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
Jetter 1-20-2017
Knowledge Expert definition - For my way of looking at things they are Al and Ralph - Although I probably should not inject my interpretation of their discussions, which is what I have done. So Al and Ralph, sorry if I have misinterpreted your thoughts.

No problem, Jetter.  To be sure my thoughts about fuses are clear, here is a summary of the major points I have made in this and other fuse-related threads:

1)I don't doubt that fuses can make a difference in many applications, even though ...

2)... Measured data that has been presented in support of the existence of those differences is not supportive of their existence, for reasons I have explained.

3)I have expressed bafflement at how any particular fuse, such as the SR Black, can provide the benefits it has been reported to provide with the high degree of consistency that has been reported, among components that are completely different in design, that perform completely different functions, that are used in very different systems, that are powered by AC having very different voltage and noise characteristics, and in DC as well as AC applications.

4)I have contended that it is impossible for a fuse to have inherent directional characteristics.  See my post dated 12-31-2016.  And I have said that even if a fuse did have inherent directional characteristics, the vastly longer associated wiring would as well, and the directional effects of that wiring would swamp those of the fuse.

5)I have pointed out in this and other threads that in audio it is often extremely easy to attribute a perceived sonic effect to the wrong variable.  And that the methodology with which an evaluation is performed needs to be especially thorough in the case of tweaks that are technically unexplainable and/or seemingly implausible, to rule out the possibility that unrecognized extraneous variables are responsible.

Also, regarding the question of why "non-believers" keep coming back to this thread, as would be the case in most threads discussion of that question is, IMO, neither constructive nor germane to the topic of the thread.

Regards,
-- Al
 

Hi Al,

A fine and balanced summary as always.

I will be surprised if anything more than what you stated is ever discerned about this topic.

Best to you Al,
Dave
Yep, that’s pretty much it. Thanks again Al. You are the voice of reason and always a gentleman. We could all use more of that!

There is much more to be learned about the topic.
I asked this question a little while back and I don’t know if anyone responded. Hard to keep track with so much traffic. Anyway, let me ask again: I got the new fuses but when I went in to replace the fuses, I see the stock ones are in the standard fuse holders but also have (thin) wires soldered at both ends of each fuse. Anyone else seen this set up in their gear? A bit reluctant to break the solder joints to replace the fuses since the amp is still under warranty.
I've seen that done on various pieces over the year.    It makes for a better electrical connection which is always a good thing as has been cited  though makes replacing harder.   You would have to check the specific devices warranty to see what any impacts of changing yourself  might or might not be.