Audiophile Fuses: Helpful or "Snake Oil"?


Interested in both general and specific opinions/experiences/explanations etc...
williampowell

Showing 1 response by waytoomuchstuff

I entered the realm "fusedom" with a fair amount of skepticism.  I finally decided break down the resistance (no pun intended) and ordered a Hifi Tuning Supreme for a power amp I had on hand.  Having (very) low expectations, I fired up the unit, put on a trusted source and was simply blown away.  "Did I REALLY hear what I think I just heard?"  Detail.  Focus.  Hummmmm.  So, it was back and forth.  And, forth and back for the next 30-45 minutes.  As I result, I ordered one for my preamp.  Listened.  Learned.  Then, the source components.  Now, everything but the microwave oven has "high end" fuses installed.
I try to establish the value of an audio upgrade based on the percentage of performance improvements for dollars spent.  A 10% improvement in a $4k amp is worth $400 using my math, for example.  A gain of 10% (or, more) in sound quality for under $100 is money well spent.

The "science" behind high end fuses took me from zero interest to "plausible".  It took an up close and personal experience to get me the rest of the way.  I took the exit at the $100 price point.  Investing more in competent products will, undoubtably, yield even better results.  Just haven't found the motivation yet to do so.  But, I'm sure other who have taken the leap have been amply rewarded.