Synergistic Red Fuse ...

"I have wondered where SR bought their SR Black duplex. I did some googling and found a duplex that looks very similar. Hmmmm..."


Hmmmm indeed....

Great thread for identifying all the things I look for on my checklist of who to ignore:

1.  Constantly posts on forums instead of listening to their system.
2.  Uses any product by Synergistic Research (Have any of you seen what happens when you open up their products and see what's inside?  Have you never talked to an industry insider at shows?  Have you never done their A/B tests at shows and seen the chicanery?)
3.  Claims a product sounds terrible/disappointing/etc before "break in", but then marvelous after ### hours.  What exactly happens to the centimeter of cable in a fuse that causes this? Assuming some major transformation occurs, are you over 40 years old, yet can hear this drastic change on a centimeter of wire?  Plus, do you have an ability to recreate the exact position of your head and noise floor 200 hours ago while remembering exactly what you heard.  If so, you should apply for the next Xman movie...just like Synergistic Research should win a Nobel prize if their claims were legitimate.

How about you guys stop pretending to have superpowers and misleading people to buy ripoff products.

Step back and look at how ridiculous it is to spend this much time posting about a synergistic research fuse.  If you don't see how ridiculous it is, then...ok...I have a lavender fuse that sounds awesome after just .0001 seconds.  I'll be happy to sell them for the same price as SR at RMAF.  Anyone going to be there and want to blind test them against your SR?

Interesting that someone would take the time to chatter on for five paragraphs with nothing but diddle and accuse others of being ridiculous.  

1.  As for me, I listen to my system every evening and most early mornings. I post on the Audiogon site usually late at night. 

2.  Open up their products?  Oh yeah, I open up $3000 power cords all the time. And breaking $120.00 fuses is a lot of fun too.
      a.  Yes, I have talked to plenty of audio insiders. A few happen to be good friends of mine.
      b.   Yes, I've seen A/B tests at the shows. The latest one was the         Synergistic Research demo room at the recent Newport show. Chicanery?  Nope, just simply drop dead amazing.

3.   Break in?  Even my custom Originlive turntable belt had a break in period of a few hours. Quite the amazing experience. Sounded good right off the bat, but then it started opening up at about an hour in ... then, wow!

4.  Yes, I'm over 40 years old. In fact, in another hour and 45 minutes I'll be celebrating my 78th birthday. And yes, I can hear the break in process in the SR Black fuses. Quite remarkable, really. Just call me Xman. 

5.  I'll be the first one to vote in favor of the Nobel prize for Synergistic Research and Ted Denny specifically. Brilliant. 

6.  Who's misleading whom here?  How can one be misled when there is a 30 day money back guarantee on all products sold by SR? 

7.  Hopefully, you will now put me on your ignore list .... Adios Amigo. And what ever you do, do not try any of these products. Just pass Go and remain in the dark with the smugness that you know what is best even though you wont' try that which you ridicule. . 

OP

Happy Birthday, OP.  I just ordered Black fuses for mains in ARC mono blocks and also for Wadia 861SE player. When I first upgraded the main fuse in my Wadia some years ago, I found a HiFi Tuning fuse already there. This was part of the GNSC Reference or Statement level mod--I had both done over the years--it was a short drive to Steve Huntley's place.  

Helo everybody
thanks OPFor that interesting thread. I replaced my HFT Supreme in the pre. First I tried a SR Red with great success before the new Black became available. I read all the posts of this thread and finally bought Audio Magic Beeswax that the Cable Co said to be more "organic" (this word seems to be always glues with the Beseswax). 
I am very satisfied with the AM but ask still ask me how does it compares to the Black SR. 
Not much on the web about users comment on the net. Does anybody here have compared both ?

labtec 070616

" Step back and look at how ridiculous it is to spend this much time posting about a synergistic research fuse."

I see from one of your earlier posts that you are a great fan of Steve McCormack and his modifications. So am I. Steve is one of the giants of the hifi industry. This is what he had to say about fuses.
 
