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
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
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's avatar
jond
5,706 posts
 
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's avatar
charles1dad
10,239 posts
 
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's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,467 posts
 
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.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Agree with EARLY Carmen McRae , best singing I ever heard was on a Decca LP from ’"57 with Ray Bryant on piano .
Her voice was as clear as a mountain spring and perfect in every aspect .

As to old voices giving out , Tony Bennett may not be quite what he once was but he can sell a song better than ever and is not just a walk down memory lane .

I never did understand why Torme was so underrated .

I know its heresy but I always thought Sarah was better than Ella.
To me, and of course says more about me than Ella, as beautiful as her voice was I always felt like she would rather be somewhere else doing something else, while Sarah seemed like there was no where else she’d rather be or nothing else she would rather be doing ..


More to discover