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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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jeffrey125
282 posts
 

Remember kids electricity kills.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,712 posts
 

Has anyone tried using a 22 long as a fuse?  How did it sound? Did you get a bang out of the improvement?

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,712 posts
 

@tonywinga 

Maybe you didn’t leave the slugs in long enough to break in properly.😁

tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

A .22 caliber slug would almost fit actually. Just a little bit too big. Still, not sure I would use one even in a pinch.

When I was a kid I remember people putting pennies in their fuse boxes- back in the day when homes had fuse boxes with screw in fuses. You know, when pennies were still made of copper.  What I always wondered was who was stupid enough to push that penny into the socket with their finger. Sure, its all good as long as you are not touching ground with the other hand.

I have hunkered down for the hurricane. System is shut down cold and unplugged. Expect heavy rain, flooding and high winds so no fuse related listening tests today. Sending this now before we lose power.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,379 posts
 

@tonywinga ,

Where abouts are you down there?

Poor little Cedar Key is getting it good, but it looks like one of my favorite places, Apalachicola, is going to get spared. Might get a little dicey for Sopchoppy and Carrabelle, though. Hope you ride it out safely!

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