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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!

 
128x128reimarc
tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

I’m cool.

This discussion has peeked my interest.  I have purposefully avoided audiophile fuses- up to now.  Maybe it’s these hot summer days.  I ordered some HiFi Tuning fuses for my amps and DAC.  Not too expensive so I guess I’m dipping my toe into the audiophile fuse waters.  They should arrive on Monday.  One thing about this hobby is that it stays interesting as long as I have the money to spend…

One thing I will try is resistance measurements on the fuses cold, RT and hot just to see if they behave differently.  I have only a multimeter so unless the changes are significant the multimeter may not detect a difference.  I might go to just 200 F since who knows for sure what foo foo dust is inside.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

Ask yourself: what if instead of having a fuse, using a large gauge piece of metal? There is some risk, so only for the brave of heart @carlsbad2 @carlsbad style.

 

If risk averse, then try this. You are welcome!

https://verafiaudiollc.com/products/best-audio-products/swiss-digital-fuse-box-52299809

 

tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

Amazon has 99.99% pure copper rod 5mm in diameter for sale. 
Had already thought about it.  Not sure I want to try it. 

macg19
951 posts
 

+1 on the SD fuse box, mine has been in for a week along with the Puron AC conditioner that VeraFi distributes...they work and trying them has zero risk other than shipping fees.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
634 posts
 

@tonywinga Picked up an Amazon 3/8” (5mm) x 12” 99.9 pure copper rod a few days ago. Cut to 20 mm lengths, cleaned them up and took the plunge. Wow is all I have say…every aspect of the music Is improved over my audio fuses. Risk yes but low in my mind.  I have never had a component fuse blow. All components plugged into protected power conditioners.  I Make sure they are only powered up when I am using and I unplug them during any rare power outages as a backup.  Waiting for a higher grade conductivity copper slug to compare with these once it arrives.  🤞🤞 SD fuse box does seem like a nice insurance for more expensive or rare components which doesn’t really apply to me. 🤔

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