Allan ...
Nope. The secret one is yet to come. Stay tuned ...
Frank
Nope. The secret one is yet to come. Stay tuned ...
Frank
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?
4,839 responses Add your response
Yes, My Papa. Me, either. So much so that I ordered 3. I kept deleting the 4th one from the order. It was a 5A fuse that I was going to put into the PS Audio. I had to remind myself to test only the NAD, although I looked at the CJ preamp, longingly beaming telepathic thoughts at it: "Couldn’t you, wouldn’t you....like to be Blue along with me?????" But then I head the voice of God (Lew Conrad or Bill Johnson) from the past, saying we’ve never found another fuse that works as well as the ones we use in our components. Hearing the voice of God makes one crumble. Defeated, I did not order fuses for the ET3 preamp, although I cried bitter tears at God, saying "...but isn’t it even remotely possible...there could be even more Light??" God did not answer and I did not want to tempt his wrath, so virginal shall the ET3SE remain. But some day...I mean, after all, I put the EAT 88 tube in the CJ and it - and I - have not yet exploded from the wrath of GOD. And I looked for where the 3rd fuse is located in the CJ (God hid it), so I was defeated by the fact that it was not visible to my fading mortal eyes. Besides that, it is well after 3 a.m. and there I was on my knees in front of the CJ instead of reclining in my bed. And so didst I retire. I shall diminish and fade into dreams, filled with images of Blues skies, Blue birds, Blue Oceans, Blue Fish and Blue fuses... |
Almarg...thanks for the research. I will now direct all of my patent queries to you! Also note that Uncle Ted didn't notice your post or simply couldn't respond to the patent issue about which nobody seems to care (lying is seemingly OK these days), and I have to say I agree with this part of what he wrote: "the Black fuse which is every bit as good today as it was when it was when first launched two years ago." Indeed, it still does it's inexplicable (or at least unexplained…by anybody), unverifiable and utterly nonsensical thing of nothing except continuing to fleece of the faithful. You go Ted, and since you read this stuff, how about offering a response to the patent question? I'll stand corrected if you actually did patent the thing…I'll wait right here…. |
I’ve been trying out these Black fuses over the last couple of months after reading about them here. I’ve been using Hifi Tuning fuses for the last 10 years or so. The first Black fuse I tried was in the Ac inlet of my power regenerator. Huge improvement. I’ve since put them into my Dac and Speaker management unit. I’m now eager to try the Blue fuses. One thing I noticed though which differs from most users here is that I found the fuses to perform better with the writing against the current flow. I experienced that slight out of phase sensation with the fuses this way but then they transform bringing out a huge, wide and deep soundstage with imaging I’ve never heard so good in my system. Reversing the fuse direction, so the writing goes with the current flow causes the mids and highs to be recessed and detail and imaging lost. |
Almarg and Wolf I have some experience with patents and their searches. I did not find a thing on either the company or Mr. Denny, however I did look several years ago and found a patent application for Mr.Denny I cannot remember for what field the application was made. I did not see a patent granted..but there is a lot of info to comb out on the USPTO site. I use n52 cylinder magnets and not fuses. Someone asked about nickel over brass.. The magnets are nickel plated to reduce or eliminate corrosion of the compressed neo powder underneath which is highly absorbent to ambient moisture. Maybe someone on the thread has experience with applying a graphene suspension.. like a liquid to conductive metals. I would like to try such an application of graphene to the nickel plating of the cylinder magnets. In hopes the enhanced conductive surface and the magnet within would make for an even more powerful music presentation. Tom |
Thank you, Tom (Theaudiotweak). For the record, though, his name is spelled "Denney," not "Denny." That misspelling has also been made by a number of others during the course of this thread. The only mention of SR or any of its products I found in my search of granted patents and patent applications was a very brief mention in the text of two patents involving dielectric bias techniques that had been jointly granted in 2006 and 2011 to Bill Low and Richard Vandersteen. But neither those patents nor anything else I found made reference to any patents granted to or applied for by SR or Mr. Denney. Regards, -- Al |
