2. tech-talk
  3. 131262-68132

Why don't amplifier Companies use high end fuses?

My equipment - Raven Integrated Reflection MK2 tube amp 58wpc. / Lumin A-1 DAC Streamer / Synology NAS / Isotex Aquarius Power Conditioner / Furutech Rhodium Plug / Sonus Faber Amati Homage Tradition speakers.  

I have read thousands of comments on upgraded fuses improving the performance of sound.  I am very open minded but not sold either way.  So, the question I have is....if fuses were so important, than why don't Amplifier companies all install them as OEM equipment?  To me, if they are as good as people say, that would provide companies who use them a competitive advantage?  

Every High End Audio store I go to in Phoenix have told me it does not make a difference and is a waste of money.  For the record, I have fuses purchased at an automotive store for under $10 and I think my sound is awesome.  The Company that built my amp tested the Synergistic Fuses and he emphatically said there was no difference.  

If I were to try a fuse for fun, given my equipment, what would your recommendation be to try?  
willgolf
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Couple extra comments:

My description of how the power supply works is not 100% completely correct. However, it was meant to give a "general idea" to those who don’t know.

Any sort of DC in a waveform is not good. The preamp and amplifier will still use "power/watts" to raise the voltage to the correct level and KEEP that voltage level. However, any sort of DC in the waveform means the speaker is NOT moving! Speakers only react to "changes in voltage". So, if there is DC in the waveform (even if it’s in tiny chunks and only makes up 50% of the waveform), then we will NOT hear it.

If there is still 50% DC in the waveforms, then the sound will indeed be about 3 db quieter. (essentially, half the power is being used to move the speaker - the other half of the power is used to keep DC at a particular voltage).

Also, changing the direction of the fuse could affect how the power supply does the "initial response to draw" from the A/C.

Post removed 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Yes, it's signed.  That means the values don't actually represent 0 to 65,536.  The values represent -32768 to +32767.  This represents the waveform on both the positive side as well as the negative side the waveform (mid point representing 0 volts).  When the 16-bit word is read, DAC knows to output 0 volts DC when the 16-bit data word represents the mid point.  However, it is still 65,536 different actual points of voltage.  It is not 8 bits positive and 8 bits negative.  An 8 bit word would only represent about 256 different steps and that is not nearly enough for audio.

I also never said it was not a "A/C" waveform (A/C meaning alternating current).  I only said it was not a true "analog waveform".  As opposed to a digital waveform, which is usually interpreted to be "square stepped" or "on/off" in most cases.

I'm going to politely state the above as known facts for everyone who doesn't know and not respond from a post that I see only as a troll intending to start a flame war.

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
nonoise
As for measuring, I had to turn down my volume by 2-3db because after changing directions, it was too loud.


auxinput

That being said, I also have experienced the 2-3db effect when changing fuses or power cords or op amps.




Really??? 2-3db difference in absolute volume because of changing the direction of the mains fuse? I’m stunned and speechless.

Cheers George
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
The "sound" of a fuse (piece of wire) is a tricky subject indeed! But first we must define (and agree) what exactly is "sound". I propose that "sound" is our brains' interpretation of pressure waves in our oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere impinging upon our ears (acoustic sensors). From this basic proposition we can then make further inquiries. The old debate going back 50+ years was the "sound" of tubes versus transistors. I propose that neither has a "sound". For either to work they must be used in a circuit (amplifier). And then connected to a wave-pressure generator (speaker). Only this coupling (amp/speaker) produces "sound" (pressure waves). Neither the "circuit/amp" nor the "wave pressure generator/speaker has an INTRINSIC quality called "sound". Only by considering the amp/speaker as a SYSTEM can  we make progress in our understanding of the phenomenon called " sound"! END OF PART 1: Next, some of my subjective observations on the controversial subject of fuse (wire) "sound".
More to discover