fuses - the $39 ones or the 85 cent ones

A friend of mine replaced the in line fuse on his BAT VK31SE with a maget non fuse I lent him..One fuse nothing else,he said it was a dramatic difference, his teenage son agreed. So did his bird who has an open cage and flys about.Seems that when my friend plays his usual course of music that the bird reacts more alertly and with more frequent and louder vocal outbursts. Same music same hifi no more 28 gauge wire connecting a preamp to the local electrical vendor. Whether skin or feathers were worn both were startled by the difference. Tom

So Theaudiotweak, are you saying magnet non fuses are for the birds?

Well I do prefer Coke to Pepsi. Remember the Pepsi challenge from years ago? Even though I have always preferred Coke when I took the challenge I thought the Pepsi was better.

Kind of like listening to a set of super detailed speakers recommended by Stereophile at a dealer. They sound wonderful in the shop. When you get them home you are amazed at how much more you're hearing. After running them in for a few months you realize they're driving you out of the room with harsh treble. Pretty soon you notice you are spending less time listening and don't miss it. Time to list them on Audiogon. Seriously, been there done that.

What about the bird's reaction to magnet fuses?

Room treatments are not a "tweak". Your room/system interface is one of the most important things(actually the biggest component) you can possibly address when setting up. This has always been true whether regarding a home listening room or live music venue, and the first thing I've attended to(professionally, or at home) since the 80's. A lousy system has a better chance of sounding good in a properly sent up venue than an excellent system in a poor one. As far as DBT: What knowledge do have that either of the persons involved have any experience with live music, or any experience/training with regards to critical listening? Why would I give any credence to a report from someone that may never listen to actual music, or have any idea of what it sounds like(ala Julian Hirsch)?The fuses we are supposed to be discussing in this thread have never been recommended for replacing those in speakers(as far as I've read). Therefore- I'd have to ignore any remarks as to whether they are efficacious in that capacity. They are designed to provide the greatest benefit when placed in the power supply(AC input or DC rails). In these circuits, I've found the Hi-Fi Tuning fuses to increase the "organics" of my system's reproduction. IE: Vocals sound more human, I can perceive the wood resonance in double bass, piano and drum better. the air column in a closely mic'd sax is audible(the list could go on). To me the realism gained by installing the fuses is well worth the price of admission.