2. amps-preamps
  3. 1448317474

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?
128x128oregonpapa
tommylion
872 posts
 
Moving on to another fascinating area of controversy; tube rolling. My Audio Note Kit 1 DAC uses a single 12AU7 type tube in the analog output stage. I had been using a NOS (80’s vintage, I think) Tesla ECC802S, which I thought was a pretty good tube. Supposedly, they were made with the original Telefunken tooling. I swapped it out for a low noise, low microphonics tested, 50’s-60’s vintage, Telefunken I acquired from Andy Bouwman at Vintage Tube Services years ago. I was not really prepared for how much better it was. I think the black fuses, along with other recent changes and tweaks to my system, have increased the resolution such that the differences are easily discernible.

If you are interested in exploring the difference really good NOS tubes can make, I highly recommend Andy:

http://vintagetubeservices.com


geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Yes, interesting also how similar in many respects tubes are to fuses, inasmuch as they carry the audio signal, are susceptible to vibration and magnetic fields and RFI/EMI, function better with better conductor materials I.e., internal structures and tube pins, better tube holders (sockets).  In fact about the only thing tubes are missing is the inexplicable angst that fuses create in the minds of audiophiles.


jetter
2,961 posts
 

Knowledge Expert definition - For my way of looking at things they are Al and Ralph - Although I probably should not inject my interpretation of their discussions, which is what I have done.  So Al and Ralph, sorry if I have misinterpreted your thoughts.


mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
+1 on Andy of Vintage Tube Services. He's a wealth of tube and vintage gear knowledge and a great guy to deal with. My only tube source.

While I just started using tubes last year I've done a decent amount of tube rolling and enjoy the different sound qualiies different tubes bring to the table, especially NOS tubes. A matched quad of 60's NOS RCA 6L6GC's black plates have transformed my amp.....purely magical. 

Good point geoffkait. I wonder what people will think if I get small tube dampers to to fit over my fuses? It actually might not be a bad idea!
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 

jetter
Knowledge Expert definition - For my way of looking at things they are Al and Ralph - Although I probably should not inject my interpretation of their discussions, which is what I have done. So Al and Ralph, sorry if I have misinterpreted your thoughts.

I hate to judge before all the facts are in but (and I’m only going by what others have said on this dodgy subject, not to mention own extensive experience and the testimony of others) can I be so bold as to suggest it’s possible you’re following the wrong sheep?




More to discover