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  3. 166612-1565

So done with audiophile fuses

The journey started with a medium priced ($50) fuse in my power supply.  A failed rectifier tube blew that one out.  Not a fuse problem.  Next up was a blue fuse in my pre amp.  It blew and was not caused by a pre amp problem.  Apparently they sometimes are more sensitive and it was replaced by an orange fuse two values higher.  Things were going along fine.  I replaced the pre amp with a newer version of the pre amp and it has the same fuse value.  Five months latter (today) I turn on the pre amp and nothing.  it's a five month old pre amp so I suspected that it was the fuse.  Sure enough, I replaced it with a ceramic Littelfuse of the lower correct value it works fine.  No more wasting my money on unstable fuses for me.     
goose

Showing 4 responses by fiesta75

fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
I'm in the process of modifying one of my extra amps. No fuses after the power switch. I haven't had problems blowing fuses, but it WILL be a fire hazard...
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
I think I'll try replacing all of my fuses after the power switches with solid wire. I am NOT RECOMMEDING this option by any means! I want to hear for myself if they really affect sound. I will be sure to keep a couple fire extinguishers handy! If something fails in the equipment I'll just spend time repairing it... Or buy something to replace the failed piece. Fire hazards are NOT anything to mess with! 
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
Results of my fuse replacements by solid copper wire. I DO NOT RECOMEND THIS FIRE HAZZARD, but here's my test results: Listening tests performed with subs turned off, music; Dark side of the Moon, Boiling Point and Famous Blue Raincoat. With all program material, the sound was much more detailed and had better clarity. Each album had its own distinct improvements. DSM-Tighter bass and bells seem to jump out at you. BP-Holy cow, so much detail and clarity, I was stunned. FBR-Vocals had noticeably more detail and clarity. I could understand all of the lyrics better (I don't have the lyrics memorized). Amplifier; 120 W/channel rated by manufacture, 8 ohm, 1% Dale load resistors in oil bath. Tested with standard fuses before modification: Summary, 153 Watts/channel rms at clipping, both channels driven, continuous averaged 20Hz. and 20kHz., duration at each frequency; 10 seconds. After modification: Same frequencies and duration used, 172 Watts/channel rms at clipping. Voltage burst test, pulse duration 400 ms, test frequency 1000Hz.: 39.59 Vrms (196 Watts). I did not do the burst test before modification, so I don't have that data. I did not do any distortion tests as I sold my HP distortion analyzer to a friend before I moved. Sure wish I hadn't, but maybe I can borrow it? You know my conclusion… Of course, this does not validate discussion topic, but clearly resistance in series has a detriment to the sound and output current.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
mitch2 - I did not make sure the sound levels were exactly the same in before and after listening. Measurements and ears could sense improvement.
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