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 3 responses by gererick

Yuviarora, found you over here on this thread.  I am in the planning stage of a crossover upgrade (sorry to be off-topic from fuses; mine are all Synergistic Orange).  My largest cap is 220 uF and next largest is 13 uF.  You sound very pleased with a .01 uF value bypassing a 115.8 uF cap, correct?  You mentioned having initially tried them in the wrong position, which I didn’t follow.  When you tried a higher value bypass cap, was it in the ideal position?  As I understand it, a good value bypass cap for a 115.8 uF cap is in the 1% range or 1 uF.  I have several .01 uF Duelund silver foil caps, but hesitate to try them with much larger value caps until hearing the experience you described.

 

 

Yuviarora, thanks for your reply.  If I understand the drawing correctly, my positive comes in from the amp, goes through an inductor, then heads toward the drivers. On its way to the drivers, there is a junction where a wire goes from the positive to the negative.  On its way to the negative, there is a resistor and then a capacitor and then the negative wire.  In that instance, what is closest and furthest from the signal output?  (Sorry for my layman’s description)

Thanks!  Yes, it is currently a single capacitor but I may end up using multiple caps to get to 220 uF (like you did to get to 115.8 uF).