2. amps-preamps
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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
 
This is why the single ended amplifier experience can be a rousing success or a failure. The circuits are beautifully simple and use fewer parts. They can be ruined with the short comings mentioned above.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Al,
I agree with your post, Dennis Had has proven success, yes. The problem is as you note when you attempt to cut cost. I’m not saying you need exotic premium transformers but they do need to be of reasonably high quality. Also wimpy power supply design is a certain recipe for poorer sound quality. He didn’t have these compromise concerns with his high quality Cary SET amplifiers, he used quite good quality parts  especially output transformers.
Charles
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Cutting right to the chase even if Mr. Had had been a world class designer that in and of itself doesn’t mean he’s right about fuses. In fact he’s not. There are plenty of world class amplifier designers who are not on board the aftermarket fuse train. That is certainly not reason to claim there’s nothing to them. As I said that is a Strawman argument. At least one high end designer I know uses circuit breakers in lieu of fuses. Nor are there very many hot shot amplifier designers who are on board the whole wire directionality thing for that matter.

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,479 posts
 
Agreed. Just talking about the amps for Wolf. 
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