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?

oregonpapa11-23-2015 10:24pm

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droleg Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 134 posts 04-07-2017 at 02:57am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete As sceptical as i was, i'm glad i gave it a try. And thanks for the warm welcome. As for the 100 hrs of breakin, does music actually have to be playing, or is leaving the equipment on enough?
almarg Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,670 posts 04-07-2017 at 03:24am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete As for the 100 hrs of breakin, does music actually have to be playing, or is leaving the equipment on enough? The AC current drawn by a preamp will be essentially the same regardless of whether or not music is being played, as long as the preamp is in an operational mode as opposed to a standby mode. The AC current drawn by a CDP will increase somewhat when the transport is spinning a disc, but almost certainly by an amount that is too small to matter, IMO. So assuming that the fuses you replaced in those components are AC mains fuses there should be no need to play music to break them in. Regards, -- Al
jond Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,801 posts 04-07-2017 at 04:09am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Charles it's a great recording very well played and very involving, konitz plays the sax in a lively melodic style. Thanks for the rec will favorite it for repeat listening!
charles1dad Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,250 posts 04-07-2017 at 11:01am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Hi Jond, Yes, I certainly agree with your assessment! It’s a very good and involving listening experience. We apparently have pretty similar taste/listening perspectives. I’m going to recommend two recordings I believe that you’d like if they’re available on tidal. Both are Verve recordings done in the mid 1990s using analog tape rather than straight DDD format. The musicians were still in their 20s but were already fully developed at that young age. "Parker’s Mood" Charlie Parker music played by Roy Hargrove (trumpet) Stephen Scott (piano) and Christian McBride (bass). "Fingerpainting " music of Herbie Hancock played by Nickolas Payton (trumpet) Mark Whitfield (guitar) and Christian McBride (bass). If they're available and you can listen let me know your thoughts. Charles
shadorne Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,477 posts 04-07-2017 at 01:08pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Burning in electronics without playing music is like breaking in a car on cruise control - not recommended. All the gears and moving parts in your electronics are not getting a varied enough workout. Like with oil in the car it is a good precaution to change all the electrons after break in. I check electron levels in my electronics every time before starting - nothing worse with regard to wear and tear than running an amp without enough electrons or dirty electrons. Fuses are akin to oil filters - they should be changed regularly or face the cosequences when your amp seizes up.