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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
inpep, so your first statement was not sufficiently qualified.

Certainly you would not jump to the conclusion that since you can hear no differences with fuses that no one can actually hear differences. I know the lame argument that they are subject to perceptual bias and you are not, which itself is curious.

I guess this has evolved into an argument between educators.

Norm
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Inpepin - The objects fall with the same acceleration, not speed, professor. And the name is Galileo.

GK
willster
66 posts
 
Since this is turning into a pissing match, I think I'll drop out. By the way, I don't participate in forums such as these so that I can be "educated" by those who think they know it all. I am here for sharing ideas peer to peer in a friendly manner.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Willster, I don't see this thread as you do. There will always be people who do not hear the benefits of better fuses or off the direction of the fuse. There will also be differences of opinion about the best fuses. That is part of the hobby. I think you will find little consensus on anything discussed here. I am sure that Inpepin and I don't view each other as scumbags or ourselves as all knowing.
inpepinnovations
134 posts
 
Agreed, Tbg! And we have discussed this before. Also, yes just because I don't hear a difference, I would not jump to the conclusion that there is no difference to be heard. My problem is with the explanation or lack of explanation to account for the fact that others do hear a difference, when it is well known that subjective evidence (use of senses)is subject (pun intended) to error.

Willster, one learns nothing if there is no discourse or discussion or differences. I am always suspicious of unanimity in subjective issues, such as sound as perceived by humans. This is how myths are born and people led astray.

Geoffkait, I mind less spelling errors than errors in math. If objects fall at the same acceleration, they are also travelling at the same speed, acceleration being the first derivative of velocity or speed.

Respectfully,

Bob P.
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