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
"replace their fuse" "Nowhere did I mention that this situation is limited to Isoclean" Huh!
As i've mentioned in other threads, simply pulling and replacing fuses can improve conductivity. This is due to breaking up corrosion and making fresh metal to metal connections. Whether or not this is audible would depend on how corroded those contacts were.

Other than that, maybe Isoclean has found that the corrosion takes appr 6 months to build up to the point of measurable degradation, hence recommending this as the interval to replace their fuses. Replacing the fuse at this point "might" achieve the same results as simply cleaning the contacts on the old fuse and replacing it.

One approach is obviously a lot cheaper than the other whereas the manufacturer stands to profit from the other. Use your own judgment and go from there. Those with the Isoclean's and / or HiFi Tuning fuses aren't the only folks that can try this either : ) Sean
"replace their fuse" "Nowhere did I mention that this situation is limited to Isoclean"

If you care to look closer, the writer of the article actually wrote "replace our fuse". To quote in full, "Looks like we have to replace our fuse from time to time to keep up with the sonics". I think the writer was referring in a general sense to most fuses and not specific, but I won't make it out of proportion one way or the other. Tbg, why the Freudian slip ? Take care.
So if I read all this right, the fuse replacement is more a sales ploy than a fact. The sound will improve by replacing the fuses at around six months, but this would be true in any situation because of corrosive buildup on the fuse and or the holders. Cleaning the fuse every time I change my clock with day light savings will solve this issue.

I tend to not agree with the fuse degradation or my 35 year old Marantz tuner would have surely died by now. Or Grandpa's '50 Scott amps would would certainly have died. No the fuse I believe will not degrade to a point of needing replacement or we would see this problem more often.

I do think fuses matter however, I just don't buy Isocleans comments. This type of comment tends to make me shy away from them as a company, for they can not be fully trusted???

Jade
Jadem6, you read the thread wrong in my opinion. There is no question that there are multiple replacement fuses that are superior to what you normally get in electronic. I have replaced fuses in 9 components thus far. Some are dramatically improved; others are less improved.

Fuse direction with all fuses often makes a great difference. IsoClean marks their fuses direction and thus far I have found them right.

All fuses get brittle with turn on surge. I have never tried replacing fuses just to see whether or not I got a sonic improvement doing so. Your expeience with a fuse lasting 35 years on your tuner may not invalidate this as you have not replace it to see whether sonics improve.

I do not know whether the IsoClean comments have validity or not, but I have much experience to suggest that their fuses offer a great improvement. I have been using some of their fuses for well over a year now with no problems. I guess I could try replacing them to see whether sonics improve, but I probably will not. I am still struggling with which products best clean cds and sacds. I have resolved to my satisfaction what is the best vinyl cleaner.