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!

 
128x128reimarc

" But the sciences that are more theoretical, astrophysics, anthropolgy, etc are built on a fragile system of suppositions and yet people build a belief system around these theories as a way to find comfort in their existence."

I also don’t understand this statement. I think the exact opposite to be true.

People find comfort in their existence by building a belief system around religion, not scientific theories.

The science is psychoacoustics.

Look up the video of TAS’s tour of Synergistic Research. Note at no point in the video do they even allude to SR having an R&D lab in the building. 

Exactly.  People turn scientific theories into a religion.  Everyone wants to believe in something.  Hey, if you can look me in the eye and tell me you believe in the guy with a machine that goes “ping” then good for you.  I not disputing your beliefs.  

I am not a scientist.  I have been in audio 50+ years and have  $100k+ system.  A couple of years ago I purchased an “audiophile” fuse for my VTL power amp.  Did not notice one bit of sound improvement

@lourdes 

Did not notice one bit of sound improvement

This has been my experience, however the swiss digital fuse box was a different story.