Quantum Science Audio light blue fuse; $71, what a bargain!


I wanted to start a new thread about the more affordable versions of these fuses. I don’t doubt that the higher end versions are amazing, but most of us aren’t very likely to be able to hear them for ourselves. Fortunately, pretty much anyone who is serious about building a musically enjoyable and engaging system can get a good taste of what they’re all about.


I’ve had the light blue QSA fuses ($71) in my CD transport and DAC for over two weeks, now. They replaced SR blue fuses, at around twice the price, and easily bettered them. I am expecting one more light blue tomorrow, to replace an SR orange in my amp. I’ll give an update on that, once I get it installed and listen.


Meanwhile, here are a couple quotes from my posts on the other thread:


“What I am hearing is; voices & instruments are more solid and lifelike, with increased natural detail and sense of space, better dynamics, and a more relaxed overall sound.”


“Just got in a second light blue fuse for my DAC. So far, more of the same improvements I got in my CD transport. Very nice!😃 One thing I appreciate is the break in seems to be pretty quick, without any of the nasties you get with some other stuff. Pop it in, and you’ll hear improvements in short order, at least that’s been my experience.”


I am continuing to greatly enjoy what these fuses bring to my system, and am really looking forward to getting the last one in my amp.


tommylion
willgolf,

As I said above, the light blue QSA in my amp easily beat the SR orange it replaced. It looks like t_ramey had the same experience in his DAC, as well:

“My QSA light blue arrived early. It’s replacing an SR Orange in my Lampizator Atlantic DAC and the QSA is easily better. At half the cost of the Orange it’s better in every way. More naturally detailed and musical.”

I don’t have any experience with either AC receptacle, or know of anyone who does.
I am convinced enough to get the light blue but does anyone have experience comparing them to the yellow?
mgik,

Can’t help you with that comparison, but I think that Tweek Geek’s generous policy would allow for ordering both, and returning one?
$400+ for two fuses for my mono block amps is a bridge too far.
I will give the light blue a shot. Does TG give a trial period?
Hard to imagine what the $1400 ones do!
" The audio signal doesn’t go through the fuse you dum dums"

If you had the slightest clue how an amplifier works, you’d know signal that goes to the speakers consists SOLELY of the electricity that comes from the mains, and by implication, goes through the fuse.

Dum dums such as yourself shouldn’t refer to others as "dum dums".
I wonder how many folks who post here on A'gon also post negative reviews on restaurants they have never eaten at?

Frank
@fuzztone     A fuse is NOT a 'power supply'.
If you are in doubt on this, try powering your kettle with a fuse.
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lemonhaze,

Since I’m not brave (or foolish?) enough to go fuseless, even temporarily, as a test, I’m stuck with trying to figure out which ones sound best/do the least damage, within my budget.
I wonder if anyone has ever tried a copper slug or a thick copper or silver wire instead of a fuse. I know it provides no protection, but I wonder about sound quality?

ozzy
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lemonhaze,
Sorry no I didn't.  Are you saying you have done this and it works well?
It seems like clever tweakers could install a high end breaker in place of the fuse.

ozzy
@georglofi you have been around awhile, do you not get tired of instantly pouncing on every fuse thread??? Very tiresome.

Only if "snake oilers" are promoting them for "snake oil" companies that secretly sponsor them with their products.
As a 10cent fuse given away to them is reaped in rewards if/when only one sale has to come in for $71 each.

And because even if you had one iota of electronic knowledge you’d know this ** needs to be stamped out of the industry


And because even if you had one iota of electronic knowledge you’d know this ** needs to be stamped out of the industry


Oh dear, another know-it-all … I do wish Audiogon would add an ignore option to deal with irritating gadflies.
Oh dear, another know-it-all
Yes and one look at your last page of posting history shows you are a "voodooist" that can only comment on "snake oil" products, without 1 iota of electronic knowledge to present to backup your comments. 
I see my post was removed???  Not sure why when someone like georgefoofi  who is on a self appointed crusade to harm a certain section of the industry is allowed to post his insults and vitriol.

@ozzy,    ' It seems like clever tweakers could install a high end breaker in place of the fuse'

Yes, like Mark Levinson and a few other manufacturers have a breaker as on/off and safety. Bypassing the fuse was tried after experimenting with a few fuses such as HiFi Tuning (better than standard),  Furutech (quite good but a little bright) Synergistic Research (somewhat dissapointing) and some others. The temporary fuse bypass gave me a result better than any of the fuses and gave me a target to strive for.  My wife and I spent some fun time changing the direction of the fuses and found 3 out of 6 were the 'wrong' way.

You have quite a system put together and I see you have your cables supported on some spidery looking things, I am considering doing the same, perhaps you have some advice to share.


