Word of mouth from users of these fuses have resulted in universal high praise. I have the older generation SR Quantum fuses in my amplifier, Line Stage and DAC with very positive results (3 years). The Red fuse is said to be a noticeable improvement of mine. |
David,
I wish your brother they best outcome possible.
Charles, |
Thanks guys,
These very positive comments on the SR red fuses has caught my attention, I'll be replacing my older SR fuses in the near future. Have you all found them to be directional? I plan to use them in my DAC, Line Stage and mono blocks. Given my success with the SR Quantum fuses I'm eager to heard the Red versions. |
Abucktwoeighty,
I agree regarding the relative preferences of fuses. I believe they are no different than any other audio component, cable or part. Certain products will inevitably mate with and sound better in some system configurations than in others. I can't think of any exceptions to this observation. The SR red does greatly intrigue me based on my experience with their Quantum fuse.
|
Wig,
You have me curious about the AH fuses relative to the SR Red fuses. I likely can't go wrong with either. Your direct comparison in your system got my attention. By the way I'm familiar with your speakers and think highly of their sound via a Triode CORP 845 PSET amplifier(on 3 separate occasions).
Charles, |
Given my sucess with the SR Quantum fuses the past few years The SR Red would have been my next move. All reports say they're better than the Quantum. Wig and Jazzonthehudson have made direct comparisons and favor the AH over the Red. More so for my interest the AH seems better in the areas most important to me, naturalness,body and tone. The two published reviews of the AH note or confirm the same desired attributes. I'm going to give the AH a listen. I don't doubt that both are excellent choices.
In my experience fuses have had a level of impact very similiar to better cables placed in the system. The fuses acomplish this for far less money. Their performance/cost ratio is high. I don't know why the fuses have this positive effect sonically, I just judge by listening to them as I do everything ielse in audio.
Charles. |
I've decided to buy the SR Red fuse. I need 4 fuses (2 mono blocks, Line Stage and DAC). For the cost different between the AH and the SR (27.00 USD X 4 =108.00), I'll use that savings and purchase an Avatar Acoustics After burner AC wall outlet. (which is reputed to be excellent and only 75.00, less than the individual fuses!). I believe both the SR Red and AH fuses are terrific and worthwhile. I like the bang for the buck package of four SR Red and the AC outlet(wall to my BPT balanced transformer to which all components are plugged into)..
Charles, |
Hi Fliz,
I can attest that the premium fuses do make a difference in my system You can remain doubtful or try some in your system and listen and decide. I no longer try to convince people (waste of time endeavor) about the merits of audio products. Each individual has to listen themselves and form their own impression. |
Knghifi,
It is quite impressive what a high quality fuse can provide in already very good sounding audio equipment. This is why I say these premium fuses provide very high-value, given their performance per cost ratio. |
Fliz,
Yes I did misinterpret your comment, my aplogies.
Charles, |
Oregonpapa,
Your reported results are very impressive! I hope the level of my improvement with the SR Reds comes close to what you have described. Those fuses cost a fraction of your components yet look (listen) at their positive effect, very encouraging.
Charles. |
It seems with fuses people worry to much regarding their cost compared to stock fuses. IMO the emphasis should be on the end result of effect on sound quality. If people got a similar improvement with a premium tube upgrade, cables, isolation/vibration platforms or component change they'd be thrilled. Going that route can often exceed the cost((by a factor of multiples sometimes) of a high grade fuse. As has been supported by testimony on this thread, there can be considerable "bang for the buck" realized in many cases. Premium fuses are easy targets to be doubtful of due to no clear explanation of why they do what they do. Sometimes you just have to listen and then judge.
Charles, |
Correction,
The Kenny Burrell recording I'd mentioned is actually titled "A Night At The Vanguard" a very good live session from the early 1960s. I should have checked the CD cover before posting.
In just a few hours the sound is improving, Jim Hall and Art Farmer are sounding gorgeous. I feel as though I'm there with them. What a joy listening to music is.
