Synergistic Red Fuse ...

koestner, I know Mike Farnsworth of past Talon Audio fame did just that with his personal Edge amps,replacing the cheap fuses with solid bar copper instead. He said it was a fantastic tweak that he loved and he never looked back. Of course you would do so at your own risk.

Charles 1:

Congratulations on a wonderful taken path to sonic improvement. The wall A/C receptacle and equipment fuses have a significant effect on the sound produced by the system. 

Once an audiophile has these bottlenecks removed the sound is so much better.

And finally overcoming the fear of changing a wall receptacle or a fuse in a piece of equipment is actually quite liberating!

David Pritchard

OK, so I have been reading this wonderful thread, and a while back I had this idea. My fuses are of the smaller kind (20mm) and they just so happen to be exactly 4 Ga. in thickness. Home Depot sells 4 Ga. grounding wire which is solid core copper bare wire. At $1.11 per foot you can make a bunch of "fuses" from that. So I got some, and with a hacksaw (which took less than a minute) was able to make a segment that is the same length and of course width as a fuse.

Now I know I am effectively putting a 100 Amp fuse in there, but it's only an experiment for a short time. I'm going to see if it makes any difference in the sound. So now to my question... Who thinks the solid copper rod will sound better, worse, or about the same as one of those fancy $100 fuses? Again, this is only an experiment to see if there is an audible improvement. I know people are saying things like "substantial", "dramatic", even "night and day", but audiophiles throw these terms around to describe minute differences sometimes, and before I spend hundreds I want to see what a buck will do.

Taters, I see what you mean.  That's if the fuse doesn't blow I'm pretty sure. I.e., if the fuse rating is too high to prevent current from roasting capacitors by the open fire. 

Knghifi,

i was was not referring to stock fuses.

I have an important question. Let's say you are using one of these aftermarket fuses and it blows and causes damage to your equipment. Are the manufacturers still going to honor your warranty?

I have an important question. Let's say you are using one of these STOCK fuses WITH THE WRONG RATING and it blows and causes damage to your equipment. Are the manufacturers still going to honor your warranty?

Am I clear?    Duh!!!

Geoffkait,

i know with some of the ARC gear that don't always have the right fuse ratings. So if you are using a fuse with the wrong rating you could still cause damage to your amp. That was what my question was pertaining to. I should of made that more clear.

Oregonpapa,

You state that changing the fuses made an improvement like changing to upgraded equipment. I am wondering if you have power conditioning, upgraded power cords and upgraded outlets. If you do maybe the combination of everything is giving you better sound. And not just changing the fuses.

T_ramey,

That would be great.

Uh, when a fuse blows it prevents damage to the equipment the last time I looked.

Hey taters, would you like to start another thread with your question? I can start if for if you like.

I have an important question. Let's say you are using one of these aftermarket fuses and it blows and causes damage to your equipment. Are the manufacturers still going to honor your warranty?

So, my friend Mr. Golden Ears (Robert) came over last night for an extended listening session. The last time he was over, I had a broken in RED fuse in the preamp, and a brand new one in the amp. Last night, all three fuses were at work ... amp, preamp and phono, with all three fuses broken in at this point. 

We played a variety of music, all of which sounded better than ever. The most striking was a Pacific Jazz stereo recording, recorded in 1956, that I have of the Chico Hamilton Quintet (STEREO-1005). Now here we had that realism similar to the Optimal Enchantment room at the Newport show three years ago that I alluded to earlier. Fred Katz's cello was particularly good with correct tonal balance, woodiness, resin and all in three dimensional relief.  Robert called me again this morning raving about Katz's cello that he heard last night. That's saying alot considering Robert's second nickname is "Mr. Cynic." 

This Chico Hamilton record is one of my favorites in the entire collection and I know every groove in it. With the simple exchange of three fuses ... $300 bucks total plus tax and shipping .. and walla! an entirely new record collection.

No joke guys ... this was as good as going from my ARC Classic 60 to the ARC REF-75 ... and that's saying a ton.  Put another way, better than going from the REF-75 to the REF-75SE ... and that's saying another ton. 

So now, instead of sitting just outside that wonderful soundstage reproduced in the Optimal Enchantment room of three years ago, the system now allows one to sit at least on the inside edge of that soundstage.

Delightful, to say the least. 

