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  3. 169932-104649

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 4 responses by mitch2

mitch2
3,736 posts
 
Maybe your experience is related to fuse direction.
Good one - geoffkait would be proud
mitch2
3,736 posts
 
@lemonhaze
"Post a list of your components for all to see so that open-minded, experienced and helpful members can offer advice on where you went so WRONG."
Many here have done just that - it is called your Audiogon Virtual System. Folks here enjoy looking at the systems and getting new ideas. While a member’s posted system can provide some context to their remarks in these forums, most who comment on the posted systems offer encouragement and helpful advice, rather than use the information as a stick.
mitch2
3,736 posts
 
@lemonhaze 
Glad to help.
  • Open Audiogon.com in your browser 
  • Use the drop down next to the Audiogon logo in the upper left corner
  • You will see Forum, Blue Book, Virtual Systems, and Merch
  • Open Virtual Systems
  • Open Create System from the banner across the top
  • Name your system in the drop down box 
  • Click Get Started and follow the prompts to enter your gear, pics, and supporting info
mitch2
3,736 posts
 
Hi Fi Tuning Supreme fuses apparently use a silver, copper, gold mix solder, but a solid copper melt wire.  They have gold end caps, ceramic body, and are cryogenically treated.  I have not heard of any fuses that use the gold-plated Neotech wire you asked about (or the silver-gold Mundorf wire) as melt wire inside of the fuse...unless SR is using something special.  I cannot find a description of the melt wire used in the SR fuses, although they list all the other pieces and parts....i.e., Orange:
Ceramic Body, Silica Filled, Brass Nickel Plated Contacts,1,000,000 volt multi-stage, high-frequency conditioning process, 2nd Stage Rev. 2.0 Molecular realignment process, Directional UEF Compound first developed for Galileo SX PowerCellGraphene
I have considered filling a conventional fuse with beeswax (just for fun and curiosity) by drilling a small hole and using a syringe to inject warm beeswax, but have not considered making fuses with filament wire of my choice.  I am curious how you achieve the correct break values when using your own wire, do you test them?

After trying a variety of HiFi Tuning and SR fuses, and not hearing anything that makes me want to spend the money, my go-to has been to use mostly ceramic-body fuses with, Teflon tape wrapped around the body for damping, contact treatment on the ends, and small orthodontic rubber bands to provide tension on board-mounted fuse holders.  For $20, I will consider ordering the ACME fuses to replace older fuses, as I have used their silver-plated outlets.
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