SR Blue Fuses


I just wanted to share my excitement with my SR Blue Fuses. I installed 3 in my Anthem I225. Its been probably 100 hours of burn in time now and I really am beside myself in the difference. The bass is really full, my highs are nicely extended and my soundstage is huge. Just today, my soundstage became ridiculous.
If you are happy with your current amplifier / preamplifier and intend on keeping it for awhile I highly recommend replacing the fuses with SR Blue fuses, if not the Orange fuses. I got my Blues for 30% off. It is quite possibly the best tweak I have done aside from room treatments.

It takes awhile to burn the fuses in but once they are, it’s pretty awesome the difference they make. I was pretty skeptical about this mod and thought it was a lot to spend but now that I have, it was the best $400 mod I have done. It made more of a difference than my upgraded power cords and actually probably made a more of a difference than going from my signal cable silver res speaker cables to my ap solo crystals.

Highly recommended if you already love your amp/preamp and intend to keep them for awhile!
128x128b_limo

No need to spend $150> on a 0.50cent re-badged fuse save your money Bruce, just replace it with a new same 0.50cent one, from Bussman or Littlefuses.

What you most likely heard was a fuse that’s seen too many turn on cycles, they get fatigued and hardened and build up crusty deposits , like these have with too many turn on cycles.
Left to right https://ibb.co/G9XGH8Y
Right to left https://ibb.co/b5dz1q5

And you should ask admin to move this thread to the Misc Audio forum

Cheers George
Sorry. FDS- Fuse Derangement Syndrome. Please help find a cure.

That was my review, that one SR Fuse is worth about as big an improvement as a really good $500 power cord. Not your average power cord. A good one. Like at least SR Master Coupler level. I've had Blue and now Orange, though honestly in some ways Blue are more impressive. Orange are better but not as obvious, more a refinement of the presentation than blowing up the stage size like Blue do. They also seem to work best in power amps. At least that is the case in my system where they work best in the integrated, almost as good in the phono stage, and do the least by far in the turntable motor controller.  

If you like what the Blue does their ECT and HFT are very similar in terms of what you will hear. Totally different use but similar results.
Use the money to buy a bottle of good mezcal and sip it before a listening session. The soundstage will be even more ridiculous along with tighter bass, airy treble etc.
There is no such thing as "good" mezcal. Its the cheapest rotgut in all of Mexico. What this shows beyond a shadow of a doubt, you know zip about audio and even less about alcohol.
If you like what the Blue does their ECT and HFT
And here we go, wondered when the "SR snake oil" band wagon would start a rolling again
So what is the deal? Is there some sort of super conductive stuff on/in these fuses? What makes them so good. I use ACMEs with graphene and a few other paste concoctions, I've whipped up.
I also polish the heck out of the contact areas and clean clean clean, before application.

I've never heard a difference, but I was doing it as a preventative, measure, nothing else. The fuse in most cases were still completing a circuit between two pieces of copper, go figure, why I didn't hear a difference? BUT I've taken out some pretty crusty fuse holders and fuses, that really did make a difference. I've eliminated a TON in old speaker designs. Night and day, in SQ of some.. because of a sagging ol fuses.

Regards
My mono amps (MFA M75) have a fuse on the mains and a fuse on the B+. I'm using an orange for the mains and a blue on the B+. Very nice combination! 
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oldhvymec-
So what is the deal? Is there some sort of super conductive stuff on/in these fuses? What makes them so good. I use ACMEs with graphene and a few other paste concoctions, I've whipped up.
I also polish the heck out of the contact areas and clean clean clean, before application.

I've never heard a difference, but I was doing it as a preventative, measure, nothing else.

DIY concoctions sometimes work, sometimes don't. Every once in a while DIY concoctions work as well or better than professional products. Not often however. Usually because the pros keep at it trying a thousand times more than you. That for sure is what Ted does. If you try a Blue or Orange Fuse I will be surprised if you don't hear a huge improvement. 