mattspl "One thing I noticed though which differs from most users here is that I found the fuses to perform better with the writing against the current flow. I experienced that slight out of phase sensation with the fuses this way but then they transform bringing out a huge, wide and deep soundstage with imaging I’ve never heard so good in my system. Reversing the fuse direction, so the writing goes with the current flow causes the mids and highs to be recessed and detail and imaging lost." >>>>>Makes sense to me. The bottom line is the fuse - any fuse, even stock off the shelf fuses - should be tried both ways. You cannot necessarily rely on the manufacturer to keep track of directionality of the wire. Even HiFi Tuning says, try it both ways, even though there’s an Arrow (diode) symbol on the fuse. For a long time if memory serves SR used to claim that their patented million volt treatment made their fuses non directional. Not sure if they’ve backed off that claim but they probably should if they haven’t. 😀 |
Al, With the proper spelling I found this..https://www.google.com/patents/US9732234.. Two days ago I was doing a search for graphene suspensions and I found mentions of patents that Sherwin Williams had for paints and industrial coating that contain graphene as surface protectant. The http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/multi-way/100399-enabl-processes.html .. U.S. patent # 5,304,746 of Bud Purvine can also be applied to all flat surfaces including walls and ceilings...everyone seems to guess why this surface treatment works,,and it does and why the particular material was chosen as the paint. Not much to do with standing waves...In my opinion the pattern and the conductive surface speed of the cured paint are the key. Thanks Al..Tom |
It took you guys long enough to find the patent. 😁 I am slightly dubious about the Blue fuses. Usually these options that lower noise throw out the baby with the bath water. Yes, you get a lower noise floor, but it's usually achieved by removing the low level high frequencies. If you want that pinpoint imaging, and in-room sound, then that's fine. Given OP's description of the Blue fuse, that sounds like the case. I'm left unsure of whether to keep my order of the sale priced Black fuse, replace it with a Blue, or get both. It's too bad they won't replace the sale price Black with a Blue for the $20 extra. |
Wait a minute…can you replace your fuses with tennis racquets? On a positive note I do like Sherwin Williams paint though…good stuff. My contention has always been that in spite of "special" "directional" fuses supposedly helping technology march on toward audio nirvana, I'm again reminded that a fuse is there to melt if needed. That's it. Melt. Like Ted Denney's imaginary patent claims…blown like a bad circuit. |
theaudiotweak, Hey Tom in response to your second to last post, very soon something is coming out for you to try on those nickle plated ends! I am pretty sure anyone who uses it is going to be really shocked at what it does. For the sake of pure transparency, I know this because it is going to come out of my workshop. Please be a little more patient I promise it will be worth the wait. I honestly thought it would be out by now, but everything has to be perfect or a no go. Product is set, just a few more loose ends to deal with. |
Graphene is a two dimensional material one ( count em) molecule in thickness. If anyone is suspending Graphene in something it ain't really Graphene anymore, is it? For example, the super strength of Graphene is a characteristic of the sheet of Graphene not the individual molecules or groups of molecules of graphite or whatever. By the way, teeny tiny tweezers and scissors are needed to even handle and cut the stuff. ✂️ |
Dear @oregonpapa : As many of us years ago I learned and understand that the best capacitor or resistor is: no capacitor/no resistor at all, only the best type of these items where is need it. Two years ago and after I installed separate power line regulators/surge protectors/noise reduction items in my system came to my mind that maybe the best fuse is not-fuse at all. I have to say that I used almost every new kid in the block but the blues. So I took action and due that I had KCAG silver Kimber Kable I decided to eliminate every single input fuse and fuse's holders from my whole electronics including subwoofers and use the KK cable. All my electronics are SS. I decided to do it thinking that if the power line now is fully regulated and bullet proff with surge protrectors then the item input fuses are just out of the " equation ", we don't need it any more. Differences with out any single input fuses ( it does not matters which ones we have installed. ) is nigth and day. You just can live with out this kind of set up. It's a no return-road. Any one can do this and we can have a quality level improvement that no " Diamond SR " fuse can outperforms. Just try it and compare vs your blues. It could be a learning audio task. Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. |