Charles, |
Okay, based on prior experience with premium fuses I am well aware of what they are capable of. One SR Red fuse in just my Line Stage and I'm near amazed by what I'm hearing tonight. This is quite a find. The degree of improvement from my current SR 20 Quantum fuse is unexpected. Folks this Red fuse is something special and I say that without a trace of hyperbole, my goodness! What on earth will be the result when I add the 3 remaining Reds?
I'll without any hesitation enthusiastically recommend these fuses to anyone seriously interested in increasing their music listening pleasure and sound quality for an utterly reasonable cost.
Oregon papa told it like it is and I'm very grateful he started this thread. What a wonderful find these special fuses are. I can't turn the system off. For less than 100.00 USD you'll get a legitimate unquestionable upgrade to your system. I've heard far more expensive cables and components do less. High quality tweaks are the way to go if you have components you really enjoy and want to keep them long term.
My Avatar Acoustics Afterburner AC outlet was delivered today, uh oh
Charles, |
Hi Oregonpapa,
Your listening reports nailed it! I had expectations for these fuses but this honestly caught me off guard. I believe you regarding additional burn in, as they clearly improved over a 5 hour listening session last night.
Audiolabyrinth,
If the results in your system with these Red fuses approaches the effects I am hearing, the cost for you will be a true bargain. I don't know how much system or component synergy factors in.
Charles, |
I recently received my SR Red fuses and have some early listening impressions. I began with a fuse placed only in the Line Stage and will reverse fuse direction in a few days to see if there's a difference. Next I'll do the SET amplifier and lastly the DAC.
I listened to very familiar recordings to get a feel, Kenny Burrell "At The Village Vanguard"
Thelonious Monk, "Monk' Dream" Nicholas Payton , "Fingerpainting" Gerry Mulligan, "Night Lights". These recordings (and others) just seem to get to the merits of a particular component effectively. The SR Red debut is impressive, brand new they are undeniably musical and natural with really good music flow and pace. The foot immediately begins tapping and the head instinctively bobs with the rhythm, always a good sign.
Can't agree with those who found this fuse imparts sizzle or thinness, at least it didn't in my system. Tonal density and natural fullness are very present. Most of all early on is that the music just flows and pulls you right along, it definitely has emotional connectivity.
This is a very good start! Curious to see where this goes when the other fuses are added and more hours of use accumulate.
Charles, |
My components use the smaller size fuses which are 90 dollars, the larger fuses you require are 100 dollars. IMO to get the improvement I've realized, 400 dollars is a genuine bargain..
Charles, |
Lak,
If the mprovement of 3 additional Red fuses is proportional to the single fuse, well this is going to be a phenomenal ROI. Factor in also I'll be replacing my generic AC wall outlet with the highly regarded Afterburnner. Since I need only 1 duplex outlet I'm going to use a premium level receptacle cover for it, the Furutech 104D and really upgrade that aspect finally. I'm very curious and excited to see where these modest expenditure tweaks take my system.
Charles, |
Audiolabyrinth,
I actually gave serious consideration to purchasing the Furutech GTX outlet, a audiogon member posted he had both the GTX and the Afterburnner8. He says they're both excellent sounding but in direct comparison he couldn't tell then apart at all. So I just decided to choose the less expensive Afterburnner 8 given his helpful feedback. He said both are terrific and I trust his judgement. I'm certain both are far superior to my builder's grade quality AC outlet.
Charles, |
One aspect of the Afterburner 8 AC outlet that attracts me is the plugs are copper and unplatted. In the overall scheme of things probably not a major point but I like the simpler and natural approach when viable.
I don't doubt for a moment the quality of the Furutech GTX product.
Charles, |
Hi Rob,
The Coincident Frankenstein and Line Stage both use 3 amp slo blo. The closest SR Red is 3.1 amps, so no problems. You'll be okay with your near match as well.
