What is the science behind audiophile fuses?
There were many threads on the topic of "audiophile fuses" on this forum, and I sure don't want to open old wounds and trench warfare. The fuse on my preamp blew suddenly two days ago, which prompted me to search for a replacement. That's when I came across the term "audiophile fuse" and the fact that they demand far-out prices. Deeper curiosity brought me to several other fora, where users posted glowing praises about their Zero fuses and other exotica. Now I am a scientist, but not a physicist or electrical engineer: so please enlighten me! How can a fuse have an audible influence on the signal, when the signal does not even pass through it? How can a fuse be "directional" when it deals with alternate current? I mean, if I recall my university physics, a fuse is basically a safety valve and nothing more. Am I completely missing an important point here? My scientific field is drug discovery, and because of this background I am thoroughly familiar with the power and reality of the placebo effect. I that's what I am seeing here, or is it real physics? I need objective facts and not opinions, please. I really appreciate your help!
@reimarc , it depends on the design of your component. If you note that a fuse is in the signal path of a low feedback design, etc, it could potentially cause a very minor audible change... If the fuse is not in the signal path or if you may have even the slightest hint of hearing loss, etc, don't waste your time on stuff like this.. |
Fuses like any other connector work on transfer with least loss. Everyone already knew that one, right? Then I see people jumping off a dead battery expecting a few hundred (peak) amps to transfer through the .03 square inches of contact surface by way of the teeth on the clamps. Materials and their design for wiring will make a difference and is perceived by some and not by others. (A big discussion here, often). F1 drivers feel a difference in a single psi in one tire, but I don't feel it in my Tundra. Does that mean it Can't make a difference because I couldn't tell? Lots of Baloney in this hobby creates many questioning of some of these products, but closing your mind, (not you, your question shows your open minded), but many say product or design X CANNOT make a difference. The original "it can't make a difference" people are still cooking over a campfire just outside their cave.
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To resurrect an old thread- Something I may have missed but I was looking for opinions on: What about better fuses in speakers?? I see all the talk about amplification power sourcing but I am more curious about high end fuses inside of speakers. Seems like the signal would interact more in those instances. |
