David, what are your 300B amps?
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?
Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
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oregonpapa: When I replaced my Oyaide R1 wall outlet with a Synergistic Research Tesla Plex outlet , I heard more music emotion coming into the room. With replacing the Tesla Plex with the SR Black. I still obtain the more music is present sensation but now added is better detail and focus. I am very happy with the Black outlet in my system. It needs a week to fully settle in. I use and like the Oyaide wall outlet cover - mounting brackets. That is a good price at Amazon. They are occasionally sold at Audiogon in the $129.00 price range. Charles1dad: I sincerely do feel fortunate to have the SET amps using the PX-25 tube and the 300B tube. I hope all the readers of this thread will enjoy some great music and great sonic presentations this special Holiday weekend. David Pritchard |
Oregonpapa, The SR Black outlet is neutral to my ears, nothing dark at all. I don't feel like anything is missing. I put the outlet in 3 days ago. The first time I listened, I was in my chair for a few hours before I realized how much time had passed. That's an indication that I am really enjoying the music in my system. With the Oyaide, I would get up and wander and do chores or something else. I got more done around the house, so in that sense the Oyaide is better for me. But for musical enjoyment, the Black is better, at least for me. I only gave the Oyaide 2 weeks, and for sure it needs more break in. But I am not willing to go through hundreds of hours for an outlet to break in. I already went through something like that with the Acme outlet that I bought 10 years ago. That sucker didn't sound right until several months later. I did not want to go down that path again. The SR Black outlet sounds good right away and will only get better, I anticipate. Tom |
thaluza ... Thank you for that post re: the SR Black outlet. I'm presently using the Oyaide outlet and considering going with the SR Black. Question: You say the Oyaide was "bright sounding." It doesn't sound bright in my system ... so, I'm curious ... does the SR Black have any "dark" attributes to it at all, or do you find it neutral like the SR Black fuses? Thanks ... |
Hello David, You are privileged to be able to alternative between the two SET amplifiers, no doubt that both presentations are very enjoyable. I firmly believe that the individual 300b tube preference varies depending on the particular amplifier in use. For example the Western Electric reissue American tube is superb in some amplifiers. I didn’t care for it at all in my Coincident amplifier. In this amplifier the EML XLS is a much better match. Charles, |
Andy, I just installed a SR Black outlet for my power conditioner, which replaced an Oyaide R1 outlet. I found the Oyaide R1 to be bright sounding, not to my liking. In comparison, the SR Black outlet sounds more natural and organic, right from the get go. The difference between the two outlets is very noticeable. I am looking forward to the sound improving even more with the Black outlet as time goes by. For anyone interested, I also just bought two Oyaide wpc-z outlet covers on Amazon. They have two left for $139 each, which is a substantial discount from msrp. |
andynotadam: I congratulate you on undertaking this experiment. It is both a lot of time and effort to really dial in a system and there are no sure short cuts. I do think you plan has great potential and will answer many questions about the best Wall outlets for your system. The Synergistic Research Black outlet in my system had a significant effect on the system when I replaced a PS Audio Power Port Premier outlet (grey colored body). The background became darker, and the music has a richer harmonic texture. There is a more relaxed flow but with excellent detail. Upon installation I found the music to be more forward but with some hardness. Give these outlets a week to really settle in. I think you will be happy. If not, send them back! Charles1dad: David Pritchard |
Andy,I believe that your chances of success are high based on David's listening experiences and given the company's overall track record in general . I don't have the Synergistic Research AC outlets, rather I use the Avatar Acoustic Afterburner 8 outlet and I'm very happy with its contribution to my system. In my opinion a high quality AC wall receptacle and fuses are exceptionally good value audio tweaks. Let us know how it turns out in your system. Charles, |
