Fuses


I’ve read of views on whether amp fuses impart any sound quality or coloring. I had a recent experience that has made me re-think my views (fuses do not affect sound) and wondered if others had a similar experience. 
I have a Line Magnetic integrated amp. After heavy regular use for over 5 years, one day it just wouldn’t power up. After checking the power supply, I assumed it must be a blown fuse. I recalled that Line Magnetic sent with the amp two replacement fuses of the same type/quality that was pre-installed. I dug out one of them from storage, replaced the fuse and the amp powered up normally. 

What surprised and delighted me was the change in sound with the replacement fuse. Fuller bass, more detail and more warmth. I have rolled the tubes several times in the amp, and am attuned to the subtle changes that can make. Popping in a fresh fuse seems to have had a similar affect. And these appear to be cheap fuses, available for a few dollars at most. I don’t think I understand any of this. 
bmcbrad

Showing 2 responses by fleschler

I just read on their site that the SR Purple fuse sounds best after 200-300 hours.  What will it sound like after 50 hours, terrible?   The black fuse takes 72 hours (in my two trials) prior to sounding great.  Prior to that, it sounded wrong/bad/rough.   The SR site indicates that the Purple fuse is very significantly superior to their prior fuses.   Next up, SR Purple duplex?   I would appreciate sound forum feedback prior to purchasing/trying a Purple fuse.   
Oregonpapa's forum is closed so I am contributing here.   In my system, the SR blue fuses and outlets sound warm and inviting.  I tried an SR orange fuse and found it to be more open, possibly more dynamic but stuck with the blue.   The black fuse and outlet have a grainy sound, less dynamic, clear and warm compared to the blue.   So, skipping the orange, the purple is touted as superior (in all ways?) to the orange.  That would be a great accomplishment at $199.  

The other complaint concerning the black fuse is that it took literally 72 hours prior to sounding listenable/good.   The blue fuses sounded superior from the time I stuck it in compared to 1000+ hours on black fuses.  I hope that the purple fuses sound better as soon as they are installed and not suffer through 50 to 100 hours prior to sounding great.  I just don't have the patience and don't like wasting tubes.