Synergistic Red Fuse ...

Al from my perspective, your summary is the one presented here that best accounts for most all actual experiences related here with the fuses. That’s an indicator of a sound argument. Not to mention your large and sterling track record of providing valuable unbiased posts based on sound technical facts and reason here over many years.

Arguments based on defects with other peoples hearing or systems are totally unsubstantiated since the system in question have never been heard in support of the argument. Its not even an opinion rather a conclusion based on no actual fact or information other than a belief or assertion that the fuses must always make a difference which of course can never be proven, only that they can or may in certain cases.

Attempts to discredit or even chase away those with different or unpopular findings in my mind in fact discredits the accuser, not the intended victim. Its a reaction based purely on emotion or some other agenda and holds no water whatsoever. Pure bully tactics.

My issues or reservations are with Synergistic Research and their products discussed here specifically. I have not observed the value as a pricey (as fuses go) upgrade over the fuse provided in my Audio Research pre-amp in my particular case. That’s it.

Also I would tend to not buy products from Synergistic Research specifically based on my experience to date and assessment of information provided by SR on their products to date. That’s my judgement call based on my experience. Others obviously love their stuff.

jetter sez:

"At a certain point saying how much you love your sound and then doing anything to change it under the guise of refinement seems disingenuous and bound to fail."   

It seems to me, Jetter,  that people come to this hobby in two flavors. There are equipment freaks and then there are music lovers. As for me, any improvement I make to the system that gets me closer to the music, I'm all in.

While I do "love" the sound currently offered up by the system, if the installation of a new tweak, Herbie's tube dampeners for example (highly recommended), allows for more realism, especially in the area of correct tonal balance, I'm on it. 

I agree with you to a point Jetter ... most seasoned audiophiles have met the type who spend an ungodly amount on their equipment and have a paltry music collection consisting of mostly "audiophile" type of recordings. These are the equipment freaks who are just chasing their tails.

 On the other hand, there are those who have thousands of recordings in their collections who listen through modified Dyna 70's and Dyna Pas-3's and enjoy every second of it.  I wouldn't fault this guy for upgrading to a nice ARC Classic 60 and an ARC SP-14.  Or for that matter, fault him/her for just sticking  SR Black fuses in his Dyna equipment.   Same thing applies all the way up the line. 

When ever I'm invited to hear a system in a home for the first time, I always check the music collection out first. It says all one needs to know. 

Its the music first ... always. :-)

Frank

Well said, Mapman, Frank, & George.

Best regards,
-- Al

Oregonpapa, you do seem delusional as I'm absolutely certain that fuses, when working properly, can't and don't provide any sonic improvement, and in the case of SRs poorly designed fuses they can and have provided the act of surprisingly melting, which unfortunately does have audible effects. The manufacturers of these things know this, and also know they can market these insanely profitable faux upgrades by simply claiming they work, regardless of any actual technical support for these claims. There are  plenty of fans of useless audio tweaks who's personal insecurity requires validation from others of their "special listening skills," and I get that. I'm on the front lines of live music as a concert mixer and producer and among that crowd of working professionals there simply isn't room for fantasy among the people who actually make music…well, most of them anyway...but there is room for ear wax removal kits and I've been using that stuff for decades. Highly recommended.