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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
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
@georgehifi 

“ By-passing powersupply or voltage rail caps is a good idea, but it’s not a good idea to bypass caps that are in the signal path as they will have different time constants, and smear at frequencies where they are both doing work.
Alway use the best quality "single cap" in the signal path.”

If economical or physically practicable ^^^^ This ^^^^^ Is quite correct

 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,506 posts
 
Adding to the list of builders who do bypass caps in the signal path are deHavilland and Danny over at GR Research. Both are big advocates of bypassing with the right combo in signal positions. I agree 100% based on my builds and mods. It can work very well! It can also go south if not careful.
Certain combinations/brands work great together and some don’t. Only experience and trial and error prove this out. For example, Vcap Odams up to 2.2 uf or so combine wonderfully with Vcap Cutf .01uf caps. Magical combo really. I would not bypass larger cap values of say 12 - 100uf with a .01uf bypass cap. I think here you may get the “nervous” type of sound some refer to. Like most things audio this whole question of bypass caps in the signal path cannot be answered in one broad brush statement of never or always.
yuviarora's avatar
yuviarora
537 posts
 
So just put the Gold Plated OCC Copper Neotech fuse into my DAC.
3 strands .1mm (5x20mm) Filled with SiO2/mineral oil mix.
Early report, the pianos and Cymbals really stand out to me, timbre is like a romantic Jazz club vibe, sweet and full, but not lacking in resolution one bit.
I really like it at first listen, but have to do many A/B tests before I can make any final judgements.

The Fuse not exploding in my face is a win to say the least :)
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noske
783 posts
 
@yuviarora
The Fuse not exploding in my face is a win to say the least :) 


If this is a risk that is known and one which you are prepared to take, what risk then exists to your equipment should things not work as anticipated?  

How much are you prepared to spend on repairs?  I have been reading some reports on equipment being damaged by incorrect application of fuses, that's all.  One report that is perhaps one of the better known rants is that by Roger Modjeski at audiocircle, from quite some years ago now.
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