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.
greg7
I'd like to try some Isocleans or HiFi Tunings ... but I need a 12.5A fuse for my amp (5x20mm) and seem to be out of luck. An Isoclean supplier wrote to say that Isoclean would soon offer a 12A at 5.20mm (slow-blow), but the amp manufacturer can't seem to tell me if it would be okay to use the 12A.

Suggestions or similar experience?
I looked at the list of fuses HiFi Tuning makes(the little paper that came with fuses I odrdered) and there is no N/A next to a 12.5A fuse. So give cable company a call to verify they make this fuse. (800)fatwyre
good luck
Geoffkait, you are welcome.

Now here is a simple explanation from Isoclean itself of why replacement every now and then is necessary. I quote this from an audio article written by an oriental reviewer living in Seattle. I can actually read their language and translate them for you. There are of course sematic differences which cannot be 100% translated so bear with me.

"Because of the few samples on hand, I haven't directly compare AHP against Isoclean, but both are effective. According to the properitor Mr. So of Isoclean, their fuse have limited life, and even if not bow up, overtime the sonics with degrade, the primary reason being that the thin conductor core within cannot withstand overtime the micro heating from prolonged passing of current; or the instaneous heating up upon switching on of the equipment will cause change in the thin conductor core, resulting in the fuse losing its initial glamour and softening in sonics. Based on my observation over the months, the effect described is in fact true. Looks like we have to replace our fuse from time to time to keep up with the sonics".
This is the wording of the above that I have from IsoClean. "Fuses always carry high electric current thereby causing metal fatigue. This would then adversely alter the conductivity behavior of the fuse element and hence the performance of the equipment." Notice that there is no suggestion that this is limited to IsoClean fuses. I think Greeni that for some reason, you have a vendetta against IsoClean. Why, because they cost less than HiFi Tuning fuses?
Tbg,
Note that I was quoting the article to address the question raised by JD, i.e., "What I would like to have discussed is the fact that Isoclean claims you will need to replace their fuse every six months due to degradation of the fuse". Nowhere did I mention that this situation is limited to Isoclean. And indeed Isoclean made public such situation, even if the Gon' members have a problem with that. I was only offering an explanation given, one that is not commonly available to Gon’ members. The explanation from yours may be better, but I do find they share a common theme.

I thought we are over with Isoclean versus HF Tuning. Really you don’t have to seize every opportunity to find fault with my posting. If I have a vendetta against Isoclean, I have already declared above that I find their practice bordering on dishonesty. Faking a product several hierarchy above what they really are smell dishonesty to me. Pricing a Honda as Mercedes to unaware customers smell dishonesty to me. Here my friend is the lyrics from a song from Billy Joe : “Honesty is such a lonely word……..Honesty is hardly ever heard…..most I need from you.” Call me cynical but I don’t think the Gon’ members are interested in my moral standard, and that doen’t affect the explanation offered in the article in anyway. You have a problem with that ? Drop me a PM and we can discuss this topic.