We Need A Separate Forum for Fuses

Geoffkait 3-18-2018
But when we talk about fuse directionality we’re referring to the idea that the fuse sounds better when the fuse is inserted in one direction rather than the other. A fuse in an AC circuit is directional because what you hear in terms of sound depends only on the signal during the alternating cycle when it is traveling toward the speakers from the amp or to the amp from the wall, whatever. You don’t care what the signal sounds like when it’s traveling back toward the wall outlet. That’s why fuses in AC circuits are directional.

Geoff, you've stated this explanation a number of times in various threads. However with all due respect **even if** fuses are somehow inherently directional in AC circuits to an audibly significant degree I would be surprised if there were a single competent and experienced electronics designer in the known universe who would agree with this explanation.

In the case of a mains fuse, when AC current is moving toward the component in the "hot" conductor it is moving away from the component in the "neutral" conductor. And vice versa. So it is moving both toward and away from the component at all times. And a mains fuse is in series with the current in the neutral conductor as well as being in series with the current in the hot conductor, via the primary winding of the power transformer.

And simultaneously, as I'm sure you will agree, energy is being transferred unidirectionally, toward the component at all times, in the form of an electromagnetic wave comprised of photons that is distinct from although intimately related to the AC current.

Similar considerations apply in the case of a speaker fuse, the relevant difference simply involving terminology (the two conductors usually being referred to as positive and negative rather than as hot and neutral).

I will have no further comment on this matter.

Regards,
-- Al
 

Fuse directionality is a quagmire; it is of little use arguing it here. There is no advantage to discussing it and it only muddies the conversation. It only offends the sensibility of skeptics. The question will not be settled by discussion of directionality. I'm sure some will disagree, but imo you're wasting your time arguing it with those who don't even accept aftermarket fuses. It's similar to claimed directionality of cables. You largely waste your time debating it with someone who doesn't even think aftermarket cables are significant. 

Al, comment accepted without comment.

My 2 cents, getting back to the general topic....  I'm always interested in the technical aspects of equipment, but ultimately I listen with my ears.  I became interested in fuse upgrades for the same reason that "Elizabeth" stated in her earlier post.  I have a pair of Magnepan 1.7s that have a fuse in each speaker for the midrange/tweeter.  I've always been concerned about the effect of the speaker vibrations on these cheap, generic fuses. I've spent a substantial amount of money on good quality cables, etc. to get the signal intact to my speakers.  To then have the signal go through a cheap, thin (vibrating?) fuse wire just prior to getting to the driver made no sense to me.... I was hoping to find a fuse that would at least provide some dampening for the actual fuse wire.  I purchased a pair of Synergistic Research Black fuses when they were first released.  I was hoping that they would improve the upper frequencies of my Maggies (e.g. less distortion, grains, etc.).  Although they did have a minimal sonic affect on the upper frequencies, to my surprise the greater effect was in the BASS. It became more prominent, with better pitch definition. This kinda blew my mind, as it was not at all what I had anticipated.  All that I can assume is that the level of distortion in the mids/highs was decreased to the point that the bass was allowed to come through more readily.  In any case, it was obvious to me that there was a sonic change, especially since that sonic change was not at all what I had expected.

No longer being a skeptic about fuses, I decided to swap some in my electronics with SR red fuses.  I started with the main power fuse in my Rogue Sphinx integrated amp.  Improvements in noise floor and dynamics were immediately apparent.  So then I replaced the other 2 internal fuses in the amp with the same fuses.  No real  obvious benefit.  Just my wallet was a bit lighter....

I replaced the fuses in my Simaudio Moon CD transport/DAC with Hi-Fi Tuning fuses, as I'd read a user review recommending them for this unit. This did have some minimal, but still obvious benefits in terms of noise floor and dynamics (similar to the effects of the main power fuse in my amp).  

I know what my ears tell me, especially when it comes to long-term listening in a system I'm intimately familiar with and with recordings that I normally use as references.  Fuses can certainly make a difference, but apparently to varying degrees depending upon the component and the synergy of the system.  If you don't personally hear these differences, that's great and you've just saved yourself some money.  However, I wouldn't dismiss the fact that other listeners may benefit from fuse upgrades in their own systems.  Cheers all!