Charles, |
I've now placed the Reds into my SET mono blocks and the effect is clearly noticeable though not quite as dramatic as the Line Stage(at least so far). Definitely worthwhile. I will do the DAC in a couple of days, then install the Afterburner 8 AC wall outlet next week. I agree with Wig, these fuse improvements are really something else.
Charles, |
David,
Lak has offered to burn in my Afterburner 8 outlet for a week on his Audio karma Cooker and I accepted his gracious offer.I'll ship it to him on Monday.
Charles, |
Hi Rob,
Happy New Year to you as well.
I've also decided to go with the Oyaide WPC-Z outlet cover with the Afterburner 8. I'll use the Furutech cover elsewhere. I believe putting some high quality parts at the AC wall receptacle will payoff for the money spent. The WPC is said to be top tier, we'll see. These types of accessories if done right the first time, usually no need to revisit again.
Charles, |
Audiolabyrinth,
I know that the Furutech GTX requires extensive burn in hours.
To the best of my knowledge I don't believe the Afterburner 8 needs nearly as much time. One week should be plenty of adequate burn in. This is an unplatted outlet, that is a factor I suspect.
Charles, |
Audiolabyrinth,
As I posted a couple of days ago , the Red fuses placed in the mono blocks led to further sonic improvement. I'll do my DAC in a few days. The benefit of these is unquestionable based on listening impressions of my system. I have not detected any downside or musical compromise, this is an across the board upgrade.
I believe that the Audio Magic Beeswax or the AH fuses would be terrific also and all of these top tier fuses would improve virtually all audio systems. The ranking order of them will likely be a matter of taste and system synergies.
I'm very curious to hear the impact of using the Afterburner 8 wall receptacle with the Oyaide WPC-Z cover plate,.
Charles, |
Hi Oregonpapa,,
You have me confused with Ca3713 comments regarding the Quantum chips. I've never used them. Hi Ca,l, skepticism is a legitimate reaction to unusual products. I have no opinion on the various chips. I can only attest to the improvement via the SR Red fuses.
Audiolabyrinth,
Thanks much for your observations regarding various screws and AC wall receptacle mounting.
All reports seem to confirm that the Oyaide WPC-Z is a very effective wall plate. So I'll go that route.
Charles, |
I've had the SR Red fuses in my Line Stage 9 days and the SET amplifier for 4 days. I can say unequivocally that they are exceptional value purchases and as Knghifi wrote earlier, offer great ROI, amen. The people who have posted on this thread are very experienced listeners who have very good audio systems.
The SR Red fuses are targeted to this partinsular group for a reason, they can easily recognize and appreciate a fine audio product when given the opportunity to hear it in their own systems. These fuses are simply wonderful and deserve their place in any and all high quality systems owned by folks who just love listening to music.
I've not been able to identify a single negative aspect to these excellent fuses in any manner. You can with little effort spend more and get less sound quality in return. I can recommend these top tier fuses to any music lover without a trace of hesitation. Synergistic Research did their homework and deserve whatever success they are able to obtain. Although I haven't used them, I'm sure the same is true in regard to Audio Horizon and Audio Magic Premium Beeswax fuses. I believe that the better the system, the greater is the impact of these premium level fuses.
Charles, |
Hi David,
I bet your system with those pieces sounds marvelous. I wouldn't be surprised if the upgraded fuses have more impact on the source (DAC,Phono stage) and preamp than the power amplifier. I ordered the wrong size fuses for my DAC (my error ). So I'm looking forward to the fuse effect on the DAC once they arrive. .
Charles, |
Hi Joe,
My older Frankenstein MK II ( bought new in 2009) uses one 3 amp slo blo(that plugs into the rear of the amplifier). The SR Red is 3.15 amp(closest match). Your Franks are a newer version so you may or may not have the same size fuse. Joe; the SR Red fuse actually made more of an impact than changing the stock input coupling capacitor(Solens) to the Jupiter copper foil (which was itself a worthwhile change). Just to give you an idea of the sonic effect in my system. Once the fuse burns in for a few days reverse the direction and see which placement sounds better to you.
