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
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
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
@davidpritchard - good advice.  However, keep in mind that the Furutech/PADIS fuses with the rhodium will take 200-250 hours to fully burn in.  100 hours will not cut it on these.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,902 posts
 
@willgolf
I’m glad you’re having a positive experience with the PADIS fuse. But, and there’s always a but, remember what @auxinput stated about how the fuse takes a while to settle in. @davidpritchard is right as well. You’ll experience some ups and downs but they’ll be short lived and with each step, it just gets better and better. 😀

As for correct direction, the big tip off they were in the wrong direction for me was the rolled off highs. If they are like you remember them and everything else is better, then odds are you have them in the right direction.

All the best,
Nonoise


Post removed 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,572 posts
 
@willgolf,

Great to hear that you heard improvements with PADIS fuses. Please do post your findings with SR Blue fuses. I went with SR Black’s last month in my preamp / DAC and they were substantial upgrades over stock fuses.

About directionality, if you end up installing the fuse incorrectly you should hear vocals slightly masked in addition to highs rolled off as @nonoise pointed out.

One more point, if you find SR fuse bit on bright side (and they can be with tube gear) try the HiFi Tuning Supreme Fuse. They are very extremely neutral. I end up going with a combination of SR Black and Supremes in my tube amp / pre and DAC components.

In any case, allow atleast 100 burn-in hours with your choice of fuse. 

Have fun and enjoy music! 
More to discover