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
Uberwaltz,
I glad you took a chance with the SR Black fuses and they provided you an improvement in sound quality. No product will work out successfully with everyone in all circumstances, this never happens. Those same power cables and ICs that resulted in little or no improvement in your system probably were terrific in someone else’s system.

I auditioned a few years ago some well reviewed and highly raved about isolation/vibration control footers. In my system with my components they did nothing! In fact some much less expensive Herbie’s footers were clearly more effective and did improve the sound quality. I returned the more expensive footers. I’ve had similar experiences with some cables as they just didn’t get it done in my system. Yet other people said these same cables were definitely better in their own systems, just the way it goes.

These examples I mentioned were much more expensive items than the Black fuses yet were a disappointment in my experience. You have to listen and judge what you hear. I can believe that some will try the fuses and hear no improvement what so ever. All of these audio products and tweaks can be hit or miss in terms of results.

Your outcome with the Black fuses was a positive one just as was mine, so yes in your situation the 240 dollars was well spent. I’ve rolled tubes that made less of an impact than the Black fuses. To be fair I’ve also made tube changes that were undeniable improvements, so as always it just seems to be circumstantial. Congratulations! By the way I am unaware of any badges 😊
Charles


From what I’ve gleaned looking around for reviews, the "Inspire" amps from Dennis Had have been pretty well accepted. I’d be interested to read otherwise since I’m considering a lower powered SE amp in my rig. Jmcgrogan2…feel free to suggest some reviews that helped you form your opinion as I’ll read ’em. (Now I've read the forum thread where you indicate your "Inspire" experience). I did notice you did not like the Inspire amp in your system in that previous thread, but everyone else in that thread seemed to like them a LOT. Must be strange to be an outlier among other, more rabid fans (que ironic laughter here). My new speakers are around 93 DB efficiency so that might make a difference. Also, to stay on topic, SR fuses don't do anything so any benefits are imagined. (It's a fuse) Also I did notice that geoffkait, who claims to not use fuses, likes a new one that costs around 9 bucks that he hasn't used, but assumes it will work its magic for less money than an SR product. Hey…makes sense...right? 
I owned  the Inspire Fire bottle amp and it was just average at best. Other amps can be for the same money used that are better performing. Rather plain sounding and I felt it lacked any real drive. 

Bill,
My understanding from reading comments on various threads is the outcomes are mixed. Some say they have only average quality output transformers and power supplies and sound okay but not exceptional. Others report excellent results. I suspect the chosen speaker plays a large role, if the amp's power supply and transformers are the limiting factors.
Charles
I can only assume that high efficiency and stable impedance that doesn't go too low could be the key. Also he's improved these things over time supposedly, and I'm in no hurry so I'll continue my research.