Agree with you tools re: the amp being the least benefited by boutique fuses. My theory is that the current is less constrained in an amp that uses, say, an 8 amp fuse than source and preamp which typically draw 1 to 3 amps max so the latter benefits more from whatever it is that these fuses do to the AC signal. Kinda like the magnitude of sound character differences often found between top phono sections vs top preamps due to the minute signal involved in the former.Only a theory and no I don’t have a clue how to measure it.
I also find it easy to believe that some find other brands of fuses to better suit their component, system, preferences. My experience is that while the SR products in general can approach sonic magic, they share a tonal lean-ness in the mids that can exacerbate the same tendency in a system. If the system has an over-wrought midrange warmth or tubbiness in the mid-to-lower midrange, the SR stuff is helpful to balance it out. I don’t see the SR Black or Blue fuses doing a lean/bright system any favors musically compared to say HiFi Tuning, Audio Horizons, Beeswax or other proven audio-grade fuses. I truly wish that there was more discussion on the contrast of sound character between brands instead of the intentionally unwinnable and emotional mass media-style arguments regarding their efficacy.
The next big craze should be mixing and matching...
Dave
I also find it easy to believe that some find other brands of fuses to better suit their component, system, preferences. My experience is that while the SR products in general can approach sonic magic, they share a tonal lean-ness in the mids that can exacerbate the same tendency in a system. If the system has an over-wrought midrange warmth or tubbiness in the mid-to-lower midrange, the SR stuff is helpful to balance it out. I don’t see the SR Black or Blue fuses doing a lean/bright system any favors musically compared to say HiFi Tuning, Audio Horizons, Beeswax or other proven audio-grade fuses. I truly wish that there was more discussion on the contrast of sound character between brands instead of the intentionally unwinnable and emotional mass media-style arguments regarding their efficacy.
The next big craze should be mixing and matching...
Dave