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Is it safe to use a higher amperage rating fuse?

Today was my 2nd attempt at trying out Synergistic Research fuses.  About 3 years ago when I had separates, including mono block amps, I bought a set of Blue fuses.  One component had a mfg spec of 250mA and the retailer said go with 315mA.  My two mono block amps each had a 6.3A.  When I installed them one of them blew upon powering up.  The retailer said we should go up to the next rating.  I was a bit frustrated at the experience and didn't feel comfortable putting higher values in my expensive components.  I felt these expensive fuses should be made to tighter tolerances than the cheap BUSS fuses I had been using.  If I remember correctly, that was the actual argument that the dealer told me.  They are mfg to tighter tolerances so a 5A SR fuse was almost dead-on 5A while a cheap fuse may actually be 5.3A or whatever.  This also was a bit confusing at the time so I sent them all back.

Okay...3 years have passed and now I have a single integrated amp which has a 5A fuse.  Much less to invest in the upgrade so I ordered an Orange.  It came in today...installed....pressed power...on and off went the amp.  DAMN!!  I contacted the retailer and SR on the same email.  This was a different dealer from 3 years ago.  The retailer said I should go to the next value up.  I said no and and they are waiting for the tracking info of my return shipment.

I did a quick search of my question before posting and saw a thread about the Red fuses and someone said they had to do the exact same thing.  Is everyone putting higher rated fuses in their gear that is worth thousands of dollars?  Is there no risk in this?  I admit that I don't know what could actually happen from that.  It seems that other things could burn up if a higher amperage fuse is in place.  I am compelled to simply stick to the mfg specs for something that I don't understand because I don't want to create problems just from a simple tweak.

Should I let them ship me a 6.3A or just be done with this?
dhite71

Showing 2 responses by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
No need to replace a fuse at all even in a power amplifier. A well designed power supply is a buffer to anything happening before it including the fuse. Yes, the fuse limits current into the power supply (exactly the idea) but the audio circuits do not see that. In other words this idea of designer fuses is just another attack on lay instinct in order to extract money from you. If you really are concerned just wire by the fuse. Your house's circuit breakers should prevent the fire but, if something goes south be ready to replace the piece. I use to do this with power amplifiers but have stopped as it does absolutely nothing to improve sound quality. I proved that to myself with AB testing after an electrical engineer friend told me I was being silly. He was right.  
Even the Littellfuse audiophile fuses are over priced at $50.00/5. But, at least you can be sure they will meet spec. I see no reason to spend that kind of money on something sonically insignificant.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I would think you should have gotten the message by now. Making reliable accurate fuses requires a lot knowledge, science and experience which little companies can not afford. Go out and get a tin of Buss fuses the right size and be happy, you will not find a better fuse anywhere. If anyone thinks those designer fuses improve sound quality it is purely psychological. Spend your money on better equipment not garbage like designer fuses and cable elevators. 
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