2. amps-preamps
  3. 1448317474

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
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

teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
For audio, at least, it’s not about electrons. Electrons have absolutely nothing to do with it. It’s about photons. Hel-loo!
What, exactly, is a Photon? As you know...’good luck with that’...

;)
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
teo ...

Just wanted to say that I for one appreciate your creative writing.

"The projected dogma inherent in the complex ape based vehicle of the human, makes such things difficult."

"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."  

Nice. :-)

Frank

rodman99999
6,129 posts
 
@Teo- Everything in our universe can be broken down to energy, vibration and frequency. Science has been working on figuring out the mechanics(ie: Quantum) for decades, a major breakthrough being proof of the Higgs Boson’s existence and it’s effect on other bosons. I’ve been trying not to type too much, but- you opened the window and saved me a lot of keystrokes. THEORIES? ABSOLUTELY! It’s been quite some time since Case-Western Reserve University, BUT- to my knowledge: no one has yet actually observed an electron, or proven categorically how electricity actually works/flows/travels. That’s why just about everything about it(outside of what has been measured/recorded/repeated) is still considered, "Electrical THEORY". I’d like someone on this site, that is so convinced(scientifically) that a fuse can’t possibly make an audible difference in a sound system, to approach the discussion on the level of Fermions, up/down type Quarks, and Leptons(Charged or Neutrino / tau or muon). OR- the effect of a non-zero in empty space, electrically charged, Gauge boson’s effect on either a W or Z boson. Pick your own theory(wave/particle/string/make up your own, geniuses).
More to discover