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 3 responses by inpepinnovations1e75

inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Greg7, in what direction does current flow in AC currents? Or, what does polarity have do do with installing fuses?
Respectfully, Bob P.
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Sorry Bob Bundas but power doesn't flow, but is a concept to describe how much power is consumed in the load. P=VxA. We know that the current reverses itself according to its frequency, but the power consumed in the load is a function of the current and the voltage and is directionless.
respectfully, Bob P.
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Bob-bundus, it is quite clear to many people that the earth is flat and they don't care what the textbooks may say. Just because the "model" that you have in your mind is clear and "explains" what you percieve, doesn't make it correct. If you perceive a difference when changing the direction of a fuse on an AC line, the reason is NOT because of the "directionality" of the current nor the direction of the fuse, since the fuse witnesses the current reversing at 60 times a second. The fuse does not experience any power transfer through it, however, so it doesn't know anything about that.
When the possible doesn't explain something, then one must look for the impossible for an explanation. Is it impossible that you imagine such differences. Now that would explain the perceived difference.
respectfully, Bob P.
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