Certain things (at least at this point) cannot be measured in order to provide data that can be interpreted by independent observers demonstrating ironclad proof of an effect or lack thereof. It doesn't mean there is no effect. A foolproof test simply does not currently exist. At this point, I think that is the state of fuses. Having said that, there is no doubt in my mind that different fuses have a palpable effect on my system. Starting with Oregonpapa, my journey began. It is super apparent with the swiss digital fuse box. There are copper, brass, and gold infused sluggos, each with a distinct sonic footprint. These are easily exchanged and the difference is very obvious.
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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Unless we dissect then do a chemical analysis, we’ll never know the secret sauce to blow correctly AND sound better. I suspect a lot of trial with listening scrutiny before the fuses were brought to market. With SR fuses, and much steeper priced QSA fuses, I considering the Swiss Digital Fuse Box mentioned by a forum member |
@orthomead , is this your learned opinion or are you spit-balling? I think there are several ways to provide pretty ironclad proof. Not only several ways but they are not even very hard. One does wonder why they are not done.
When audio stores were prevalent I don't remember anyone even discussing fuses. |
Don't be so pedantic. Nearly every topic on these forums are assaulted by naysayers who refuse to believe any value is gained in higher end hifi let alone the clever and often times inexpensive tweaks and tricks of the trade- based on no experience. What I am also saying is that people may sometimes be comparing two equivalent products thinking that one should be superior to the other because it cost 10% or 20% more. For example, they might test drive a Ford and a Chevy and like one over the other. But no one is going to compare a Ford to a Lamborghini, for example or claim that the Rabbit GTI is a giant killer. The Rabbit GTI is a great car in its own right but not the same class as a Lambo. I learned this years ago with phono cartridges. I wore out a Koetsu Black phono cartridge. I enjoyed it very much. I bought a new "giant killer" cartridge for a few hundred dollars. It sounded good but it was not in the same league at all as the Koetsu. I quickly moved on to a much better phono cartridge. Yes, high end hifi gets into the subtleties and nuances of music reproduction. Most don't hear it and don't care. Some people look at a painting and are moved in a profound way. I spent about a minute gazing at the Mona Lisa and moved on. (Hey, her eyes do follow me. Cool.) |
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