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Fuses

I’ve read of views on whether amp fuses impart any sound quality or coloring. I had a recent experience that has made me re-think my views (fuses do not affect sound) and wondered if others had a similar experience. 
I have a Line Magnetic integrated amp. After heavy regular use for over 5 years, one day it just wouldn’t power up. After checking the power supply, I assumed it must be a blown fuse. I recalled that Line Magnetic sent with the amp two replacement fuses of the same type/quality that was pre-installed. I dug out one of them from storage, replaced the fuse and the amp powered up normally. 

What surprised and delighted me was the change in sound with the replacement fuse. Fuller bass, more detail and more warmth. I have rolled the tubes several times in the amp, and am attuned to the subtle changes that can make. Popping in a fresh fuse seems to have had a similar affect. And these appear to be cheap fuses, available for a few dollars at most. I don’t think I understand any of this. 
bmcbrad
yuviarora's avatar
yuviarora
537 posts
 
@mitch2 https://www.powerstream.com/wire-fusing-currents.htm

Solid copper has specific Wire Fusing Current ratings in air.
So I am doing basic calculations to figure out what the rating of my fuses would be and adding on another 10% based on the SiO2/Mineral oil mix I am using inside the cylinder for filament heat management and dampening.

I am all for going DIY, 250 dollars for a fuse is kind of outrageous, multiply that by 10 for the total number of fuses used in my system, and that adds up very very quickly.
I should have the wire this week, and will make sure to report back on how it all goes.
rsf507
2,309 posts
 
"250 dollars for a fuse is kind of outrageous,..." 
Totally agree people that buy into this to me is just ridiculous YMMV. And yes I've experienced many fuses and can hear a change in sound but it's a change not better just different.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
"250 dollars for a fuse is kind of outrageous,..."


Ditto, it’s fuse wire, if not then it’s a hoax and could be dangerouse, all that's needed, is to make sure the fuse and holder are in good condition.

AGEING FUSE MAINTENANCE:
1: “Just re-new your fuse with the same amperage if it’s old and has seen many turn on cycles, with a quality one like Bussman or Littlefuse.

2: And clean the cradle fuse contacts and maybe squeeze them in a little for a tighter fit. And definitely don’t be sucked into any $$$ boutique hifi fuses

3: Just change the fuse if old for a quality brand EE industry standard 50c fuse, as fuses (even the $$$ boutique ones) also age after many turn on cycle surges.”
4: And there is definitely no such thing as direction with an AC mains fuse.

This is what happens to all fuses, even the $$$ ones, when the’ve seen many turn on cycles

Same quick blow fuse ageing https://ibb.co/SyyVR6P

Same slow blow fuse ageing https://ibb.co/hKNfZ8r

Cheers George
yuviarora's avatar
yuviarora
537 posts
 
I have found fuses to be directional, wrongly installed fuses can sound etched and tilted up in the treble (I didn’t find directionality in cheap glass fuses for whatever reason).
The metals used to build the end caps and filament make an audible difference in the timbre of instruments and voices, to where I can pick them out very reliably in A/B tests.

The filament Dampening has the biggest influence on the resolution of the fuse. I have tried two of the same fuses, back to back, one that is in it’s stock form (filled with sand) and another filled with the SiO2 oil mixture, and they sound nothing alike. The fuse with the mix has a higher resolution, lower distortion, and has micro details that create an audio image with a bigger deeper soundstage. It’s not a small difference by any means.

I don’t think you need exotic waxes or other super tunneling treatments to make a fuse sound better, you can get the same results with a little bit of at home experimentation.





georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Many of you don’t know what a fuse does.

The AC mains fuse is supplying mains voltage to a transformer, which then supplies lower AC voltage to the AC to DC recifcation diodes, this DC is then is sent to the voltage storage capacitor banks. And the amplifer then draws it’s DC power to work with from that storage bank of capacitors, which if designed right don’t ever run out of storage.

EG: Try to look at it this way.
Your using you home water tap (amplifer) from a dam (Capacitor storage banks) of water which never runs dry.
Your home tap does’nt give a ratz, if the clouds that supply the rain to the river that fills the dam, is raining or not, so long as the dam has water in it, the tap is doing it’s best an happy.

Cheers George
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