Yes and one look at your last page of posting history shows you are a "voodooist" that can only comment on "snake oil" products, without 1 iota of electronic knowledge to present to backup your comments.
Please do point that post where I supposedly made a claim I cannot back up. Come on, show everybody how much “electronic knowledge” you have. 

Not sure why when someone like georgefoofi who is on a self appointed crusade to harm a certain section of the industry is allowed to post his insults and vitriol.
I think you hit a nerve. I’ve come to learn that those who insult online are people who crave attention as they get none in real life.

Using anything but variable potentiometers for volume control needs to be stamped out!

Not sure why when someone like georgefoofi who is on a self appointed crusade to harm a certain section of the industry is allowed to post his insults and vitriol.

Only to the snake oil AC fuse voodooist’s sunshine, that deserve it all, who have not one iota of electronic knowledge, just their own vitriol on AC fuses and what they can do for the sound.
Vitriol is cruel and bitter criticism. Why would anyone who favors fuses have vitriol for it?
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Why would anyone who favors fuses have vitriol for it?

The word vitriol comes from the Latin word vitriolus, meaning "small glass". (perfect description of a fuse)
And then can also mean vitriolic, and so "causes a lot of distress and pain", to those gullible enough who have just spent $$$$$$ on a 10cent fuse.

Cheers George
Okay. Goofy reasoning but okay. But you did not say vitriolum, you said vitriol, the plain meaning of which is cruel and bitter criticism. Alternate meaning, acid.  

As painful as it is the truth is so powerful that to try and stand against it, as you so often do, winds up destroying your credibility. Done too often you risk being seen as a crank at best or worse, a stubborn fool.  

We wouldn't want that now would we?
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Done too often you risk being seen as a crank at best or worse, a stubborn fool.

We wouldn’t want that now would we?

No no! one would never want to look like you, heaven forbid🙏
As someone who has a longtime interest in passive pres, and alternatives to variable potentiometers for volume control, I actually think George’s Lightspeed Attenuator has the potential to sound very good. I’d be interested in trying one, but the main hurdle I’d have to get over is his behavior on this forum. I can’t help but wonder how many other potential customers have been deterred by it?
I can’t help but wonder how many other potential customers have been deterred by it?
Sorry but I don’t care, especially if I found they are "fusers"🤦‍♂️, they would never get one no matter what, if I knew.🙄

I ask you why are there no! "noted electronic audio technicians", posting and confirming in these pages for what you "fusers" say these ac fuses can do to the sound???🤷‍♂️

Done too often you risk being seen as a crank at best or worse, a stubborn fool.

That ship has sailed … 


@tommylion
Give Ed at the hornshoppe a call. He makes a fantastic preamp and he’s not an irritating know-it-all - he’s a pleasure to deal with.
pauly
He makes a fantastic preamp and he’s not an irritating know-it-all


Advert.
There are no capacitors or resistors (other than the photocell) in the signal path.

Please with all that electronic knowledge of yours, what do you think that preamp is, and what it’s copied from??

"Give Ed at the hornshoppe a call. He makes a fantastic preamp"

Yes indeedy. Had one made for me about 4 years ago hot rodded with just a single input. My system starts and finishes with this ugly box.
Ed also has a money back guarantee. That’s what lured me in. One of the best audio moves I ever made.



Wow, ouch just ouch!

Do your homework sunshine see if you can finally get it.
I second the Truth preamp from Ed. He’s a pleasure to deal with and makes a great product for a relative modest price. 

Pity you lot don’t have the knowledge to know the difference when that circuit of mine is used as a series /shunt vs just a series as it was with the MkI Lightspeed back in 1980.

Here educate yourselves, if at all possible.
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/80194-lightspeed-attenuator-passive-preamp.html

https://forum.audiogon.com/topics/amps-preamps?tab=alltime


My wow was at the bitterness being displayed. Not much more you can say about that.

Frank, did you end up ordering a yellow fuse?
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Using anything but variable potentiometers for volume control needs to be stamped out!
@tommylion - please tell me that's sarcasm??

I see you have your cables supported on some spidery looking things...
@ozzy  - I have ordered my AQ Fog Lifters, waiting for them to arrive.
That is what those spidery things are, are they not?
rixthetrick,

Yes, that was an outrageous (and hypocritical) statement, to make a point. Doesn’t seem like George got it, though.
Very interesting, thanks for posting...any idea on where the fuse has the biggest impact in the system? I.e. anyone moved them to various components to see where the biggest impact lies? Also, any feedback on what the "bang for buck" is in their line up of fuses by cost? 

I have found fuses to make a difference. My amp has a breaker and does not use a fuse. 
Not trying to hijack the thread by any means, but has anyone here tried the Quantum Science outlets? Seems like they may have "similar" treatment to the fuses? 
Some components such as power amps have more that one fuse in them.  
So, do you use the boutique fuse in all the places there are for fuses or just one?  
If it's just one "critical" position, which one would it be?