Audiophile Fuses

[spiritofmusic]

It looks like I bought my lorry load of Blacks just as the Blues are about to be released.
However, I'm not too bothered.
I bought 19 in the end, and in effect the Blacks are half the price the Blues are w VH discount.
First impressions w the Blacks in the cdp and Zu subs are fantastic, the Zu fuses clearing some bass bloat and allowing the highs to emerge more, in the cdp adds a whole lot to texture and palpability.
A great balance and absolutely worth the price of admission.
I missed out on NCF sockets in the same way, but I'm not losing any sleep.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I am glad you did not suggest we do any A/B comparisons on fuses.

 

[Speedskater]

While A/B comparisons or AB/X tests would be challenging, DIY blind tests all by yourself are easy. That's because you can insert a fuse without looking. Place three different brands of fuse in a hat. Install one without looking, do your listening test and write down the results. Put that fuse back in the hat and repeat. With 3 fuses you need a minimum of 4 tests.

 

[awsmone]

While A/B comparisons or AB/X tests would be challenging, DIY blind tests all by yourself are easy. That's because you can insert a fuse without looking. Place three different brands of fuse in a hat. Install one without looking, do your listening test and write down the results. Put that fuse back in the hat and repeat. With 3 fuses you need a minimum of 4 tests.

Make it more interesting
Have two packets one has three fuses all the same the other different
Place three in hat and test repeat with other three

This actually tests whether your perceived differences are perceived or possible something else

Of course some will argue the fuses that were supposedly the same are different

 

[spiritofmusic]

Hmm, last time I didn't look properly I trashed my amp, and needed a minor op on my leg.
I'll pass LOL

 

[spiritofmusic]

SR Blacks now in the NATs SET monos
So, fuses in the Zu subs opened up high end energy.
Fuses in the cdp enhanced mids texture.
And now fuses in the monos are solidifying bass heft and tonal color across the spectrum.
---
I really was skeptical that too much would improve w the fuses in.
I'm really ecstatic to have my skepticism turned on it's head.

 

[Tango]

My German friend just gave me these.



Audiocrack likes them..so they should offer somethin special. These will replace my SR Black in the monos. Lets see if they are my cup of coffee.

Tang

 

[highstream]

While A/B comparisons or AB/X tests would be challenging, DIY blind tests all by yourself are easy. That's because you can insert a fuse without looking. Place three different brands of fuse in a hat. Install one without looking, do your listening test and write down the results. Put that fuse back in the hat and repeat. With 3 fuses you need a minimum of 4 tests.

And how does one install fuses in electronics without looking?

What I'm interested in hearing about is a comparison between the SR Blue and the Super Beeswax.

 

[Audiocrack]

My German friend just gave me these.

View attachment 36506

Audiocrack likes them..so they should offer somethin special. These will replace my SR Black in the monos. Lets see if they are my cup of coffee.

Tang

Interesting Tang. Please let us know how they perform in your system. In my view the Audio Refine fuses from Germany are outstanding.

Have not heard the new - top of the line - SR blue (costing usd 150) nor the new - top of the line - Audio Magic beeswax ultimate shd (costing usd 225) fuses. Imho really crazy prices for one fuse; hopefully both these fuses sound extraordinary.

 

[amiglick]

And how does one install fuses in electronics without looking?

What I'm interested in hearing about is a comparison between the SR Blue and the Super Beeswax.

My BLUE fuse is on its way, I am going to receive it during the week. I will compare it with my Beeswax and will report. (1A, PS Audio DS DAC).
I use Beeswax fuses at my DAC & Power Amplifier (PS Audio DS + KR Audio SXI) after a long trip : HFT Supreme, SR 20, SR Red, SR Black, AH Platinum Reference and SR Black.
My conclusion is that premium fuses are very much system dependent.

 

[Speedskater]

And how does one install fuses in electronics without looking? .................................

After unplugging the AC power cord, it should be real easy.

 

[DaveC]

I'm considering bypassing fuses. A fuse will never sound as good as a $.02 piece of wire and I can't remember the last time a fuse popped on a source or preamp... I think once on an amp in the last 10 years, but some of these are so high value why even bother? I have fuses nearly the size of the main breaker on two of my bass amps, what good is that? The main breaker will go just behind the fuse anyways.

 

[ack]

I'm considering bypassing fuses. A fuse will never sound as good as a $.02 piece of wire and I can't remember the last time a fuse popped on a source or preamp... I think once on an amp in the last 10 years, but some of these are so high value why even bother? I have fuses nearly the size of the main breaker on two of my bass amps, what good is that? The main breaker will go just behind the fuse anyways.

Yep, and I bypass all of mine, as shown way upthread

 

[Ron Resnick]

. . .

I for one am [for] the "Ultimate Tweak" but I have to ask you how a fuse can reduce distortion and grunge as well as tightening up the imaging

I also have to ask about directionality. I cannot imagine how the fuse is directional and if used in the wrong direction can harm your equipment. This makes absolutely no sense . . .

+1

Who will volunteer to be the subject of a single-blind A/B sound comparison test on fuses?

Marc, I may make you do this the next time I visit you.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Ron, ABX texts not needed.
Trust yr ears.
TBH, I'm keeping my setup settled now.
Ked has been wanting to come up and a/b stuff too, but I've said no to him.
Similarly I'm not going to do any randomised trials here, the fuses are in, and they're wholly worthwhile.
Take it from me I'm not a sap and convince myself of non existent changes.
Illustrated by the fact that Mooks were IN back in London, and are OUT here, and I can take or leave Entreq, again compared to my devotion in London.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I understand, Marc. I am more skeptical of the fuses than I am of the Shun Mooks, that's all.

 

[Audiocrack]

I understand, Marc. I am more skeptical of the fuses than I am of the Shun Mooks, that's all.

Don’t be. I would get a few different brands and just start listening and I promise: you will be amazed. I was because the various Audio Refine and beeswas fuses had a big impact. No ‘audio placebo’ but a sigificant step forward in my Tidal LA set up: had not anticipated myself that it would be as significant as it actually was.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Thank you, audiocrack. That one I would have to hear to believe that fuses make any sonic difference I can discern, let alone a "significant" sonic difference.

 

[Jazzhead]

Don’t be. I would get a few different brands and just start listening and I promise: you will be amazed. I was because the various Audio Refine and beeswas fuses had a big impact. No ‘audio placebo’ but a sigificant step forward in my Tidal LA set up: had not anticipated myself that it would be as significant as it actually was.

+1

 

[DaveC]

AC power makes massive differences in the sound of a system, including fuses and small details, regardless of one's chosen beliefs!