Aftermarket Fuses

The 700+ post thread on Synergistic fuses was taken down for awhile. I now see it's back up with some posts removed.

I currently have four aftermarket fuses in house: the Audio Magic Ultimate Beeswax fuse and the HiFi Tuning Supreme fuse, along with a Synergistic Research Blue and Black fuse. I plan to post my impressions of all four after I'm confident in what I'm hearing.

Here is a teaser, however. I do not find that the Synergistic Blue fuse totally trumps the Black fuse. I hear some merits both ways.

As the OP, I am truly disappointed. Has Anyone Read The Post? I had hoped this could be a discussion about "This is what I hear if I put Fuse A into Component B." There are enough threads on Audiogon that discuss whether there is any merit to aftermarket fuses, or if they are complete snake oil. GRrrr.

About 9 months ago, I was trying to optimize the performance of an Audio Research Reference 6 preamp which was feeding a D'Agostino S-250 amplifier, a particularly synergistic pairing. I tried both the Synergistic Research Black and Blue fuses in the Ref 6, and found both to improve the system sound. I had even purchased two more aftermarket fuses and intended to do a "fuse shoot-out". But somewhere in there, I bought a VTL TL-7.5 III, which with the right tubes in place, overshadowed the Ref 6, especially in the highs. I sold the Ref 6 and haven't revisited aftermarket fuses since. But put me in the camp that believes fuses can change and improve the sound of a system. I've heard it.

oregonpapa ...

The AR Ref 6 IS an amazing piece, and quite a bargain at around $15K, and a steal if found used. I probably would have had no complaints about the Ref 6 had I not been able to drive my amp directly with my Berkeley processor. Especially on close-miked piano, the highs rang crystal clear like bells when driven directly. With the Ref 6, the same highs took on an ever so slightly tinny quality. So, I took on the project of trying to improve the highs of the Ref 6. A Sain Line Systems power cord did a lot. Genuine Reflektor tubes helped a bit. And the highs with the Synergistic Black fuse took on a more crystal clear character. The Black fuse was better than the Blue, in this regard. But the Blue may have been better, overall.

Then I got offered the VTL TL 7.5 III at a Could Not Refuse price. I could have easily sold it and made some money had I not loved it. I Love It. The VTL has a clarity and purity in the highs I could never quite achieve with the AR.

Otherwise, their presentation is different. Not better. Not worse. The Ref 6 has a more dynamic, forward image, like Row E.  The VTL has a more laid-back organic presentation, more like Row J.

So much depends on system matching. The Ref 6 was a fantastic mate to the D'Agostino. The VTL, at best, sounded mediocre. However, I greatly prefer the VTL with a pair of Lamm M 1.2 Reference monos. They just meld better. Ultimately, I chose the VTL/Lamm combo over the Audio Research/D'Agostino. But both combos were Highly Musical.

The VTL offers one more thing the Audio Research really can't, and that's tube rolling. I can pretty much make the VTL sound however I want based upon the 12AU7 tubes I have installed. And, yes, I tried Telefunken, Siemens, Amperex, Mullard, JJ, Cifte, you name it. And get this- my choice in preamp tubes? Mid 60s long plate Toshiba Japan 12AU7s.

Now, somebody out there tell me that all tubes sound the same. ;)

oregonpapa ...

Yes. I have found that if a system gets well-recorded piano and a woman's voice right, pretty much anything else is on point. Then get string bass right, and.. Nirvana!

I love the VTL preamp So much, that I got curious about how that might sound with a VTL amplifier. So, I now have a VTL S-400 II in house. I am presently trying to get the right combo of tubes in it. I'm close. The Lamms come within 96% of the VTL, with great bass. The VTL has adequate bass, but not enough drive for legendary Krell bass. Or Lamm bass, for that matter. But that other 4%, from the mids on up, OMG. Spectacular reproduction. I'm going to have to keep both amps.

Once I get the right tubes settled, Ill be ready to try some tweaks. Fuses, etc. Much thanks for the line on the vibration mat.

I live in Wyoming. If you ever visit Yellowstone, feel free to drop me a line.

John

ebm ...

I have 4 "gourmet" fuses here. They are all 5A Long Slow Blow to fit an Audio Research Ref. 6.

Two are Synergistic Research, Blue and Black.  I think the Black most improved the highs, which is what I was going for. But the Blue probably was best overall.

I also have an Audio Magic SHD Beezwax, and a Supreme fuse from Hi-Fi Tuning. These two are new in the box and never used.

One of my references is Marian McPartland's Reprise- Hickory House Trio from 1999. Well performed and recorded jazz music in an intimate, live setting.