As to "what is the deal", there's the theory, the marketing story, and the results. Two completely different things. The theory and marketing story can be fake as all get out, all that means is we don't understand something. Or the guy who does understand something doesn't want to give his secret away. Either one could be true. All we know for sure is how it sounds. These things sound great! 

The theory and marketing are that running extreme high voltage with a Tesla coil, what he calls quantum tunneling, improves the conductor somehow. Then he slaps a dab of some magic gray goo on there. This is probably key because he says Do Not Remove the gray goo. Also there's TC which is also gray goo and a dab of that will produce similar effects as an Orange Fuse. Ted uses the same gray goo on his Blue and Orange outlets. Same Quantum Tunneling. So there's at least a couple things going on there. 

ECT and HFT work on a different principle, dither. I've x-rayed all this stuff and can tell you there's definitely things going on in there. Does not sound like snake oil. Does not look like snake oil. Sounds and looks like ingenious technology.

I heard a difference I liked when putting a SR Blue fuse into my PrimaLuna integrated. I got more detail but mostly more "ease" to the presentation. The fuse was worth the money to me. I find it very difficult to hear any "differences" from power cord swap outs so I'm lucky I don't need to spend serious money in that area.

And here we go, wondered when the "SR snake oil" band wagon would start a rolling again
Substitute "naysayer" for "SR band wagon" and you'll see a perfect example of projection. The very first response left no doubt about wondering when it would happen.

All the best,
Nonoise


As various knowledgeable folks here have suggested when the topic comes up over the years, it’s a no-brainer for anyone to first try to just reseat the existing fuse or if need be replaced first try a new good quality standard issue fuse like Littlefuse or others that will not set you back much to try before dropping big bucks on anything else. Then if you hear a difference you can more reliably associate it with the reason.

I’ve reseated or replaced many fuses for myself or others....that alone can make the difference.
I have 3 suspension bridges to sell if any of you gullible are interested.  
As various knowledgeable folks here have suggested when the topic comes up over the years, it’s a no-brainer for anyone to first try to just reseat the existing fuse or if need be replaced first try a new good quality standard issue fuse like Littlefuse or others that will not set you back much to try before dropping big bucks on anything else. Then if you hear a difference you can more reliably associate it with the reason.

I’ve reseated or replaced many fuses for myself or others....that alone can make the difference.

Which is exactly why the first thing I did when I got my first Blue Fuse was to pull the factory fuse, clean the fuse and holder, and replace it. No difference. Why would there be? Only if it was dirty. Which it was not.  

Then the Blue Fuse went in. Obvious huge difference. Also- read my review- also obviously wrong. Within minutes it was clear the Fuse was in the wrong way. It sounded better but not right. Flipped around, wow, much better! 

Its simply no contest. Not only easy to hear the difference the Fuse makes, easy to hear the difference the direction of the fuse makes. People posting derisive comments should stop being disingenuous and openly declare they have never tried these things and therefore have no idea what they're talking about. Now that would be fun to see.

I know. Dream on.

MC I did the same with a Synergistic Red fuse given to me to try in my Audio Research pre-amp after reading a lot of hype about that one at the time.

Little or no difference. Nothing I could bank on. It’s sitting out now as a spare if needed.

Maybe if I paid money for it, it would still be in there, but I prefer the one I have which at least I know will do the job of a fuse properly. How do I know? It came from the vendor. Also I can see the innards and that it is a very well constructed. Likely a slow-blow which helps but not sure.

Maybe I will dissect the Red Fuse someday to see what is in there.   It's hidden from sight otherwise.

Of course every case could be different.

But it is not smart to just drop big bucks on a fuse, especially one where limited information on how it works and what exactly makes it better is made available, without making sure to cross one’s I’s and dot one’s T’s first.

Maybe if the money does not matter which may well be the case with some.

That’s all.


The improvements from SR blacks and then SR blues have been clearly shown for several years now by hundreds of reports right here.  It's not even open for debate anymore.  Crying "snake oil!" does not disprove high-performance fuses---no dice.  
George, I appreciate your expertise on digital, by the way.  Have you even tried SR's?  
Oops...excuse me.....