Charles, |
David,
I find that the change of fuse direction is "noticeable" but subtle in effect.
Joe,
Yes, the fuse seems to have a bit more of an impact. The capacitor change improved along the lines of refinement and tonality(which were already exceptionally good). Again just my observation.Your outcome/impression could be different for sure.
I have the resistors but haven't installed them yet(still waiting on the Elrog replacement). I'll definitely post my findings on the Elrog thread.
Charles, |
Knghifi,
That's a good observation and I agree regarding the SR Red fuse effect based on my results. The sonic character wasn't altered in my system. It just seems the present good attributes were simply improved. Clarity, openess, dynamic ebb and flow, transparency and nuances further improved. I know that this is a cliche but it is as though a veil is removed. That's the overall effect I perceive.
Charles, |
The sound of my system still seems to be improving with the SR Red fuses.
Listening to familiar recordings tonight and they sound gorgeous.
It really feels like I'm in the actual presence of Sarah Vaughan "Sarah + 2", "Afters Hours" and "Lester Young With The Oscar Peterson Trio".
Their enormous talent is conveyed so emotionally engaging.These fuses are musically wonderful, so natural, Next up, Sonny Stitt😁😁
Charles, |
Hi Lak,
You have a wonderful system. You will benefit significantly by upgrading to the premium tier of fuses. I've come to the conclusion that the better the system, the greater the impact of the fuses. High resolution systems reveal what these fuses are capable of providing. I'd be surprised if you weren't happy with them in your system. Lak, thanks again for burning in my Afterburner 8 AC receptacle with your Audio Harma cooker. I'll let you know how it sounds in my system.
Charles, |
Hi David,
Congratulations on your son's significant achievement and honor.
I know that you will enjoy every moment of this musical event.
Charles, |
Oregonpapa,
I have to say I'm not completely surprised that your CD player responded the way it did with the SR Red fuses. It would make sense that the effects of a source component (upstream as it is would be ) has potential for much positive impact. I eagerly look forward to putting the Red fuse into my DAC given the very positive results with my amplifier and Line Stage. As you clearly note,the performance to cost ratio of these fuses is quite impressive As I've said before, these fuses provide more actual sonic improvement than a number of interconnect and power cables I've heard in my system. To be clear, the cables made a difference but to a lesser extent relative to the Red fuse. I'm very curious to hear the resulting impact of the Afterburner 8 wall AC outlet with the Oyaide WPC-Zealand cover.
Charles, |
Hi Oregonpapa,
I will listen to the Afterburner 8 receptacle with and without the Oyaide WPC-Z cover and report what I hear. This receptacle is 79 dollars, if its effect even approaches the excellent SR Red fuse I'll be thoroughly thrilled.
Charles, |
Aolmrd1241,
The PFO reviewer used SS (Vitus electronics) and experienced the same level of improvement as reported by users on this thread. I use a DHT Line Stage and a SET 300b amp. So very different systems yet near identical results. I believe that the Red fuse has universal application given its high quality.
Charles, |
A friend of mine just returned from CES and says during a discussion with the Founder of Absolare Audio (Amps,preamps etc.) he's very aware of and impressed with the SR Reds. A number of manufacturers acknowledge the improvement derived from premium fuses. Pretty obvious to me if you take the time to listen to them. No different than rolling various types of tubes in my experience. The impact is similar and sometimes even greater.
Charles, |
I'll stray away from the primary topic for a moment. Lak burned in my Afterburner 8 AC receptacle on his Audio Harma cooker for 160 hours and I sincerely appreciate his kind favor. For 79 dollars this is a very worthy product and on par with the SR Red fuses in terms of genuine sonic impact. I can easily compare it to my standard outlet in the same wall,. The Afterburner 8 is clearly an improvement, jaw dropping? No, but unquestionably superior sound quality.
