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Audio Research and Acme Audio Labs fuse

I’m toying with the idea of going down the rabbit hole of upgraded fuses.  Looking over the usual contenders I stumbled across Acme Audio Labs. Their philosophy of best bang for the buck certainly appeals to my wallet (@$20 a fuse).  One caveat, however, is they warn that their fuses aren’t for all components.  Specifically gear with “no inrush protection“ will cause their fuse to blow prematurely.  So my question to those reading this: 1) Any experience with Acme Audio Lab fuses, 2) do they “play well” with ARC, and 3) does ARC gear typically have inrush protection?  I’ll be experimenting with the fuses of a LS 27, PH 7, and a pair of VT 150 mono amps.




cmcdaniel5
sgordon1
462 posts
 
At $20 per fuse, isn't the risk/reward ratio in your favor?

What is the worst thing that could happen?  Fuse blows and
is replaced.
What is the best outcome you could experience?  Great sound
and enhanced musical enjoyment.

Try the fuses or don't try the fuses...
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
What is the worst thing that could happen? Fuse blows and
is replaced.


is that really the worst that can happen???  ... says the chicken as it crosses the road
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,646 posts
 
Yes the fuse, IEC and AC wire are all part of the power supply. Yes the power cord is part of the power supply. The quality of incoming AC impacts the sound and is indeed part of the signal path. If you don’t think so, then try playing music without these parts in place.


Based on the Acme Fuse verbiage I would buy the QSA Light Blue fuse from the Tweak Geek. They are $70. You will hear a nice sound quality improvement. Use the same value as the one in there now. If you don’t hear the sound improvement after a week or so, then just return it for a refund 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,327 posts
 
So QSA makes a dual-element, time-delay version?
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,392 posts
 
Myself and friends  tested fuses, cheap buzz fuses ,including Acme fuses can vary up to 15+% of the rated value ,premium fuses much more accurate within 1-2%  , I use slightly bigger 
under 1/4 amp difference in a premium fuse at most 
Time fuses have less chance of blowing on start up .
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