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
tommylion
874 posts
 
Found an inexpensive digital tweak that made a nice difference in my system:

https://highend-electronics.com/products/highend-electronics-digital-terminator-75-ohm

If you have an unused S/PDIF output on your CD Player, Transport, or other digital device, it may be mucking up the sound. I use the AES/EBU output on my CEC TL-5 Transport. Plugging the digital terminator into the S/PDIF resulted in smoother, more relaxed and transparent sound.

I'm sure it would be easy for someone more DIY oriented to make one for themselves. For me, it was well worth the modest price, especially with free shipping.
a25105
133 posts
 
tommylion,

Thx for sharing.  Do you also need one for the unused input on the DAC side?  


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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Tommylion, thanks.  That's definitely a tweak that makes sense from a technical standpoint, IMO.  The degree to which it may help will of course vary depending on the design of the specific component.

Also, in cases where unused digital outputs on BNC connectors are involved, something like this should do the trick:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/167156-REG/Comprehensive_B_TM_B_TM_BNC_Terminator.html

Regarding unused S/PDIF or AES/EBU digital inputs, those presumably already have a termination, internally within the component.

Regards,
-- Al
   
tommylion
874 posts
 
a25105,

Good question. The description says they work for inputs as well as outputs. The unused input on my DAC is BNC, so I’m unable to try it there.

They also have RCA shorting plugs for unused analog inputs on a preamp or integrated. I have had similar "caps" on my passive pre for some time. Maybe I will take them off to hear again what difference they make.
tommylion
874 posts
 
Thanks Al,

Those BNC terminators are cheap enough that I think I'll try one on my DAC, even though it sounds like inputs may not be an issue.
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