No more debate. It’s that clear. Right......

It always comes back to that on these fuse threads.

Very predictable......

No more from me. Nothing else to be said that has not been beaten to a pulp already. Bring on the next gen Syn. Kaleidscope fuse which is even more peachy keen. The question will still always be which other fuses might be even better?
I'm afraid the Apocolypse will come before any of these ongoing debates will ever be settled, only to continue down you-know-where for eternity. (seem's like an eternity already:) I'm glad that I'll be out of it. 😇
Good news is there are way more important things to think about and have debate on than fuses in a hifi.  But to each their own.....
Similar to @mapman I tried a SR Blue fuse in an integrated tube amp a year or two ago.  It did no harm to the sound but I can't say I heard an improvement.  I kept the fuse (they do offer a generous return policy) thinking someday perhaps I will move it into a different component (as perhaps it will make a difference there? - I'm very open minded), but I don't think I'd buy another unless it proves to make a material difference in a future component.

I can hear the differences that is made in cabling, use of cable risers, and even HFTs but as much as I strained I just couldn't hear the fuse difference.  I would not be shocked if it works in some systems or with some components but didn't make a lick of difference in mine.
Thanks MC, that's what I'm looking for.

There is stuff I just don't argue with. I try it, and listen. If there is that much of an improvement, I'll give it a shot. I have an amp or two that are prone to pop a fuse every now and then.  I'm a tight ass, no doubt, I need to use one less prone to popping fuses. :-)

Of course my current, shining star, was acting up a bit, blowing fuses. I think I got it calmed down, filter caps were bad. . If  it will hold a fuse for 3 months I'd give it a shot. Month 2 right now.. running 20% cooler. We'll see after that.

Maybe a pair of class D, with the fuse, bypassed, a pair with stock fuses and a pair with SR fuses. Those thing NEVER blow fuses. I suppose there is a break in time, and are direction prone. 
I'll check it out.

Regards

@ millercarbon OK Boomer.

what this shows is you have zero taste. artisanal mezcal is the next wave of high end spirit after whiskey. do some research.
+1 @nitewulf  On mezcal.  For @millercarbon to exclaim "There is no good mezcal" is perhaps the most spirit-ignorant comment ever uttered in history.  Mezcal is so complex and made using much more labor intensive techniques that require time in pits or even underground creating crazy molds within the agave.  Quaff a glass of Del Maguey Tobala Mezcal and you will be in gorgeously smokey and sweet mezcal heaven.  It may even make a fuse sound good!
Lol! Artisanal mezcal. The four Mexican exchange students who lived with me, I will have to tell them. If ever I see them again. They would get a good laugh out of it for sure.
Never drank Mezcal but there is a local very popular Mexican Restaurant called Mezcal nearby with very good food so that is a good omen.
If you can’t hear  the difference between a Buss fuse and a SR Blue fuse 
then your audio system is not that resolved ,or have a hearing Problem !!

If you can’t hear  the difference between a Buss fuse and a SR Blue fuse
then your audio system is not that resolved ,or have a hearing Problem !!


Naaaaa, ya gotta get this right, it’s more that you don’t have any expectation bias because it wasn’t you that paid >$150 for a 50cent fuse, but your gullible buddy who owns the fuse did poor sod.

And just to add before it comes, "AC mains fuses are not directional", as the mains changes it’s direction 60 x a second that why the US it called 60hz mains frequency, in Australia it’s 50hz.

Cheers George
Audio Magic Super Fuse Bees Wax Ultimate seems to have very positive reviews.  If I recall correctly, I believe one reviewer believed it was better than the SR Blue for his particular audio component/chain.
Much like Scotch and Bourbon, high-end Mezcals are primarily enjoyed by discerning adults as opposed to exchange students. Also one not need bother discussing artesian spirits with a guy who drinks kiddie cocktails (which he appears to be claiming he invented) with cheesy names.

04-04-2019 6:00pm.
millercarbon
5,374 posts
Shot of sloe gin, double shot of Southern Comfort, with orange juice.
Like a screwdriver, sort of.
I call it a sloe comfortable screw.