As a high-end audio designer, I am always on the lookout for new ways to improve the performance of my electronics. It has been clear to me for a long time that anything done to improve the quality of my power supplies has a direct beneficial effect on the sound of my equipment. What has been surprising (and not a little frustrating) is how important the “little details” have become - the AC power cords, AC inlets, internal wiring, and now the fuses themselves. Like most audiophiles, I was skeptical at first - the truth is that I didn’t "want" fuses to make any difference and become yet another detail to worry about. And yet when “audiophile grade” fuses first appeared, I knew I had to try them - the quality of the AC power path is simply too important to ignore.

So I tried the fuses from HiFi-Tuning and Isoclean, and was impressed by both. Here was a simple tweak that made a larger legitimate sonic improvement than many absurdly-high-priced cables I had tried, and cost a LOT less! Being happy with the HiFi-Tuning fuses, I did not immediately jump on the Furutech fuses when they first appeared, but I kept them in mind. Since I use a number of other Furutech products in my equipment designs and upgrades, I finally gave in and ordered some fuses.

Holy Smoke! To say I was impressed is an understatement! I was very surprised to hear that the Furutech fuses were outperforming the HiFi-Tuning fuses in every respect, and installing them throughout my system brought it up to a new level of performance. The Furutech fuses have quickly become my most highly recommended tweak, and one of my all-time favorites. I urge you to try them in your own system. Check the value and size of the main AC line fuses in your gear and order some Furutechs for at least your amp and preamp. As always, your mileage may vary, but I suspect you will be impressed and pleased with the improvement in clarity, dynamics, and engagement. Enjoy!"
Steve McCormack · Designer · SMcAudio.com · Vista, CA

I think Steve would LOVE the synergistic Research black fuses.

Another thing. I also saw one of your posts railing about power cords  that cost more than $1000. Oregonpapa who started this thread has power cords that cost $3000 each. Is this one of the reasons you choose his thread for your rants?

From reading your posts I am convinced you are a genuine audiophile and I hold no grudge against you. We all form opinions in good faith from time to time. However new technologies and new products also appear from time to time. As a genuine audiophile you must remain curious or be left behind.






















 

To all the annoying sceptics who have posted in this thread with absolutely no firsthand knowledge of the SR fuse:

Remember when you upgraded your speakers? You fool! It changed nothing! 

Remember when you bought a better CD player? You fool! The shiny new faceplate convinced you that it sounded better.  It changed nothing!

Remember when you ditched your cheap turntable for a more audiophile-grade analog source?  You fool!  It changed nothing!

Remember when you carefully positioned your speakers in order to create the best listening experience?  You wasted your time!

Room treatments?  Snake oil!

What?  No more cassette tapes? 

...I just wasted my time writing this, and wasted the time of many who might take the time to read my post.  Sorry.  I just get tired of people, who, from their self-proclaimed position of superiority, lecture the rest of us in order to convince us that we are not hearing the sonic improvements that we clearly hear. Please get a life!

^^^
I love you guys.   Hangin' out here is a lot of fun. 

Somehow I think we'll be hearing *crickets* from old Labtec for awhile.

Could the name "labtec" be a clue to his opinionated thinking?  Is the audio hobby all about measurements in his world? Not knocking the guy here, as I know a couple of folks just like that.

He's the guy who is more interested in the dwell rate of the aftermarket hot rod camshaft rather than the increased push-back in the seat under acceleration. Or, the guy in the lab coat who says that if two amps measure the same, they have to sound the same. (remember him?) 

Time for the morning listening session. Gotta go before all of the neighbors get on the grid with their air conditioners. 

Hang in there ...

OP

Hello labtec, One of the side benefits of this thread has been the fairly frequent posting/sharing of music titles and recordings. This is due to the large number of music lovers who have participated in this very friendly thread. I’ve actually held back on more recording recommendations as to avoid drifting too far off the original topic (but can’t help myself at times 😊). I’d say there have been more recording recommendations on this thread than any other I’ve been a participant with the exception of those that had music as the original topic.

Nyame, The quote from Steve McCormack rings true for my encounter with the premium fuses. He said the fuses had as much or more sonic impact than did tube rolling or cable swapping. In some cases this has been my experience as well.
Charles,

Charles,  There is only so much that can be said about a fuse.  We can talk about music until the end of time and never run out of things to say.  Plus, for the vast majority of us, fuses, cables, tubes, etc. are a means to the end--music.  Don't hold back!

