FUSE BOX delivers perfect protection and superior sound


Encouraged by the improvement offered by the PURON plug-in filters, I spent some additional time reading 

 

I wondered if a second product, unrelated to PURON, can also raise the bar for recorded music?  FUSE BOX is a system that replaces a fuse in a piece of electronics.  A metal SLUGGO (insert either the brass or copper option) goes in the fuse holder.  The power cord you have been using goes into one end of the slim, lightweight BOX.  From the other end of the BOX, another power cord (quality counts!) leads to your power conditioner or to the wall.  Simply plug and play.

Each FUSE BOX is calibrated according to the traditional fuse it will be replacing.  By providing the amp value, fuse size, and slow/fast blow, a unit can be tailored to your specs.

I took the plunge by requesting a FUSE BOX to fit into two different systems.  I use a Black Ice FOZ SS-X Sound Expander in both a headphone (Synergistic blue) and main system (Synergistic orange).  This wonderful piece is in the middle of both systems, between the cd player and the amplifier.

Starting first in the smaller system, there was a break-in period of about 30 hours before the sound really took off.  A huge positive step (for me) was then replacing the copper sluggo with the brass version.  Now I heard the depth and warmth, in addition to the detail of the copper version.  The traditional Grado sound through the over the ear headphones (Prestige 125 model) was rich, detailed, and balanced.

I spend much more time listening through full range Martin Logan Expression ESL 13a speakers.  I recently added two PURONS to this system, plugged into a Synergistic Research Powercell 12 conditioner.  Even when (intellectually) I believed this combination had already taken me to the "top of the mountain," I was happy to be proven wrong.  With the brass sluggo in the SS-X, the "you are at the recording event" is very powerful, and in a way I had never heard before.  It's like I have the best seat in the house, for every recording.

For me, FUSE BOX offers the protection of traditional fuses, without fearing they may need to be replaced (since FUSE BOX can be easily reset).  With the two sluggos provided, the sound can be adjusted to one's preference.  And I still have the flexibility to change this arrangement in the future, as the sluggo is never permanently fixed to the fuse holder.

A big thanks to Mark Schifter at Vera-Fi Audio, for patiently helping me.  With a 30 day return policy, my guess is that many music lovers will be asking Mark to program a unit, so they can evaluate it in their systems.

My answer, to "how can the sound possibly get any better?" is FUSE BOX.  Highly recommended.

 

sgordon1

Showing 9 responses by ozzy

Just received my 2 "Fuse Box" 6A units that I will use to power my mono block amps.

ozzy

I just installed the Fuse Boxes. I’m not sure if there is a break in period, but at this moment I am liking what I hear. There seems to be more dynamics and perhaps the music seems louder.
I mean when you think about it we are using perhaps 12-10 gauge wiring (including power cords etc.) and it is all passing through a small hair like wire (fuse) but by-passing that (fuse) stumbling block there should be more power available.

More to come.

ozzy

Sorry for not posting for a while, I have had many personal items of late that took me away from listening to music.

I have had the fuse box(s) connected to my amps for about a week, probably have played music with them in the system for a total of 10 hours.

What I can offer is that there is no downside, I am hearing a calmness that is pleasant, perhaps my amps are finally playing as to the way they were designed.

I have only tried the copper slug thus far, but I will try the brass.

BTW, I did make a short 12" jumper power cord to use with my units. I think Mark will soon be offering a similar power cord to be used instead of connecting another long power cord to the Fuse Box.

ozzy

 

skucie,

Nice review. Interesting that you like the brass slug better. I still haven’t tried it yet, but I will.

I have also treated the copper fuse with Rick Shultz new "Pro" enhancer product that he kindly provided. His previous products were the NPS 1260, NPS Q45T.

First, I will try the brass au naturel.

ozzy

It’s very interesting that thus far that most of you prefer the brass over the copper slug.

So, I’m getting ready to try the brass one. But I wonder if it matters as to what piece of equipment it is used in.

My Mono block amps have 2 fuses in each. One that powers the main power supply (6A) and the other the input section (1.5A).

I have the "Fuse Box (6A)" powering the main power supply and I am still using a SR fuse in the other fuse input section on my amps.

ozzy

steakster, verafiaudio

I have thought of that too! Bypassing the entire fuse/holder would be the ultimate since the Fuse Box would protect the component. It will be on my future hit list to try. Although, the Fuse Box slug is the most convenient way to accomplish this.

ozzy

BTW, I just received the new short power cord to be used with the Fuse Box. Very nice, well made.

ozzy

So now I have tried both the copper and the brass slugs and I prefer the copper (with my equipment that the Fuse Box is used with).

ozzy

I actually coated the copper slug with a new product (that I think is limited) by Rick Shultz called "Pro" that I was asked to try.

It seemed to add a little more in the way of quietness to the sound.

But I still think by-passing the fuse holder would be the best. I will try this soon.

ozzy