2. misc-audio
  3. 1152917695

Isoclean fuses: definitely worth it

I just installed Isoclean fuses in my Naim CD5x and Nait5i. I sort of felt like I was going to the fringe by installing these but keep in mind they are right in the AC path so it made sense to me after installing a dedicated line and an "audiophile grade" AC receptacle.

I tried Buss ceramic fuses beforehand and they were just slightly better than stock.

The Isocleans, however, definitely provided a noticeable improvement over stock or Buss ceramics. In a nutshell: smoother treble, a touch more overall resolution (especially in the mids and treble) and elimination of a bit of grain and veiling. Polarity does matter. I checked a few times to verify but arrow down for my equipment was more natural (less bright) than arrow up. You may prefer the other polarity, of course. Note that they didn't affect rhythm as many products do (especially a lot of isolation devices) nor did they add any brightness (at least in the polarity I prefer).

They're not cheap for what they are ($25 per fuse) but the improvement was definitely worth $50 total investment to me.
greg7

Showing 4 responses by inpepinnovations

inpepinnovations
134 posts
 
Even if wire and fuses have directional properties, this would make a difference only in non directional current circuits, i.e., DC. In fact, capacitors and inductors only work in AC circuits. If the fuse has some capacitance or induction property inherent to it in addition to the resistance property that it might possess, the direction in which is is installed will not make any difference since the direction of the current changes continuously.

One consumes power in the devices at home due to current flowing back and forth through the devices.
inpepinnovations
134 posts
 
Davemitchell, and those the vast majority of those who do 'witness' those sonic differences are often the same people who also witness proof that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones!

If sonic differences are indeed 'witnessed' by changing the direction of the wire or fuse in an AC circuit, it is not due to the direction of the device, but due to some other reason, probably the fact that the connection was changed slightly during the 'trial'.

Bob P.
inpepinnovations
134 posts
 
TBG, why do I persist? Maybe it is the 'educator' in me.

Your staement that all objects fall at the same rate ONLY in a vacuum is WRONG. Identically shaped and sized objects of different weights (actually mass) fall at the same rate regardless of whether there is a vacuum or not.

I think Galelleo demonstrated that a long time ago.
Take two basket balls and fill one with water and drop both from a height. They both will drop at the same speed.
You, however, might witness that the heavier one hits the ground a little ahead of the lighter ball and conclude that the scientific explanation is wrong or simply say that 'I know what I saw, therefore science can't explain everything'.
It has been proven over and over that the human senses are very unreliable.

Respectfully, Bob P.

PS. I have never heard a difference in fuses or proper wires for that matter, but I do hear a difference in sound when I move my ears less than an inch, so my hearing acuity is not in question.
inpepinnovations
134 posts
 
Agreed, Tbg! And we have discussed this before. Also, yes just because I don't hear a difference, I would not jump to the conclusion that there is no difference to be heard. My problem is with the explanation or lack of explanation to account for the fact that others do hear a difference, when it is well known that subjective evidence (use of senses)is subject (pun intended) to error.

Willster, one learns nothing if there is no discourse or discussion or differences. I am always suspicious of unanimity in subjective issues, such as sound as perceived by humans. This is how myths are born and people led astray.

Geoffkait, I mind less spelling errors than errors in math. If objects fall at the same acceleration, they are also travelling at the same speed, acceleration being the first derivative of velocity or speed.

Respectfully,

Bob P.
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