HiFi Tuning Supreme 3 on Bryston BP-26


This one has me truly perplexed and can't seen to find the answer searching the plentiful threads on audio fuses. I'm somewhat new to fuses, installed a SR Purple in my DAC - got the right orientation from following the circuit trace - whamo, great sound after a few days. Ditto with my McIntosh preamp, used an SR Black in the power input section with fuse facing the cap - check, ok. Then I ordered some Cardas copper HiFi Tuning for a few more pieces. I used one in the McIntosh pre, only this time on the main board itself leading to the 5v regulator - seems ok, again on a Marantz preamp, follow the trace from the service manual, and decent uplift in sound. Now it leads me to the one I ordered for a Bryston BP-26 preamp I have in my kitchen. On the HFT Supreme 3 it appears to be directional by the diode logo arrow, when I install it with the arrow pointing with the power flow, I get a warmer sound, mid-bass bit less detail. I flip it around with the arrow pointing against the current flow, I get more details, less bass.

I've flipped it 20x trying to figure out which is best, wondering which would burn in the best over time. It's brought me to strange places - was the fuse mis-labeled? Does this arrow matter or is it just a logo? Does incorrect orientation lend itself to this higher detail sound profile? SR gives me detail the 'correct' way and bass usually comes with settling in. Are HiFi Tuning Supreme 3's not directional but up to the user to determine which profile is preferable or would it be the warmer direction is the correct direction per the arrow, and it will open up the details after some time?

This is a truly interesting scenario. I guess it does one thing, which totally disproves the nay-sayers on fuses, the sound changes each time!

rickysnit

Showing 1 response by sgordon1

First, trust your ears.  Are you able to interchange fuses of the same value, size, and type?  If not, consider buying additional (used?) fuses?  Is there a reason you did not stick with one fuse manufacturer?