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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
4,229 posts
 
+1 hifiman5 .   he seemed clear that he loved the sound of the more expensive fuses, but as a manufacturer preferred to leave the fuse decision to the owner, though he does not use standard fuses.  I do not own/use aftermarket fuses, have never heard them...
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
What is even more astonishing is that he did not immediately start using those German HiFi Tuning fuses in his own amps. I mean, what do you have to do, hit someone over the head? The name of which, HiFi Tuning, he could not even remember in the video. Give me a break! Note: HiFi Tuning fuses are not (rpt not) particularly expensive, you know, as far as aftermarket fuses go. What are they going for these days, 20 bucks? Whatever.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,836 posts
 
@geoffkait  If I remember correctly, I believe Paul indicated that no matter what fuse he incorporates into his designs, there will be audiophiles who will replace them with their own more exotic parts. He already pays attention to the impact that fuses/circuit breakers have in his various designs.  

One thing that Paul does that I admire is, whenever possible, Not promoting PS products in his videos.  He Does include interesting anecdotes in answering questions from his long-time involvement in audio design.  A good guy.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,226 posts
 
 @mapman ,
He said the audiophile fuse made a noticeable improvement but he uses only the better made than standard ceramic fuses. 

And yes, it has been asserted that not all fuses are the same but I don't recall any naysayer saying that, but rather the ones who've tried them. 

All the best,
Nonoise



mapman's avatar
mapman
22,969 posts
 
No good engineer would use a fuse or any component that does not provide enough certified information to help assure its proper application since the main purpose of a fuse is not to make things sound better but rather to reliably save devices from damage.

Again people who are focused solely on how fuses "sound" miss the main points.

Its also possible in the case where the PS audio guy heard a difference that replacing and freshly seating a new fuse alone is what made the difference. That was not addressed. Almarg and others have repeatedly pointed out the things that might make a fuse change sound better other than the fuses used themselves.
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