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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 2 responses by grannyring

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
@lemonhaze,

I have compared Path to Duelund, Mundorf and Mills MRA.  The Path are the best as they are the quietest and most neutral.  They have an uncanny sense of ease to them. 
The Duelund resistors are good, but compared to Path can sound a tad too brilliant in the upper mids and highs. Same for the Mundorf which I did not really care for. 
The Mills MRA are second best behind the Path. They are pretty neutral and much lower cost if that is a consideration.  
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Adding to the list of builders who do bypass caps in the signal path are deHavilland and Danny over at GR Research. Both are big advocates of bypassing with the right combo in signal positions. I agree 100% based on my builds and mods. It can work very well! It can also go south if not careful.
Certain combinations/brands work great together and some don’t. Only experience and trial and error prove this out. For example, Vcap Odams up to 2.2 uf or so combine wonderfully with Vcap Cutf .01uf caps. Magical combo really. I would not bypass larger cap values of say 12 - 100uf with a .01uf bypass cap. I think here you may get the “nervous” type of sound some refer to. Like most things audio this whole question of bypass caps in the signal path cannot be answered in one broad brush statement of never or always.
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