@rauliruegas I think you just hit the proverbial nail on the head. If someone has, let's say, whole house surge protection (i.e. at the fuse box) then it would negate the need for fuses, period. The same would go for anyone with surge protection for their components. Others here have done that already and like you, sing the praises of going fuse free. An audio dealer who I live nearby told me a similar thing when I told him the benefits I got with aftermarket fuses: use a copper bar or just pullout the fuse holders and solder it up with wire and I'd be floored with what I hear. And, that I"d never go back. You wouldn't need a double blind, AB/X test. Just one system with fuses and another identical system without and then watch for the furrowed brows and angry retorts. All the best, Nonoise |
Well, I can understand that no fuse is better than fuse. However, you are potentially setting yourself up for failure. I'm sure you know that removing the fuse and hard-wiring will VOID any sort of manufacture warranty that you have. The other thing you don't realize is that the fuse is meant to blow when the unit pulls more A/C current than is expected. This can happen when you have huge inrush of current to the transformer. However, it can also happen when there is a short somewhere in the circuit. If the short causes significantly more current to be pulled in than expected, it can actually fry multiple elements in your circuit. An example would be a preamp/DAC device that should not have a fuse higher than 1-2 amps. If you remove the fuse and something shorts, you can cause more problems than just the shorted area. Resistors blow, electrolytic caps blown, op amps, etc. etc. I have no doubt that it sounds better, but the risk is yours to take if you wish. Not saying that your equipment will be fried by an uncommon short or circuit failure. It's that 0.02% chance that something MIGHT happen. Up to you. |
Rauliruegas 9-22-2017Raul & Nonoise, with due respect I'm surprised that the two of you would make such statements, as if what you have described has no downside in terms of safety. It should not be necessary for me to explain why the approach you have described amounts to a significant safety risk, not to mention a risk to your investment in the equipment, so I won't take the time to do so. Regards, -- Al |
@almarg & @auxinput, Yes, yes, yes, I understand the perils of doing such a thing but please, no 'Perils of Pauline'. 😄 I like both of you guys and just looking at what I said is pretty much summed up at the end. No fuse is better than a fuse. So, taking things a step or two further, a better made fuse is preferable to a bog standard one. Citing people who've done it with positive results is not an outright endorsement of doing it. Imagining a world where is can be done (and maybe shouldn't) doesn't necessarily mean I will do it. I could have said it better but I think I've posted here enough for one to see what I meant. If not: ignosce me, pardonne moi, vergib mir, perdoname All the best, Nonoise |
I like my reds and one black. Really glad I got them. I have no big desire to change. Music is scintillating as of now. Not going to worry about a tiny bit better. If I get a different component I will put a blue in it. These fuses are such a good value for performance to me. However if someone had the right used one for sale I might get it and would have fun trying it out. |
In the meantime things are sounding incredible at my place. Someone mentioned the good results could be because of a reduction in high frequencies. Nope. The highs are more extended than ever .... as is the bass extension. Seamless. That would kind of be me. The highs can still be extended in frequency, yet still be reduced in low levels. To those talking about bypassing the fuses, or avoiding them...yes, there can be benefits in transparency and dynamics. Bypassing is obviously a risk. I only do so in a power conditioner that did not need a fuse. The one advantage to these audiophile fuses is that they use noise and vibration reducing materials, that you may not be able to (or some cases not want to) replicate when bypassing a fuse, or using a circuit breaker. |
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Allan ... My "honest opinion" was expressed on the previous page in my review of the new SR BLUE fuses. Every word is true. Its another amazing advancement. Well worth replacing the Black fuses with the Blues. I was listening to a few Kingston Trio CD's tonight ... and those guys were in the room. Frank |