My compliments to all of you here who have provided one of the most informative empirical discussions on the effects of different fuse brands on your listening enjoyment.  These reports help anyone who is looking to reach that next plateau of sound from the gear they now have rather than buying new, costly pieces.  After so many cable, cord, isolation, room acoustic, fuse tweaks with much of the same set up I have had for over ten year now, I have forestalled a major overhaul/upgrade up until now--very satisfying.   

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  If fuses can make such a big difference imagine for a moment of the industry suddenly got smart and manufactured all wire like that.  All wire, all cables, all internal wiring of components and speakers, the transformers, capacitors, everything?  Hel-looo!

Companies such as ARC and CAT have been limiting the number of fuses in their components for superior SQ.    You do need to solder instead of just replacing a fuse if something blows.   No free lunch!

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  If fuses can make such a big difference imagine for a moment of the industry suddenly got smart and manufactured all wire like that.  All wire, all cables, all internal wiring of components and speakers, the transformers, capacitors, everything?  Hel-looo!

These SR Reds are pretty amazing at what they can do. I have two monoblock amps that have not only a fuse at the inlet but 4 on the board inside. I had changed two at a time over the course of a couple months but when I placed the last two Red fuses in each amp everything really opened up and took the performance to another level. It was rather shocking. 

I've changed nothing but cabling and fuses in my system over the past year and certain songs that used to sound shrill and harsh are now naturally detailed and enjoyable to listen to. Same speakers, amps, pre, dac, and source but just different cabling and fuses did this.

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. 

Fliz,
Yes I did misinterpret your comment, my aplogies.
Charles,

This was the end of the first listening session with the SR RED fuses all the way down the chain ... phono, preamp and amp. The addition of the third fuse to the phono stage today was a nice improvement in the beginning. After a few hours of burn-in, the rear of the stage opened up like never before. Wow! Everything sounds so pristine. Way more inner detail. Records that I know by heart are a new experience. The experience I'm having tells me that the fuses really come into their own after about 10 to 20 hours. So ... tomorrow should be a banner day for playing records at my house. Best bank for the buck ever. 

Most amp manufacturers don't believe in after market fuse, and in lesser extend -power cords. I have had several well known brands (ARC, Krell, CJ to name a few) and they all HAVE to say that it does not matter from a corporate point of view.

Actually Kal at ARC concedes after market fuses are superior quality but timing is different so MIGHT not fully protect the component when it blows.

From my experience only ARC doesn't recommend after market fuses.

Most amp manufacturers don't believe in after market fuse, and in lesser extend -power cords. I have had several well known brands (ARC, Krell, CJ to name a few) and they all HAVE to say that it does not matter from a corporate point of view. 

The IsoClean is of course better than stock but nowhere as good as the SR Red or the AH Platinum. I have tried most of the after market fuses in my systems and fuses provide indeed one of the highest ROI (highest is dedicated line(s), then AC outlet). When I try a new device, the first thing I do is to upgrade the fuse(s) after initial listening. 

If you want to be even further baffled, add a WA Quantum fuse chip to it.

Like you said, it'd be a waste of time to try to explain the difference it makes.

charles, you misunderstand.

I have one.  I can hear the [huge] difference it makes.  I agree it's well worth the money.

I remain dumbfounded as to how this is possible.

Charles1dad,
In general if one doesn't have an open mind, they are missing out.  Aftermarket fuses are probably the best ROI in audio.   It's inexpensive and easy to roll.

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.

Like everything in audio, it's a matter of personal preference.  SR RED is more neutral compare to AH.  Not better or worse but different.

I use SR RED in all my components except for ARC.  Kal doesn't recommend using after market fuses but I finally gave in.   Since SR RED doesn't offer a large slo-blo 7A for my REF250, I bought IsoClean from theCableCo for $49.95 each.   This is my 1st experience with Isoclean but a local friend use a loom in his $500k system.

All I can say is WOW!   It added a beautiful tone and color to the sound and surprisingly dead neutral since it's gold plated.  It's directional and I installed them rear to front.  Highly Recommended!

With the SR RED Fuses in the Amp (ARC REF-75se) and in the Preamp (ARC REF-3) now fully broken in, the improvement is astounding.

A third SR RED Fuse will be arriving today, to be put into the phono stage (ARC PH-8). I'm doing this incrementally in order to gauge the improvement in each piece and how that improvement affects the overall sound of the system (not to mention that I love new audio "fixes.") 