Hello Bill (Brownsfan ),
It's so good to hear from you. Labtec implied posters here care more about fuses than music listening and that is the antithesis of my observation. As you astutely noted the tweaks are simply a means to increasing our music listening enjoyment. Okay Bill you've convinced me to keep the music recommendations coming. 

These artists aren’t necessarily universally known but are nonetheless superb jazz musicians.

Pianist John Hicks, "Twogether" (correct spelling ). Features alto saxophonist Frank Morgan on a few cuts.

Pianist, Fred Hersch, "Dancing In The Dark "

Hammond B3 organist Joey DeFrancesco, "Somewhere In The Night " Live recording and features Bobby Hutcherson on vibraphone.

Guitarist Doug Raney, "The Backbeat " features DeFrancesco on the organ.

These are very good jazz recordings.
Charles,

On the question of music:

Fasten your seatbelts and check this out.

"Dialoghi" from yarlungrecords. (And Amazon.com)

CD.19.99
45RPM 180 gRAM Vinyl  $29.99

Elinor Frey - Cello
David Fung - piano

Recommended by BOB LEVI, President of the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society

This serious stuff.

My ratings:   Music 5 stars
Audio-quality:    5 stars

Hello nyame,
I am a jazz nut but in terms of classical music I find that I’m drawn to Cello and piano (I really like Mstislav Rostropovich as an example). The emotion of his playing saturates my room.  Thanks for the recommendation.
Charles,

Charles ... you are always the gentleman in these discussions. David too. Its much appreciated by me, that's for sure.

This thread has become much more than just about fuses.  Its morphed into suggestions about other tweaks, good music ... and above all else, mutual friendship among people who are music lovers first and equipment geeks a very distant second. 

With the HFT room treatments, my mono records are sounding better than ever before. I've been digging through the archives and pulling out Benny Goodman, Tony Scott, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman and Pete Fountain.  Some of these are really old, but in great shape. Some are on the old Brunswick Bakelite records instead of vinyl.  They really do sound great. 

What I really like about these old recordings is that they have that vintage sound like we hear in the old black & white movies of the 30's and 40's. Its nostalgia time for me, as my Mom used to take me to these movies when I was a kid.  In fact, she's the one who instilled the love of music in me. Good literature too. This is why I find David's stories about his mother so inspiring. My mom would be 102 this year. 

Hopefully, the "If you can't measure it, you can't hear it" guys will get a clue and join in on the fun being had here in this thread. This thread, in my opinion, is about the human aspect of this hobby.

Now, for a little more Woody Herman ... 

Frank,
I agree with your sentiments regarding this happy vibe thread you initiated. In all honesty the negative comments have been miniscule given the enormous volume of this thread. A few posts from wolf and some others but it hasn't amounted to anything of meaningful  merit. I don't include Al in this tiny group. Yes he's expressed some wariness but he doesn't resort to a  small minded and superficial "know it all" demeanor.   Overall the information exchanged, impressions shared and robust goodwill generated has been fabulous. My compliments to you all.
Charles,

Twenty-four hours in, and all I can say right now is, "Wow!"

Andy

I am listening.

Oregonpapa:

BEST WISHES FOR THE BEST BIRTHDAY !!!!!!!

David Pritchard

Hi Jason,
It’s good to know that you discovered this thread and like many others here found an affordable and exceptionally effective tweak. Let us know your impressions of the Black fuse in your Shindo preamplifier.
Charles,

Thank you for the birthday wishes David. 


Guys, if you haven't heard of Jackie Evanho, let me introduce her to you now.  She is truly gifted.

This is one year after she appeared on America's Got Talent. She waas 11 years old at the time this was recorded:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FOP1KxKkB0

This is her now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FOP1KxKkB0

Happy listening ... 

UPDATE:  A few days ago, I replaced the two Shunyata Research SR-Z1 outlets on the dedicated lines feeding my system with the Synergistic Research Black UEF duplex AC receptacles. Bottom line, I spent $500 and, in the process, got new speakers in return. Or a new amp. Or a new DAC. Yes, what I am saying is that at more than 72 hours in, the Black UEF duplex outlets are delivering at least a component level upgrade to the sound of my system.