To complement my system's phalanx of SR Black fuses, I just ordered a second Black outlet for my second dedicated line. It was gonna be kind of a pain to replace even one of them as the two lines share a double outlet box back in a corner, so I figured replacing both at the same time will be easier than not and regretting it later. I should have the two outlets some time next week and will hook them up as soon as possible (they will be replacing PS Audio Power Ports). This second line powers the REL along with some noisy bits (and noisy bits on each circuit are all plugged into Blue Circle Audio PLC FX-2 filters). Because the system spans the two circuits(via the REL high-level connection from the amps). I have been worried about ground potential differences and ground loop problems. I did have a hum when the REL was first connected with its three wires, the solution from the REL distributor was to leave the ground wire unconnected. The REL played just fine and the hum was gone, so it was clearly getting its ground reference from somewhere. After I installed the Black fuse into the REL, I decided to try tying the chassis ground of the REL to the star ground post on my Nordost QBase which powers the main components on the other line. The two circuits are on a tandem breaker (not two separate breakers ganged) and my guess is that they were wired on two different hot phases relative to neutral/ground. I'm seriously considering hiring an electrician to check the box and change things around so that both circuits are on the same phase. The grounds seem to be fine, as the 22ga. REL chassis ground wire doesn't get warm at all suggesting there is no meaningful difference in ground potential at the outlets, which is good since I have tied the grounds of the two circuits in two places--at the breaker box and at the outlets. If code allows, I will also ask the electrician to drive another ground stake to connect to the star ground on the QBase It shall be interesting to see whether the Black outlets can enhance the sound beyond the dramatic changes wrought by the Black fuses. It's kind of addictive (OK, it is addictive). We shall see... |
nyame: I agree 100%. The Synergistic Research Black fuses will give a major upgrade to one's sound system. And they will improve the sound in all the components you have listed- even the sub woofer. I do think these fuses give the highest performance to cost benefit of any audio product available. As you found out it is a fun and sonically rewarding experiment. David Pritchard |
Oregonpapa 06.13.16 "Going from the red fuse to the black fuse is more of an improvement than going from the stock fuse to the red fuse" Hafreeman 06.14.16 " I must say the improvements going from the red fuse to the black fuse is profound. The music is sweet and clear and more listenable all around" Andynotadam 06.15.16 " The sound (of the black fuse ) is smooth, liquid, detailed and extended " I replaced the red fuses in my Sony SACD player about a week ago and after listening to my system this morning I can now say that I agree 100% with all the above statements. These black fuses deserve the highest recommendation. If the audio magazines are awake, they have a moral obligation to name the Synergistic Research black fuses " Product of the Year" and " Budget Product of the Year" for 2016. I am now salivating at the prospect of upgrading my preamp, power amp and sub-woofer with these magnificent fuses. These fuses have my unqualified recommendation for all systems regardless of the components being used. This is a major upgrade to all power supplies and the power supply has the most consequential effects on sound quality. If after installation the sound is still below par, make sure your connections are correct. If they are reverse the direction of the fuses. ( I know that "theoretically" reversing fuse direction in an AC circuit should not make a difference, but is does. This is also the experience of other audiophiles in this forums. Remember, we are not privy to manufacturing process. If we were the reasons for things like this would become clear ) |
sherod ... Thanks for that very interesting link. lowrider ... Same experience with tube electronics. The Red fuses come into their own at about the 20 hour mark. The Black take about 70 to 100 hours. Until they open up, watching the news is more interesting than listening to the stereo system. BUT, once the fuses open up ... OMG! :-) |
I've only used HiFi Tuning fuses but the results were the same as yours: kind of awful sounding until they broke in. Mine took about 4 days to completely break in, playing 24/7, much like a cable, and I've never thought twice about it since. A definite improvement. Your patience will be rewarded. All the best, Nonoise |
