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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
If I were to venture into solid state again ( doubtful) the First Watt S.I.T.amplifiers would be at the top of the list then probably their F6 or F7 amplifiers. Wolf I believe that you’d really enjoy a good quality SE tube amplifier. Either direction chosen you’ll be happy with your efficient easy to drive speakers.
Charles
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Good suggestions by Charles, as usual. A couple of caveats, though, regarding the First Watt F6 and F7.

Their gain is particularly low for a power amplifier, at only 14 db. That will be problematic in some applications, especially if vinyl sources are being used and line stage gain is low. Also, the F7 has an input impedance of only 10K, which will be a problem for many tube preamps. 

Basically, I would view the Dynamo as being more versatile than the F6 and F7 in terms of compatibility with upstream components. While I would expect the F6 and F7 to have greater versatility than the Dynamo with respect to speaker compatibility, due to their greater power capability and also their presumably much lower output impedance.  With the S.I.T. amps being more comparable to the Dynamo in the respects I've mentioned than to the F6 and F7.

Best regards,
-- Al

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
One of Ralph's S-30 MK 3.3's would be nice. 

http://www.atma-sphere.com/Products/
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Al,
Your description of the F.W. amplifier electrical characteristics  are on the mark.  I mentioned those particular models as the ones that I'd be most interested in if considering solid state.  Based on numerous feedback  I've read the F.W. S.I.T. amplifiers intrigue me the most.  Knowing myself I'd still probably would choose the tubed Dynamo MK II. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Wolf,
As you're in the research stage another option is Roger Modjeski of Music Reference.  I'm pretty certain he on request builds a SEP using the KT 150 and/or the KT 88.
Charles 
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