First and most importantly thank you Frank for your detailed report on the sonic changes you experienced with the Synergistic Research Black fuses. I am so glad to see your energy level is back after your surgery. gbmcleod makes a very important point. These fuses and wall outlets do have a dramatic effect on a system's sound. My main three systems use a combination of different wall outlets (Red and Black) to achieve that most perfect sound. So experiment and have satisfaction in doing so. Gb is absolutely correct. Utilize the Synergistic Research (or other fuse makers ) return policy to your advantage. Only the end user can determine if the fuse makes their system sound better. My Mother (age 93) is looking forward to auditing the Blue fuse in her new Nelson Pass amplifier ! I am looking forward to a "well done- son " reply from my Mother when she hears the effects of the new fuse. David Pritchard |
David ... Thanks for the kind words. Your Mom is going to love the Blue fuse ... and so are you. :-) Allan ... The SR BLUE fuses are transformative. I’ve only heard the results in my system, but I’m left shaking my head. The system truly disappears leaving only the performers in the room. I mentioned the Kingston Trio CD’s in an above post. At one point the solo singer stands about two to three feet in front of the speakers with the rest of the group remaining back in the sound stage. Uncanny. Is the "secret tweak" better than the BLUE fuses? I’d say they complement each other in a big way. Each is different from the other. There is an eight week break-in for the "secret tweak," but what happens at eight weeks is amazing. At eight weeks, almost to the day, the system goes from what is left of HiFi and transforms itself into realism. Oh, and there is another breakthrough at four weeks too. Not as great as the eight week breakthrough though. Stay tuned ... the mfg is a perfectionist and wants things totally right before its released. I don’t blame him .... he has a real winner on his hands here. Frank |
Dear @almarg @oregonpapa @nonoise and friends: Even with fuses internal circuit problems can occur and the item could be not protected against it. My phonolinepream and amp monobloks have internally other fuses at power supply that I don’t touched. What I did it is to hardwire with the silver Kimber Kable from the regulators directly to the input power supply on each item by-passing too the item input connectors. I already have this kind of set up for over two years now with no failure at all and I think it will stay that way. I had more than 40 years in audio and in all those years I never had a problem with internal shor circuit or something similar. The times that a fuse bow-up were for different reasons. Can I have a problem in the future?, who knows but the rewards are so formidable/outstanding that is worth to take that " non-probable " risk. No fuses can gives that kind of paramount quality levels differences. @oregonpapa you tested in that ARC that’s a more " sensitive " item to problems than my Levinson monobloks and you never had a problem. Of course that’s up to each one of us doing what I did. It’s so amazing that I just can’t come back to fuses, any one. Yes, my risk and is welcomed ! ! Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. Btw, I can´t remember if was on this thread where through a link I read what D.Berning found out with his experiences with high end fuses. Self experiences and from his customers whom sended to him their electronics ( Berning amps. ) to fix it and where he found out that what damged his amps was the high end fuses that does not acomplish the electrical standards. He said in that forum that is a real risk to use high end fuses. Unfortunatelly I don't have that link but maybe some one can remember it and share with us. |
@rauliruegas Thank you for sharing your experiences. Fuses will always be a contentious subject until someone can demonstrate to those who don't believe that they do make a difference. One would think by now that all here are on the cutting edge. In fact, we represent mainstream thinking, at best but at least we're heading in the right direction. 😀👉 On another note, I found at another site a discussion on fuses and Lloyd Walker (the Lloyd who makes the Proscenium turntable) recommends that people try aftermarket fuses and try both directions to ensure proper rotational speed in his drive motor. The point is, one can find highly valued perspectives on both sides of this equation and point to them that they support their point of view, so it all boils down to what you hear. All the best, Nonoise |
Could be that it may take a full 8wks for the paint to cure. There are climate active paints..so why not an acoustic paint.. his patent says there is...without a formula..You could mix your own if there is any basis for that type of coating. The Enabl paint patterns work on speaker fronts and with more calculation they should work on walls. Has nothing to do with P waves. Tom |