The path to glory during the break-in process has been quite uneven as those of you experienced with the SR Black fuses will understand. As with the fuses, the outlets do sonically morph significantly over time, while giving glimpses of their final sound along the way.

At just 24 hours in, things locked in to such a degree that I actually got goosebumps and an involuntary grin while listening to a reference track that I have heard dozens, if not a hundred times before. From there, things took several steps backward, with the sound becoming somewhat disjointed, fore-shortened, forward and a bit harsh. One characteristic that has been consistent throughout is that the sound has been very open on top, much more like the real thing, particularly on voices, piano and percussion. I never thought of the SR-Z1s as being dark per se, but the Black outlets are in a different league.

Let me also say that given the topics covered, this thread has been remarkably positive and troll free, encouraging me to share my experiences rather than simply gawking at the sh*t shows that many forums devolve into.

I have never considered cables, vibration damping or AC power delivery to be in the realm of tweaks. In my more than 45 years experience in this hobby I have come to believe that everything matters, and that what is wrong upstream can never be "fixed" downstream, say, with upgraded speakers. It follows then, at least to me, that you can't get any more upstream than the AC supply.

Andynotadam

Great review. Thanks for sharing your experience. I have been holding back because I could not get a handle on the EXTENT of the improvement one
can reasonably expect expect from the black fuse. Things are much clearer now. Thanks.

My current outlet is a Furutech installed in 2004.  It feeds a home built passive power supply using a pair of Synergistic research Tesla Plex SE
outlets.

I will replace the Furutech with the black outlet, after I have I have upgraded all my electronics with black fuses.

Andynotadam

Correction: In the 3rd sentence of my post above I wrote " I have been holding back (on purchasing the black outlet) because I could not get a handle on the EXTENT of the improvement one can reasonably expect from the black fuse. Instead of "black fuse" I should have written "black outlet"

Nyame:
I think you are going to be very happy with a Synergistic Research Black outlet is your system. The Black outlet interacts with the Tesla Plex Se outlet in a special positive way.

David Pritchard

David

I have learned a lot, and my system has improved a lot as a result of this thread. The black fuses, the grounding block, and now the black outlet.

My sincerest thanks to you for your role in this process. Oregonpapa has also made a compelling case for the HFT 2.0

Every time I spin a CD I marvel at the improved musicality wrought by the fuses and grounding block. My CD collection is now in reality a priceless
treasure.

^^^  " My CD collection is now in reality a priceless
treasure. "

Yes, I've had the same experience with my digital playback. I only use redbook CD's with the all tube ARC CD7se as my source.  

Before I got into the SR fuses CD's were played mostly as a convenience. Oh, they sounded good, but the vinyl rig was used for all critical listening. It was far and away better than digital in my system. While this is still true, that vinyl still sounds better than my digital, the system has been brought up to such a high level that I can't stop listening to the CD collection. Vinyl records are the bomb!  But ... I can save my cartridge for special listening sessions with friends and still be totally immersed emotionally in musical bliss with digital. 

With subsequent improvements made over the past year in fuses, cables and room treatments, the sound has become uncannily real. The latest experiment came the other night when my friend Robert (Mr. Record) came over for a listening session. He's been after me to remove the large glass coffee table (see my system) from in front of the listening chair. Well, we removed it ... and boy, oh boy ... things just locked more into place. Talk about solid bass!  

Now, without the glass table in place, the room looks like crapolla ... but there is no wife to please. I'll have to figure something out. I'm convinced, the table has to go. 

OP

I've been CD-only since I sold all my LPs and my beloved Simon Yorke S-9 Record Player (serial no. 005) back in 2007. A few years ago I started burning my CDs to an externally powered hard drive in AIFF format using iTunes on a Mac Book Pro so I didn't have to mess with the discs themselves (great for parties too with playlists and iPad control). Connections started with wireless to an Airport Express to my DAC on TOSlink. I got better sound  by hard-wiring using USB and better sound still by converting USB to SPDIF via BNC and currently via ST glass fiber. I added Amarra HiFi to iTunes as the decoding engine to great effect and added a multi-rail linear power supply for the computer, the drive and piggy-backed Uptone Audio Regen hubs. Along the way I picked up a Bryston BDP-2 music player as a parallel source and got still closer to analog nirvana (with amazing help from two SR Black fuses). There is a huge amount of musical information on a well recorded and mastered plain ol' Redbook CD and breakthroughs in playback technology just keep coming.

