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Fuses

I’ve read of views on whether amp fuses impart any sound quality or coloring. I had a recent experience that has made me re-think my views (fuses do not affect sound) and wondered if others had a similar experience. 
I have a Line Magnetic integrated amp. After heavy regular use for over 5 years, one day it just wouldn’t power up. After checking the power supply, I assumed it must be a blown fuse. I recalled that Line Magnetic sent with the amp two replacement fuses of the same type/quality that was pre-installed. I dug out one of them from storage, replaced the fuse and the amp powered up normally. 

What surprised and delighted me was the change in sound with the replacement fuse. Fuller bass, more detail and more warmth. I have rolled the tubes several times in the amp, and am attuned to the subtle changes that can make. Popping in a fresh fuse seems to have had a similar affect. And these appear to be cheap fuses, available for a few dollars at most. I don’t think I understand any of this. 
bmcbrad

Showing 10 responses by avitacom

avitacom
90 posts
 
Clear thinker is thinking clearly!
avitacom
90 posts
 
Just based on a preponderance of the testimonials the fuses may be exerting some effect. But, Millercarbon, your “test” as you describe it, is biased, and its reliability does not rise above the testimonial. For example, the FDA would never approve a drug based in a bunch of testimonials. Finally, if a consumer pays several hundred dollars for a tweak, and it has no effect, then consumer would either have to seek a refund or tolerate a noxious cognitive dissonance. The brain may take a third path,  the path of least resistance, that is, to believe in the tweek.
avitacom
90 posts
 
Mijostyn is correct to the extent that no tests of these things, to my knowledge, are ever undertaken.  However, some people have fun, experience pleasure employing  expensive, unproven tweaks.  To each his own.  An anology:  despite an apparent lack of rigorous listening tests, we all know that there is a meaningful difference in SQ between tube and solid state amplification.  (I know the differences in harmonic distortion can be measured.)
avitacom
90 posts
 
My posts concern testing & evaluation, not the efficacy of fuses or other tweaks.
avitacom
90 posts
 
I am certainly outnumbered but I’m one of the few contributors to this thread thinking scientifically.  If it weren’t for science and engineering, we wouldn’t have this hobby.
avitacom
90 posts
 
I am reminded that it’s not worthwhile to  challenge The Orthodoxy of True Believers.
avitacom
90 posts
 
I sincerely hope that you all enjoy your fuses and that they enhance your listening experience, which is what is important.
avitacom
90 posts
 
No, that’s not what I said.
What I said is what I posted.
Enjoy your music!
avitacom
90 posts
 
The True Believers stick together and attack outsiders.  I came for discourse but it appears that the game, here, is argue, attack, defeat.  I’ll move on and you guys can do what you do.
Enjoy your music!

avitacom
90 posts
 
Never said anything about measurements.
I’d compare my education to anyone’s here…M.D. in 1984.
Enjoy your music!
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