I've had equal success with the German HiFi Tuning fuses, which I'm using only because I found them easier to find and buy than the Isocleans. I wouldn't have believed it -- although there is indeed a certain logic to the idea -- but they really work. On the other hand, I found that I could get at least half-way there by removing the existing fuses, cleaning/polishing the contact points (and on the fuseholder too) with Flitz and Caig Pro Gold, and then using Walker SST on them. A good cheap fix if you already have the stuff, as I did. Dave
Isoclean fuses: definitely worth it
I just installed Isoclean fuses in my Naim CD5x and Nait5i. I sort of felt like I was going to the fringe by installing these but keep in mind they are right in the AC path so it made sense to me after installing a dedicated line and an "audiophile grade" AC receptacle.
I tried Buss ceramic fuses beforehand and they were just slightly better than stock.
The Isocleans, however, definitely provided a noticeable improvement over stock or Buss ceramics. In a nutshell: smoother treble, a touch more overall resolution (especially in the mids and treble) and elimination of a bit of grain and veiling. Polarity does matter. I checked a few times to verify but arrow down for my equipment was more natural (less bright) than arrow up. You may prefer the other polarity, of course. Note that they didn't affect rhythm as many products do (especially a lot of isolation devices) nor did they add any brightness (at least in the polarity I prefer).
They're not cheap for what they are ($25 per fuse) but the improvement was definitely worth $50 total investment to me.
I tried Buss ceramic fuses beforehand and they were just slightly better than stock.
The Isocleans, however, definitely provided a noticeable improvement over stock or Buss ceramics. In a nutshell: smoother treble, a touch more overall resolution (especially in the mids and treble) and elimination of a bit of grain and veiling. Polarity does matter. I checked a few times to verify but arrow down for my equipment was more natural (less bright) than arrow up. You may prefer the other polarity, of course. Note that they didn't affect rhythm as many products do (especially a lot of isolation devices) nor did they add any brightness (at least in the polarity I prefer).
They're not cheap for what they are ($25 per fuse) but the improvement was definitely worth $50 total investment to me.
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I'm a believer in fuse quality impacting the sonics and discovered an all silver fuse (wire and end caps) that provide greater performance in all areas vs. isoclean. Noticeable improvements in overall speed, transparency, purity, resolution and imaging precision. I have not tried the German ceramic fuses yet. Jim Ricketts/tmh audio http://www.tmhaudio.com |
Greg, interesting that you mentioned the elimination of a bit of grain or veiling as those were just a few of the benefits I experienced as well with the IsoClean fuses on the inside rails (4 of them) of my old amp after about 48 hours of burn-in. Furutech also makes an all silver Rhodium-plated cryo-treated slow blow fuse. I haven't tried them use but since I just became a Furutech dealer I will shortly. -IMO |
- 63 posts total