As with the SR Red fuses it doesn't change the innate system character but it does improve the clarity, openess and there's more ambience retrieval and nuance. The generic outlet is by comparison marred by a thin layer of haze and hash. This isn't apparent until you use the Afterburner 8 receptacle, then it is obvious. I use the Tripoint Troy which is a passive grounding device that plugs into a wall receptacle for grounding purposes. The Troy is clearly better sounding when plugged into the Afterburner 8.
The main effect with the SR Red fuses and the Afterburner is increased purity of the sound. This further improves the musical engagement, naturalness and realism, which is my objective, the presentation is very organic, tonality and timbre are superb. If you're very happy with your system and have no desire to change the components, these two products will help you get the most out of your present system.
The ROI is exceptionally high without question. Two products for less than 100 dollars each that truly make a very noticeable improvement. The next step is to put the SR Red fuse in the DAC.
Charles, |
Oregonpapa
Avatar Acoustics 678 817 0573. They're located in Georgia.
Hi Fluffers,
This is a case where you just have to listen for yourself. There are people who are skeptical and doubt practically any thing, why care about what they believe?
I've tried products that were disappointing and not worth the money. When I find true high quality audio products, I like to let others know of their existence. Either you trust what you hear or you don't. You may not agree with my impression of these items once you hear them yourself, who knows? I just report what my individual listening experience is and leave it at that.
Charles, |
Oregonpapa,
These new Black fuses could be as good as advertised given the performance gap of the SR 20 to their Red fuse improvement. The Black could possibly be a fantastic value in the overall scheme of things.
To put it in perspective, still far less expensive than changing the components
Charles, |
I'm going to order the SR Black fuses for my system (4 total ).
I've had success with their fuses so I may as well get their best ànd see if the improvements continue. My components aren't going anywhere so I'll just continue to fine tune them with worthwhile tweak products.
Charles, |
Oregonpapa,
I hear you my friend!
It's really quite impressive what the Reds can do in a system.
If the Black fuses are only a subtle improvement that's still a feat given the quality yardstick standard set by the Reds.
Jeff the small fuse is 119 and the large fuse is 129.
Charles, |
This is anything but madness for me on the contrary. These quality tweaks simply increase the music listening enjoyment. I was listening to a live recording of Thelonious Monk circa 1962. The emotion and musical communication between him and drummer Ben Riley was so real and engaging. I really felt like I was there with them. Pure realism . How does a fuse contribute to that? If the Black fuses further enhance this deep musical connection, bring them on . ☺ |
Oregonpapa,
I was an analog dieheart for many years. When I added the Japanese Yamamoto DAC 5 years ago it was a turning point for me. It in combination with my SET amplifier based system demonstrated how terrific and natural Red Book CD could be. I still certainly enjoy a good turntable set-up but I don't miss having one now at all. I learned that the limiting factor for Red Book is the hardware rather than the medium/format.
Charles, |
Knghifi,
I understand your point, "massive" changes explains all. I've no plans for component changes in the foreseeable future. So in my case these relatively low cost but very effective tweaks are ideal for me. I'm an admitted jazz aficionado and these fuses are surely increasing the listening joy òf my music library.
Charles, |
Too far I meant, not "to far". Site wouldn't allow me to edit mistake.
Charles, |
Geared4me,
The Cable Company is taking orders now for their initial shipment of this new product. Expected delivery is 10 to 14 days.
Keith,
You're correct, so far the SR fuses at each level have lived up to the hype and continue to improve.
Oregonpapa,
I agree, life is good, and I never take that for granted.
Charles, |
Oregonpapa ,
We seem to have very similar taste in music.
Given the size of your music collection you may already own it but I will suggest it anyway.
The Thelonious Monk recording I'd mentioned yesterday is "Live At The Jazz Workshop". I think you'd really like it if you enjoy Monk. Another one from him is "Live At The It Cclub" Both are stereo recordings from the early 1960s. The energy and soul are palpable.
Charles, |
