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What is the science behind audiophile fuses?

There were many threads on the topic of "audiophile fuses" on this forum, and I sure don't want to open old wounds and trench warfare. The fuse on my preamp blew suddenly two days ago, which prompted me to search for a replacement. That's when I came across the term "audiophile fuse" and the fact that they demand far-out prices. Deeper curiosity brought me to several other fora, where users posted glowing praises about their Zero fuses and other exotica. Now I am a scientist, but not a physicist or electrical engineer: so please enlighten me! How can a fuse have an audible influence on the signal, when the signal does not even pass through it? How can a fuse be "directional" when it deals with alternate current? I mean, if I recall my university physics, a fuse is basically a safety valve and nothing more. Am I completely missing an important point here? My scientific field is drug discovery, and because of this background I am thoroughly familiar with the power and reality of the placebo effect. I that's what I am seeing here, or is it real physics? I need objective facts and not opinions, please. I really appreciate your help!

 
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noromance's avatar
noromance
9,465 posts
 

Apparently, MC hauled his entire rig to a show, to um, show it off.

Stereophile

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,465 posts
 

Here's a fun trick. Wrap a few turns of masking tape or PTFE tape around the glass part of a fuse making sure not to touch the end caps. Leave say, a 1mm space. 

Do a before and after test. 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,213 posts
 

They come in nicer boxes than standard fuses. Not sure how they improved my sound. However not super expensive considering the cost of everything else. But if I was on an audio budget I would definitely pass. 

johnfritter
62 posts
 

@noromance If you are referring to the Pacific show in Seattle. He was there I am not sure if it was his rig or not. I do remember not wanting to stay in the room tho. It did not sound good at all. Honestly I don't think there was any attempt to display the system. I am honestly not sure what the point of his room was.

I spent the weekend at that show and went back into most rooms a couple times as some switched up the gear. Not his tho it was almost creepy and I'm not sure why. I was actually interested in talking to him a bit, before I went in his room.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,866 posts
 

It’s pretty easy a buzz 🐝 fuse is a steel zinc combo around 17 on the metals conductivity index.  Copper , silver are in the 63 , look up metal conductivity index .

some are using super conductive treatments, That help like Graphene. 
they do make a difference , but synergistic $600 fuse is very good I am told to put 1 in the chain ,but I am not will to send that ,I can get it Get it for $500 but still too much . I do use the Synergistic purple, ad Hifi tuning Copper  fuse .

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