Nyame:

In your last post you mentioned what has become for me the foundation on which to build a music system that is emotionally engaging and satisfying.
That foundation is Black fuses, Black A/C outlets, and the Synergistic Research Grounding Block.

My systems have become so much more enjoyable since I began using these devices. There is so much great music to enjoy when you have reduced the digital glare.

Oregonpapa:
Yes the table has to stay out of the path of the music. I tried very hard to put a small antique table in front of the listening chair. It looks great there but sounds bad there. It was a worse experience than watching a Broadway play behind the 80 year old lady with the three foot hat. 

jib222:

Congratulations on installing the fuse, allowing it time to break in, and then trying it in both directions. Many audio users would not have persevered and thus would have missed out on improving their system.

David Pritchard

David:

To your list, I would definitely add the SR HFTs and FEQ and/or Atmosphere. At over 100 hours in, the SR Black outlets continue to evolve for the better. Renders truly stunning music...

Andy ... 

Our systems are apples and oranges. I'm so old school, I didn't understand a word of what you said. *lol*  I have no clue when it comes to the digital download/hard drive stuff. I think the problem is, at this juncture, I'm so old I'm still amazed that airplanes can fly without propellers. It doesn't matter though ... its all about the love of the music. 

Hey guyz ... how about some Cal Tjader and Stan Getz?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALs8bfhB6B0&list=RDALs8bfhB6B0#t=105

It was a Billy Holiday night at my place tonight.  Even her marginal recordings were moving.  Only a few of the greatest song stylists could turn a phrase like Billie Holiday. 

OP

David ...

Thank you for the kind note. It was very thoughtful of you. A gentleman all the way. Hope work eases up for you soon. 

OP

Reporting again on my system conversion from SR Reds to SR Blacks:  A couple of weeks ago, the Blacks went into my Maggie 3.6R's to reach a new plateau of clarity and sound stage.  The Maggies have always been the place of the most dramatic improvements compared to the AC mains in my CDP and amps, but here, the Blacks are a close second.  I had installed the Black into my Wadia just two days ago and, today, into the mains of my ARC Ref 210s.  Rather than wait, I thought best to break all three in together.  The Blacks are sounding better than the Reds with no burn in--they are that good in rendering more information, and I suspect they perform well sooner because of full AC current.  The sound is clearer yet--liquid, wet, silky. The bottom end is fuller, extended.  With seven Blacks performing in AC power supplies and directly in the speaker signal path, there is a transformation nothing short of a major component upgrade, perhaps two components.  The SR Black fuses are the best single tweak I have ever added, and this is the fifth fuse improvement I have experienced, each better than the previous.  I can imagine SR's next fuse, one with even more graphene---yes, I would buy yet another round of SR's if offered.  

Okay I consider myself a student of Thelonious Monk, of both his playing and equally for his compositions. Simply put I have the upmost admiration and respect for his enormous talent and contributions to jazz music.
Two guitarists payed tribute to Monk with recordings dedicated to his music. They’re both top tier musicians who approach jazz guitar with distinctly different but equally superb ability. For any of you familiar with Monk’s music I believe that you’ll truly appreciate these two excellent interpretations done in the spirit of Monk. Both are trio settings with drums and acoustic bass. Well recorded and more importantly, beautiful musicianship.

Peter Bernstein, "Monk"

Bobby Broom "Bobby Broom Plays For Monk"
Charles,

Fascinating. From a quick review it sounds like "Labtec" probably has good ears,musical appreciation and a good sense of reality and honesty. For those hard of hearing 78 year olds, with nothing else to do, I imagine this thread is fun. But I hope you've got enough $$ put away, and a well developed sense of ethics, so that this thread is all just in GOOD FUN : )  , you don't need to sell s**t to make your life satisfying.
I figure you're all somewhat like the old British "Carry On" gang. In this case just carrying on with a very weird sense of humor. 