So far, with just the two fuses, the system has evolved well beyond my expectations. I cannot believe what I'm hearing from the system. 

In previous posts having to do with the Newport Show ... and the best sound from that show, I referred to the Optimal Enchantment room three years ago, specifically about the three dimensionality of that soundstage and how believable it was. Well, the fuse upgrade hasn't gotten me to that point yet, but I'm getting a nice taste of it. I suspect when I install the new fuse in the phono stage today the system will be bought even closer to the edge of that great ARC/Vandersteen system in Randy Cooley's room three years ago.  

I continue to shake my head in amazement at how much information is hidden in those record grooves and digital bits. Stay tuned ... I'll report on the third fuse after listening today.

Happy listening, guyz ... 

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.

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,

I've had both the AH fuse and Red fuse in the same Preamp and definitely preferred the Red. To me with the AH fuse in the imaging and stage sounded bloated and almost smeared. Whereas the Red lit everything up with great detail without being bright or harsh. The big difference comes when after having the Red in for a month or two then take it out and put the stock in, you can't put the Red back in fast enough.

I'm dumbfounded.

I don't understand how this little thing can make such a difference.

Hi lak, I'm with you on waiting for Charles1dad to report his impressions , his taste in sound is similar to mine,  I trust his ear's,  an example,  Charles said,  body, naturalness, tone.

It's all very interesting, and I do believe the SR Red and/or the AH would make an improvement in high end audio equipment.
I'm waiting for charles1dad's thoughts and report back here, before I "bust a move" ;-).

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.

Thankyou wig  for your response post,  I'm also interested in more feedback from jazzonthehudson on the AH platinum fuses, Charlesonedad, are you going to pull the trigger on the AH fuses? 

I have now about 30h with the AH Platinum (just in one device to hear the difference), no downsides compared to SR Red, more delicate, more "au naturel". Joseph uses a different coating (silver on?) on the fuse than other good fuses. 

/wolf
>> I think you're all insane, but mildly entertaining.
Tell me something we don't know :-) If a Benjamin can make your system (much) more "organic" then so be it, it is very well spent compared to other insane stuff I have. You don't have to rush and buy a dozen like mitch2 (who I believe saves a ton by DIY his own cables), just upstream devices to start with. 
IME fuses have a much higher value/buck than power cords.

If I owned a Pass Labs amplifier, I would definitely add fuses...the more the better...and I would try all of the same type and then one of each, I would also try them in series and then in parallel, and try them in each of two directions and in different orders.  Now I remember why I never bought a Pass Labs amplifier.

wolf_garcia ...

Following your lead with the "no fuse" idea, I pulled all of the tubes out of my amp last night before starting the listening session.  Man, talk about a quiet background ... I could hear a pin drop. 

No speed, clarity or detail is missing it just presents them in a more realistic way. I compared these fuses in my Vac and current Vitus integrated amp and on both occasions the SR just didn't sound coherent as the AH.                                                   
Try both in your system and choose the one that synergizes in your system.

Reading a review of a new Pass amp last night I noticed it has NO fuses…I suppose you can add one later...

Hi,  some of the post suggest that the AH fuses sound organic,  does that this happen at the cost of losing some  clarity, speed, detail?, I'm assuming that the AH stands for audio horizons? ,what is the cost of the AH fuses? Do they work to good effect on solid state gear? 

For the audiophile who is perhaps not well heeled or too cheap he can always flip around those cheap stock fuses and see if that improves things as it's a wire directionality issue as much as anything else. 

Wolf, agree, especially with the mildly hedge.  

I'm still gob-slapped over these SR RED fuses.

I reached into the "classical closet" this morning for something to accompany my home roasted Colombian coffee and pulled out "A Liszt Recital" by Jose' Echaniz on the Musical Heritage label.

I swear the piano was in the friggin' room. So dynamic and the speed on leading edges was like never before. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5 got played twice.

For those who aren't aware, Jose' Echaniz was a magnificent pianist of the  highest order. A number of his recordings are available on Ebay right now.  

Using them is all of my components; 2 in Modwright Player, 1 in tube power supply and 1 in Vitus RI-100 Integrated amp.

If you are an AGon user, Joseph will send you one at no cost to evaluate and not one of them has ever blown like the SR fuses I've owned.

Wig

I think you're all insane, but mildly entertaining.

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,