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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

I’ve believed for a long time that science and engineering are two different disciplines with very different goals and purpose. I certainly don’t have the background of Teo_audio to go into any level of detail but I do know man cannot explain all that we clearly observe on a daily basis. Some have a problem coming to gripes with that fact. Summary, I hear what better fuses do in my audio system however I’m incapable of explaining why in a manner that will satisfy. This shortcoming doesn’t lessen my listening enjoyment.

Charles

teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
And you should be able to express it that simply in an informed atmosphere, but that is not always true. The informed grouping is not unified or on the same page....and never will be.

The projected dogma inherent in the complex ape based vehicle of the human, makes such things difficult. The dogma -as unspoken/unrealized/unconscious ’clan stability’ projections - can make change for individual mindsets difficult and unloved.

The good part is that we are individuals. If we were not individuals and we were all exactly the same, the world would be a very dead thing. A commodity, in some systems of valuation. Thankfully, controlling the human race is like trying to herd cats. What some see as one of our greater flaws when it runs rampant, is the part that saves us.

Each of us gets to deal with some form of a grind, and in the end, it is important that it be there.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
For audio, at least, it’s not about electrons. Electrons have absolutely nothing to do with it. It’s about photons. Hel-loo!
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
OK! Here's an excellent example of what we mean when we use the expression expectation bias. The Create Audio Deluxe Fuse sells for about 9 bucks and has been very favorably reviewed by such mags as 6 Moons whereas SR Black fuse, also very reviewed, sells for what $119? So most people would automatically assume the Black fuse MUST be superior to the Black fuse, right? Expectation bias.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

Expectation bias can be overruled by actual listening experience if one approaches with an open minded attitude. Generally the better something is the more it will cost. There are without doubt exceptions to this generality especially in High End audio. Higher price and performance don’t allows go hand in hand. The Create Audio fuse could be better or equal to the SR Black for all I know.


Problem is who determines which is better? Same answer as always, subjective, so better remains in the ear of the beholder/individual. No upgrade fuse is going to sound better than a stock fuse to someone convinced that it isn’t a possibility in the first place. Again expectation bias.

Charles

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