Spectron amplifier - new black faceplate?

Hello Boris,

Actually you are correct. About 8 months ago, I helped to introduce, in Spectron amps, ceramic silver Audio Acme internal (rail) fuses because four-five HiFi Tuning were way too expensive and people who wanted them could upgrade their amplifiers by themselves.

A few days ago, I have learned that Spectron Production found that Acme Audio fuses fail a lot and they started to use regular (like in Radio Shack) fuses.

While I don;t know if you replaced four ceramic ACME Audio fuses or regular ones - for the owners of recent Musician III Mk2 or Hybrids Mk2 I would definetely recommend that you did - exchange their rail fuses for HiFi Tuning Fuses. The main fuse is HiFiTuning Fuse.

Let me remind that you if you go for this upgrade then you need Fast Blow, 10-12 Amp, 32 mm fuses and Cable Company (salesperson is John Pharo) is giving Spectron discounts.

Thank you again Boris for drawing my attention to this matter.

Simon

I just checked my Spectron main fuses in my 2 amps and they were Hi-Fi Tuning, but to my horror one of the fuses had "leaked" the internal damping material into the fuse holder - it was a sorry mess to clean up. At first, I thought maybe a cap had leaked, but it was just the fuse. The fuse was obviously still working and until I replace it I assume the fuse itself is OK, just the ceramic damping oozed out.

I am moving to Furutech and I recommend all Spectron owners to check their amp(s)

Steve

Before upgrading were both Spectrons equipped with regular fuses and after upgrading they come with 15A ceramic internal fuses! So, I replaced ceramic fuses for HiFI Tuning’s Fast Blow 10A. I can only hope the between 10A and 15A is not any huge sonic difference.

Regarding HiFi tuning fuses, I newer found any failure or quality issue despite that my system benefit from total of 30 pieces.

Regards, Boris

Hello RadicalSteve,

There is no leakage. It is E-SST silver suspention for better conductivity. Perhaps, production gave it a bit too much... its fine.

Hello Boris,

So you comparison was between HiFi Tuning rail fuses and ACME Audio (also ceramic) fuses?

Thank you - very interesting results.

Simon

Review of the Spectron amp over at Stereomojo, http://www.stereomojo.com/Spectron%20MusicianIII%20SE%20Mk2%20review.htm/SpectronMusicianIIISEMk2review.htm

My own personal experience is that the Spectron needs 1000 hours of playing before its' full potential is reached. It is a pretty good review but at 300 hours the amp was not near to being broken in.