I was following the thread in the early days and installed a SR Red fuse in my ARC CDP; I wanted to start at the source. It was such a tremendous improvement in every way and since the spinner is naturally detailed, I stayed with the Red. Next I auditioned the Red and Black UEF PC's on all components and found that my Audience PC's were more musical with deeper imaging. IOW, I didn't need both the fuse and PC upgrade. Now I have the SR Black fuse in my modified Sunfire 300 amp and waiting for it to burn-in. My question is to others who have the SR Black in a high power/high current SS amp. Did you find that during the burn-in period, the sonics were similar to breaking in a new cable? I find the sound veiled, instruments lack separation (Classical music), and 2 dimensional. I know the fuses are allegedly directional, and for now I'll assume mine is installed correctly due to the fact that the imaging of string instruments are in the proper place and the soundstage is wide and high. So, I guess I'm asking for reassurance that others have heard these sonic characteristics. As mentioned before, it sounds like I'm breaking in some new cables. Many thanks. |
I found a thread here on Audiogon that provides a youtube link for a DIY fuse break-in device. Maybe it will help someone who has tube equipment to save some tube life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud2n7Mut13s&feature=youtu.be |
I spun this in the CD player last night. The piano, drums and bass are right there in the room. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Connick-Harry-Jr-Loftys-Roach-Souffle-CD-New-/142040253140?hash=item21124242... |
Yeah, the SR Black outlet experiment should be interesting. I won't receive it or have a chance to mess with it for a week or two, but I am curious. In the meantime, I gonna try a really crazy--even for me--tweak, and that is to use a 12x8x2 Himalayan salt block to support my amplifiers via my existing Herbie's Iso-Cup and IsoBall footers. Some say crystalline salt has a resonant frequency near-equal to the Schumann resonance, which is 7.83 Hz. Synergistic's FEQ and Atmosphere mess around with the Schumann resonance as well. I can't find any online evidence to say that anyone has tried something as stupid as this, or at the very least, if they did, they kept it to themselves. If it doesn't work out, I can still gift them to my carnivorous friends as a novel way to BBQ! |
The Black outlet will give you more space between instruments, better flow, and a more relaxed feel to the music but with better detail. The Tesla plex does not sound as "sophisticated"- it has a little less detail. I do like the Tesla plex. Since my systems are each on circuits that have five outlets , I have a combination of outlets on each circuit. SR essentially took the sound of the Tesla plex and improved it without loosing the good qualities of the Tesla plex. The Black takes a week of current passing through it to break in. It is worth the price to me and does have the 30 day return option. I think it is worth the time and effort to audition a Black outlet in one's system. David Pritchard |
Oregonpapa and andynotadam Thank you for your inputs. For the next 7 days I will play HollyCole"s "Temptation SACD once daily". I never turn off my system so by next weekend I should be in good shape. It might not be fully broken in by then, but I will know how good it is going to be. I have a very good feeling about these black fuses. |
After enjoying the red fuses for 18 months, I have finally decided to try the black fuses. A purchased two for my CD player a week ago. I listened briefly after installation and the sound was uninspiring. Two days ago I had another listen. Something was wrong. I checked my connections and they were all correct. I reversed the direction of the fuses and left the player on (but not playing) until this morning. It now sounds much better! |
Sometimes ... in fact, many times, only good jazz will cut it for me. I grew up on it and it never gets old. However, over the years, my musical taste has expanded to include a wide spectrum of music. Tonight's listening session consisted of film tracks. The most haunting was the music from "Schindler's List." Very haunting, indeed. Then for a little change of pace, I put on the tracks from "The Mission," and "Dracula." Now that I'm depressed, frightened and wide awake at midnight ... I think tomorrow night it will be back to some really good straight ahead jazz. Man, that Schindler's List has some beautiful strings ... but I just couldn't stop thinking about what it represents. OP |
I'm enjoying Shirley Horn's "The Main Ingredient" tonight, a 1995 recording made in her NYC living room after the clubs shut down (and after a chicken and greens dinner she prepared as the story goes). Participants include Joe Henderson, Roy Hargrove, Billy Hart and Elvin Jones among others. A great performance and pretty impressive sonics given where it was recorded. The drums, vocal and piano have a surprising amount of air around them (thank you, SR), though other aspects of the recording are a bit dry. Check it out... |
All, The SR Red Fuse gave me the best bang for the buck next to 12 gauge speaker cables. Been running them for about a year. But once you are done with the fuses, the next most notable step up is the SR Power Cell, wow.....talk about a noise floor that dropped about 4 levels and the inner details of music you NEVER HEARD BEFORE!!!!! I am amazed at what SR products do for the hifi systems we all love. Next up, outfitting my whole system with SR innerconnects. |