Actaually, this group reminds me of comments young friends used to mention when they were on acid, LSD. Being quite satisfied with the reality I was experiencing I never tried the LSD and never had the experience(s) they had. Does anyone think I missed anything,really.. Aha, that's the secret of this thread-it's just not about real reality; it's about that high flying LSD variety of realities. Everyone has their own; and no one van tell them they didn't have it. Ta da. Eureka. Wunderbar. Let's break out those "magic dots" while we're having a trip. Put them on walls,or equipment or anywhere that "turns you on""" (and let's hope the equipment doesn't get a "buzzz";  that would be a downer

ptss:

Yes, you missed something.

charles1dad:

I too, am a Monk fan. In my office I have a very interesting Jim Marshall photo of Monk in his NY apartment's kitchen, he in a silk smoking jacket-like affair with matching hat, posing awkwardly with his wife and kids dressed for church, a bottle of Hennessey on the stove...

Hi Andy,
Now that’s a picture I’d love to own. In my listening room I have a picture of a young Monk (circa 1940s) sitting at a piano. If you don’t already have these recordings  I strongly recommend the following.

"Live At The It Club" Small Los Angeles jazz club early 1960s. Very good!

"Monk’s Dream " His first studio recording with Columbia Records. Quartet group in top form.
Charles,

charles1dad:

Thanks for the recommendations. I lost a great deal of my jazz collection when I sold my 4,000-ish LPs, and along with it, a number of Monk albums.

On your recommendation, I just ordered them from Amazon....

Jafreeman ( on the black fuse ) "The sound is clearer yet--liquid, wet, silky. The bottom end is fuller, extended."

Funny thing. This was exactly what I was hearing last night.

Well said Jafreeman!

+1 nyame and jafreeman descriptive comments. It seems that better quality fuses,AC wall receptacles and power cables work individually and collectively to improve AC POWER quality. Which results in less of a mechanical /electronic character and more of a natural fluidity and liquid flow of the music. With the Black fuses the improved clarity is quite noticeable but so is the more organic presentation.

Interesting my system was already very organic yet this desired characteristic was further improved with the fuse and AC receptacle upgrades. In my opinion this supports the notion that AC power/ pathway improvements truly affect the overall sound quality of a system. Money spent to address this aspect of an audio system is very worthwhile.  

What reminded me of this factor occurred the past few nights while listening to a variety of jazz guitarists.  Anyone familiar with this type of music knows they can play some of the most beautiful, gorgeous and complex major and minor chords you'd ever want to hear. Be it Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Wes  Montgomery or Russell Malone,  the list goes on and on.  As the AC power improves so does the unveiling of the beautiful guitar playing,  harmonics, overtones and just nuances overall are exceptionally exposed. This further deepens the emotional connection to the music you're listening to. It gets very close to what I hear at live intimate jazz venues,  a very rich,warm fully fleshed out sound of the entire guitar. Needless to say it's utterly satisfying. 
Charles, 

Here's one example of what I mean  (and then I'll shut up ). The other night I'd recommended "Monk" by Peter Bernstein. Listening to the cut "Blues Five Spot" you hear simply delicious chords being played as Peter expresses his interpretation of Monk's tune.  Hard to put into words but I sure felt it. Listening to music is such a personal experience.  😊
Charles, 

charles1dad

Thanks for mentioning the guitar. I immediately ordered "MONK" by Peter Bernnstein from Amazon.com.

Andynotadam

I know you like Shirley Horn's "main ingredient" but have you got her
"Here's to life"?

Nyame,
Yes I have both of those recordings.
Charles,

ptss

You missed most of "EVERYTHING".

nyame:

I don't have that one. I do also have I Remember Miles and You're My Thrill. Thanks for another good 'un to check out!

ptss:  

You asked:  "  Does anyone think I missed anything,really.."

My answer is an emphatic yes.  I believe that when the Creator was handing out humility and sensitivity, you, for whatever reason, were not in the room.  

OP