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!
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
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@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. 🤔 |
@thyname thanks for the shout out as the original "we don't need no stinking fuses" guy. I have tested the Swiss Digital Fuse Box and recommend it over any fuse. My impression was that it wasn't as good as the "large gauge piece of metal" (high conductivity copper) but not a lot of difference. If you feel you need/want electrical protection, I recommend the SDFB. I think some people are confused about the configuration of the SDFB. It provides better protection than a fuse. Generally a magnetic current monitoring circuit will trip much faster than a slow blo fuse. Of course we've all had experience where a compoent failed and the fuse didn't protect it. that's just the nature of electronics the fuse protects against upstream disturbances more than downstream failures. Jerry |