David, One aspect of jazz I adore (amongst many ) is the seamless collaborations between the young upstart and veteran musicians. Last night I listened to "Seasoned Wood" . This is esteemed elder pianist Cedar Walton with a very young trumpeter Jeremy Pelt recorded in 2008. This reminds me of early 1960s pairing of veteran saxophonist icon Coleman Hawkins with the young and upcoming guitarist Kenny Burrell. Good stuff! Charles, |
charles1dad; What a triple shot of great guitar players! Mundell Lowe"s playing is always thoughtful and beautiful. He is not afraid to let some silence between notes create that deeper mood that is so satisfying. Joe Pass and Oscar P.- that would test my system to see if it can keep up with all the notes played. The Sophia Electric 300 Blue Glass tubes are new to the market. They also make a 274 Blue tube. Could be just good marketing to have a blue colored tube ala the 1930 Arcturis tubes. I saw and heard them at Newport Beach Audiofest. Jeffery Catalano from High Water Sound (New York ) was using them in his very expensive turntable - 300B mono block amps- Cassaro Horn system. He is impressed with the sound of the Blue Sophia's. I am looking forward to their audition. The combination of using these Black fuses and Synergistic Research Black outlets has just improved my system's performance to such a degree that I am really concentrating on the communication these talented musicians are achieving. David Pritchard |
David, I agree with you, this has been such an enjoyable thread to participate in. I suspect that the W.E. Replica 300b from Pavane is trying to stay as faithful as possible to the vintage Western Electric character. David I’m not familiar with the Sophia blue glass 300b so I look forward to your listening impressions. I’m listening to Sarah Vaughan this evening and what a pure pleasure ☺ 1, "How Long Has This Been Going On?" This is an XRCD +1 music and sound quality. Recorded in 1978 and also features Joe Pass and Oscar Peterson. 2, "Sarah +2" Early 1960s stereo recording, just wonderful! Added bonus is Barney Kessel on guitar. 3, " After Hours" another early stereo studio recording, again, wonderful talent and music. The beautiful guitar playing of Mundell Lowe is featured. Charles, |
charles1dad: Thank you for the suggestions. I will look into Kenny Barron's "Live at Bradley's". The 300B SET amp does like the Synergistic Research Black fuse more than the RED fuse. The music is just more alive with the Black fuse. Presently comparing the Sophia 300 Carbon tube versus the Psvane 300 WE tube. The Sophia has more punch and the Psvane We more of a softer delicate sound. Both sound very good but different. A set of Sophia 300 Blue glass tubes are awaiting their turn in the amp. Between good music listening, good equipment upgrades, and good people posting good suggestions for music and upgrades, it just doesn't get any better. David Pritchard |
The "Jessica's Blues" I had recommended is very good but I like her "This side Up" even more. I just listened to it (hadn't played it in a while ) and this is truly some fine piano work. There's so much music available from many talented musicians we're fortunate to have their recordings to listen to when ever we'd like to. Charles, |
I had the opportunity to hear Lynne Arriale CD at Jeff’s this past weekend and she and her trio sound very good, she’s an engaging pianist for sure. David, Jessica Williams "Live At Yoshi’s" recording is one I’ve enjoyed for years . Another good one from her is "Jessica’s Blues". David I believe that you’d really like Kenny Barron "Live At Bradley’s" Vol 1 (Vol 2 is excellent also ) . Top tier piano trio performance with very realistic jazz club atmosphere captured. Some sound engineers are just better than others at preserving the natural and palpable ambience of the jazz venues. Charles, |
Jwm ... Thanks for the heads up on Lynne Arriale. This is the first I've heard of her. I just checked her out on Spotify. Her "Inspiration" album sounds great on my Audioengine PC system. Two cuts ... "A House is Not a Home," and "The Nearness of You" are very movingly played. Nice! Tasty! If you like Lynne Arriale, you'll also like Jessica Williams. Here's two of her very well recorded live albums: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vol-1-Live-At-Yoshis-Jessica-Williams-2004-CD-NEUF-/262409587779?hash=item3d... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Live-at-Yoshis-Vol-2-/331859091137?hash=item4d4457dec1:g:9tsAAOxyeR9TGFZ- OP |
I have 3 jazz cd's to buy by this wonderful piano player I just discovered. Lynne Arriale Trio (When You Listen), (The Eyes Have It), and (With Words Unspoken). All are on the DMP label. The cymbals sound so realistic you think you were in a jazz club. I would start with the first one and go from there. Lynne's style of playing is more to my liking than Dianna Krall. |