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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
jl35
3,966 posts
 
Have you measured the horsepower since installing the fuses ?
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,373 posts
 
@russe41

What??? You didn’t hear insane depth, expanded soundstage, instrument separation, dead center midrange and everything more cleaner.....

If you didn’t then you must change the direction of the fuse :-)
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
Put the PADIS fuses in my class D monos. They definitely sound better already. Better clarity and imaging, smoother mids, cleaner bass. Very happy with these guys.

I'm sure it's just because I cleaned the contacts when I changed fuses. That and a bunch of expectation bias. 😝
willgolf OP
933 posts
 
Okay, My results are in after installing the PADIS fuse.  I am also playing with different sets of vintage Russian Tubes.  So I currently have Gold Lion KT 88 Russian tubes in my Raven Amp.  First, in answer to Geoff's comment about my statement that I don't consider myself to be an audiophile despite having high end equipment.  The reason I say this is that I could not tell you a thing about measuring frequencies, or anything related to specs and performance of equipment.   I base everything on what I hear and whether I enjoy or not.  That is it plain and simple.  I am not a audio geek in that sense.

Regarding the Padis fuse..like when I change power tubes, I did hear a performance improvement from the new fuse.  The vocals were clearer, the instrumentation was more defined.  My music is definitely better.  I believe it is more pronounced on Rock, Country and Jazz.  I did not hear as much difference listening to Classical, which I don't understand.  So, for $30 dollars it is definitely worth it in my mind. 

As a result of this test, I just ordered the SR Blue fuse.  It will be interesting to see if I hear further improvement.  According to the reviews the new SR Blue starts opening up after 24 hours.  

I am also debating either trading my Lumin A-1 in for a S-1, or adding an EMM Lab DAC2X V2 D/A Converter to my A-1.  Most of my music is stored in a Synology NAS.   I am told these changes would up my performance even more.   If anyone has any experience with the S-1 or Emm Lab your comments are welcome.  

Thx Nonoise for the suggestion on the PADIS fuse.  


davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
I hope you can leave your amp on to give the fuse about 100 hours so it is fully settled in. If possible reverse the direction of the fuse and see if it sounds better. It may sound more articulate in one direction.


I look forward to your comparison between the Padis and the SR Blue fuse.

David Pritchard
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