Question about suitable fuse metals


I've been wanting to experiment with audiophile fuses for a while but the cost and the concern of blowing one of these costly fuses has kept me from purchasing.  However, I read that solid slugs actually sound better than fuses and cost WAY less, so I purchased a 6" rod of 99.99 copper and, because I wasn't really thinking, also purchased another 6" rod of titanium.  I guess I was thinking of rhodium, palladium, or platinum, not titanium.   I had these cut down to 20mm and, so far have tried them in my amp, a Red Dragon S500, and my DAC, the Bel Canto 2.8, which I run direct without a preamp.   The titanium slug sounds pretty darn good in the DAC, noticeably better than the copper. I tried one in the amp as well and that combo did not work well at all.  The amp is doing better with the copper slug.  I looked up the electrical conductivity of titanium and found it is a rather poor conductor.  Is there any risk to the DAC using the titanium slug, given the poor electrial conductivity?  Thanks for any relevant input.

lcherepkai

The only fuse experimentations I've ever done are:

  1. When having to replace a fuse in my old (modded) Hafler DH220, I replaced the glass fuses with ceramic ones.  Not audiophile fuses, just different material.  I did, in fact, detect a slight difference for the better.  Maybe it was the ceramic, maybe they were just constructed with better materials, but the difference was there.  I have heard similar testimonials from others re: glass vs. ceramic.
  2. I replaced the fuses on the back of my Maggies with sterling silver tube.  I do not blast them at high volume, so am not concerned with damaging the speakers.  Again, I noticed a difference.  The sound, while originally good, seemed to crystallize a bit, if that makes any sense.  If it doesn't............?  🤷‍♂️

All that said, this thread has induced an interest in swapping the silver tubing on the Maggies with copper tubing to see what difference it might make in the sound.  I expect there would be a discernible difference, perhaps adding some warmth?

There is way to get the best of both worlds.  The Swiss digital fuse box uses a variety of solid metal sluggos with a digital fuse box between the wall and device.  This is a relatively new product, but to the best of my knowledge there have been zero problems.  I have 3 in my system-Preamp and 2 mono block amplifiers.  I have noticed a similir sonic improvement and feel reasonably secure that my equipment is protected. There is a money back guarantee if not happy with sonic improvements

orthomead:  I looked at the Swiss digital fuse box.  It would be the best/wisest choice.  Does it require a power cord to the unit and then another running from the fuse box to the component?

 

This question / statement was put forward on another site.  The idea that replacing a fuse with solid metal, allowing unrestricted current which improves the sound, is based on a false premise because most transformer primary windings exhibit much higher resistance than the fuse?  This statement appears to make sense,  and yet people are claiming not just slight improvement,  but really noticeable improvement.   The company appears to be offering a generous return period.  If it's a 100% refund, no questions asked, there's little risk in trying.  As for having to buy additional cables, I would probably just buy two connectors and splice the box into my existing cables, if the product proved to be a keeper. Still not convinced but would be happy to read reports from members who have / do test the Swiss Fuse Box. 

@lcherepkai  Yes, it does.  Mark Schifter can supply a high quality 1 ft cord called a pigtail (or Piggy) which works well with set up.  He also has a variety of high quality metal sluggos that clearly changes the audio presentation.  I've tried all of them.  Also, the swiss digital fuse box can be reused if it is tripped.  Just unplug and plug back in.  Last fuse you will ever need.  And the sluggos are free.  Green flashing diodes indicate when it's ready.  Definitely improves the sound and its more than subtle.  Mark is a gentleman to deal with as well.  He is very transparent and knowledgable, having developed Equi core products.  His email is verifiaudiollc@gmail.com.