NEW PROTOTYPE FUSES COMING >>>


I’ve been asked to evaluate/beta test some new fuses that will be coming out soon. I should have them as soon as this coming Saturday.

At this point:

1. I cannot reveal the name of the manufacturer of the fuses.
2. I do not know what the retail price will be.
3. I do not know what the name of the fuse will be.

For comparison purposes, I have a full complement of SR Orange fuses that can be used throughout the system. I have one QSA Yellow fuse now being used in my ARC-PH8 phono stage, with another one to arrive soon to be used in my ARC REF-75se.

I’ll be comparing the SR Orange fuses, and the QSA fuses, with the new prototype fuses. I’ll also be using the ears of three of my well-seasoned audiophile friends, as well as my own to make the evaluations. These guys are all truth-tellers that I have full confidence in.

According to the manufacturer, these new fuses are real game-changers, so stay tuned.

Frank
128x128oregonpapa
pauly ...

Thanks for the questions.

1. Yes, they are in the same performance range as the QSA Yellow fuses. I now have three of the prototype fuses to play with, and two of the QSA Yellow fuses as well. Overall, I’d say that both fuses are a revelation in the fused world, but overall, I am preferring the prototype fuses by quite a margin.

2. When I say tube-like, I’m not referring to that old-time tube gear sound. I’m talking about the more neutral sound of modern tube gear like Audio Research. It just seems more life-like in the area of a three-dimensional presentation like tubes do. The QSA does a nice job of fleshing out the details as good solid-state gear does. But the prototype fuses are no slouch in the detail department either ... just in a more relaxed way.

I took a date to a musical at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion in Los Angeles one evening. We were early. There was a jazz quartet playing in the foyer. Bass, drums, keyboard, and soprano sax. We had about 45 minutes to listen before we had to enter the auditorium. What struck me the most was how relaxed that live, unamplified jazz combo sounded. I kept closing my eyes and comparing what I was hearing to my stereo rig at home. No contest. Real, live music is relaxed. It is detailed, has beautiful tonal structures, and is again relaxed. THAT is what I am getting from these prototype fuses. Not so much from the QSA Yellows.

3. Which fuse is better for tube or solid-state gear? I’d say it would be a matter of taste. As you can see from the above ... I’ve made my choice.

4. On price >>> I’ve made my humble opinion known to the manufacturer on a couple of occasions. If they stick to that, they will be VERY competitively priced. Once the word gets out, I think they will sell like hotcakes. What audiophile in his/her right mind wouldn’t want this?

On a side note, one of my audiophile friends came over last night for another listen. He’s the one that I did the first a/b/a/b/a/b comparisons of the two fuses with. His comment last night was ... "Frank, I actually think these prototypes are doing as much for the system as your Perfect Path Technologies "Gate."

So, I can’t say it any better than that. Take care ...

Frank
"Frank, I actually think these prototypes are doing as much for the system as your Perfect Path Technologies "Gate."
Impressive!
@oregonpapa 

Thanks for your response and apologies for the disgusting grammar - not sure what happened but I think I should not post from my phone anymore!

I also use tube gear and found when correctly implemented tubes to be exceptionally accurate and natural to an extent that I have not heard from solid state. I just wanted to confirm what you meant by tube sound. Your description of the fuse sounds interesting - something worth having a look at. 
Please keep us posted as to when they will be released. 
Thanks


Frank,
+1 for:
"The only reason ... and I mean the ONLY reason I go through all of this is to GET ME CLOSER TO THE MUSIC, THE ARTISTS PLAYING IT, AND THE INSTRUMENTS THEY ARE USING TO PLAY IT."

That has been my experience as well. Nicely stated! 
PS: I listened until 1:30 in the morning, and believe it or not, nothing caught on fire. :-)
Concrete proof that miracles do indeed occur………

Loving your journey Frank, enjoying the trip.