What’s her number?

@gregtheis -- I just read the initial posts. Since you went up 1A, go up another amp or two. I did that successfully throughout my system with the SR Orange, with only one failure in a preamp when I plugged in ICs for subs (tho they weren't powered up). As you discovered, SR is very aware of the turn-on "rush" problem with some components, but has in effect refused to build their fuses to UL industry standards. Most, but not all, developers over spec their products a few multiples to avoid having lots of warranty returns, given the variety of user situations. Asking is a good idea, because some don't (seems like poor design, but I don't really know). Alternatively, consider Audio Magic's Ultimate Premier fuses, which are built to industry spec and really good -- I've just burned in a couple -- or the even the pricier Quantum Science fuses out of Hong Kong or thereabouts, which have been highly reviewed on What's Best Forum. And keep ignoring the naysayers.

highstream,

Thanks for all the great advice and ideas. It makes sense that the manufacturers over spec to reduce warranty problems.  I will do some more research and try some other quality fuses in the future. That said I really like these purple fuses. Yes I have mostly Orange in both systems but as I replace things I will be trying more of the crazy purple fuses.  Those Audio Magic are the ones with the beeswax I think and they have some QC problems I believe. Never heard of the Quantum Science fuses. Worth a look though. I still can't believe these can make the diffreneces I've been hearing. Like I said before, I love that snake oil!

Greg

Greg, I found this forum & this topic by doing a google on 'do Synergistic fuses really sound better'.  On another forum I no longer frequent I read more than 2 members swearing by them, and since then I have always been interested/tempted.

I recently upgraded from a SLP 90 to a preowned (from Cary) SLP 05 that I had them put "The Ultimate Upgrade" on before they shipped it, and this was the unit I was most interested in re-fusing with Synergistic (especially now, as they are on sale).  What you have discovered about turning on the power supply last is advice I will heed whether I refuse or not, but I do have a question about this:

What direction did you find sounded best on your Cary preamp? I I have the hot end going in from right to left.

Am I missing something?  I believe on mine, the fuses plug into the back of the power supply from back to forward?

And I agree with just about everything you have typed about this "hobby."

Matthew,

I did the SLP 05 Ultimate Upgrade as well, along with the older Tungsten tubes.  Maybe that combo with the fuses is the improvements we are hearing. I was afraid to try different directions on the fuses after the original problems so I never tried reversing them. They are as you say hot end going in right to left. fuse info/writing reads from left to right going in to back of power supply. I'd be interested to heare if anyone has tried them reversed and has any opinion. They sound right to my ears the way they are. 

Greg