" . The most recorded piece of classical music. Hundreds of versions are available.

Giuliano Carmignola lead solo violin with the Venice Baroque "Orchestra". On the Sony label. Why this version?  Vivaldi was a leading experimenter with getting more than pretty notes from the violin. This is not the beautiful but always proper music of Mozart, but fiery, passionate, expressive music.

While listening to  Carmignola's version, I was reminded of early Jimi Hendrix. Creating soaring, complex sounds with a minimum of effect pedals,  Hendrix instead used  extreme settings on the Fender guitar and Marshall amp. Likewise Carmignola creates a multitude of expressive sounds but is doing so on an acoustic instrument using creative bowing and fingering techniques.

On  Vivaldi's work, the Synergistic Black fuses in the system are allowing me to hear the individual instruments in a very moving way. I can focus in on an individual supporting instrument or simply listen to the combined sound of all the players. This ability to listen to one or all the musicians is one of the reasons I go to hear live music. But live I have my eyes to assist my ears in determining who is playing what part. At home the Black fuses are replacing my eyes in enhancing the listening of music.

A great weekend for music.

David Pritchard