2. amps-preamps
  3. 1448317474

Synergistic Red Fuse ...

I installed a SR RED Quantum fuse in my ARC REF-3 preamp a few days ago, replacing an older high end fuse. Uhh ... for a hundred bucks, this little baby is well worth the cost. There was an immediate improvement upon installation, but now that its broken in (yes, no kidding), its quite remarkable. A tightening of the focus, a more solid image, and most important of all for my tastes, a deeper appreciation for the organic sound of the instruments. Damn! ... cellos sound great! Much improved attack on pianos. More humanistic on vocals. Bowed bass goes down forever. Next move? .... I'm doing the entire system with these fuses. One at a time though just to gauge the improvement in each piece of equipment. The REF-75se comes next. I'll report the results as the progression takes place. Stay tuned ...

Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
oregonpapa

Showing 5 responses by dbarger

dbarger
215 posts
 
OP, have you considered bringing home a Ref 6 to try?  You appreciated the upgrade from the Ref 75 to the 75se.  It is a much larger upgrade than that.  Simply a stunning upgrade.

dbarger
215 posts
 
David, what are your 300B amps?

dbarger
215 posts
 
Just curious, why do some people either attribute goodness or blame everything on a fuse?  I say this as a person with the SR Black in my ARC Ref 6 and 75se.  When my system sounds great, I just don't think, "must be the fuse!".  It is a subtle effect at best.  Lots of other bigger factors at play...
dbarger
215 posts
 
"A friendly reminder to all that replace fuses in their equipment to remember to turn off the equipment before replacing the fuse. I do not know why but changing the fuse recently with a different fuse resulted in the new fuse blowing. I would guess it was a current in rush situation but on a solid state piece of equipment. So turn off equipment - replace fuse - turn on equipment. "

Better advice is to unplug equipment before changing the fuse.  Many pieces have a constant draw of power to keep some circuitry "warmed up".
dbarger
215 posts
 
OP, curious if you have ever brought home a Ref 6 to try yet?  I have the SR Black fuses in my gear, and they are fine.  Not really "game changers" in my opinion, but to each his own.  But the Ref 6 is really a game changer.  I did have a ref 3 previously, and then a 5 and 5se, and now a 6, and can tell you that these are all more significant upgrades than the fuse.  Not meaning to flame here, just keeping it real...  Give it a try!

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