Zero taste is an understatement.
Del Maguey Vida Single Village artisanal Mezcal is superb...loosen that MAGA hat Millercompost...also "special" fuses are nonsense as they can’t, and won’t, do anything except possibly explode as one SR fuse did when I tested a pile a while back. Thinking magic fuses are sonically relevant is like claiming your gas cap makes your car faster...it never would and never will, regardless of how much hyperbole and bloviation is applied.
A curious audiphile may want to peal the sticker on his SR (or other "audiophile" fuse). Then look for the same fuse on Amazon. You'll be surprised to found that it cost 4$ and was made in Russia. An instructive video about fuses here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHl7Dsln19Q
millercarbon...just when I was going back you on the SR fuses (they do make a difference) you have to go and show your a.. by insulting not only someone's knowledge of audio, but also their ignorance of alcohol. It was completely uncalled for, but your base will jump to your defense. Where is the outrage? When someone says something that is considered insulting towards millercarbon the base attacks them. But when millercarbon insults someone little is said. It's like some people treat him like a senile old man. Be nice to him, he's not all there.
The same negative class of naysayers jumps readily to the bait, spouting the same worn-out bromides every time after-market fuses are brought up in these forums. 

Having gone through complete sets of SR fuses ... the Reds, the Blacks, the Blues, and now for the past year or so, the Orange fuses, I can say unequivocally that each step along the way has brought new levels of resolution, improved realism, and a more relaxed presentation to my system. 

Mezcal. Is that the bottle with the worm in it?

Frank
Hi millercarbon.
I find rotating the fuses in their holders makes an even larger difference.  For pre- and phono-amplifiers I rotate mine 42 degrees anti-clockwise, looking at the fuse from the input side.  This followed a great deal of experimentation.  I found multiples of 42 degrees also an improvement.  But for turntable motors 161 degrees is the best, although strangely 262 degrees made no discernable difference.
Give it a try!  In the lockdown we have had plenty of time to spare.
“Mezcal. Is that the bottle with the worm in it?”

Thats correct. The worm in the bottle thing was a marketing gimmick that was used to get tourists who didn’t know any better to buy cheap Mezcal (producers of good Mezcal do not put worms in the bottle) that was of poor quality and perhaps as some have speculated a ploy to get gringos to eat worms. Talk about a genius idea, which in the context of this thread is both ironic and amusing.
The next thing will be to get people to drink the Kool-Aid WITH the worm. Too much is never enough!
Disclaimer: I have nothing against aftermarket fuses. My post was meteforically intended.
Having gone through complete sets of SR fuses ... the Reds, the Blacks, the Blues, and now for the past year or so, the Orange fuses, I can say unequivocally that each step along the way has brought new levels of resolution, improved realism, and a more relaxed presentation to my system.
Of course it did, especially after you ate the worm.🥴 
"The early-bird get's the worm". Translated: "The open-minded experimenter attain's the improved sound".
Nothing wrong with that isochronism, enjoy the worm, I myself will buy the good stuff and sleep in a bit :)

Yup, what Frank said.  The SR fuse line brings a new level of resolution and realism as a final touch to a good system.  I must say though, a couple of PPT E+ mats brings out even more of the same.  If you missed out on the PPT products and/or don't have the better SR fuses, you aren't hearing the potential your system has to offer.   
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Half of our country believes in conspiracy theories. Audio is no exception. Conspiracists are, by nature, insane, driven and proselytize, trying to convert and grow their following. 

Those who always decry any expense above what they can afford seem to be, for the most part, of that camp. Threads here are full of them. Some even admit it and constantly refer back to it. Some state they've been to various other sites before settling here and in the end, after they've taken over a thread, turn it into some form of human centipede or a circle jerk, celebrating their accomplishments. 

What they seem to forget or overlook, is that being an audiophile is a personal and selfish endeavor. It doesn't need approval, just acceptance. It is that difference that seems to elude the conspiracists since they require acquiescence and the true audiophile doesn't abide.

All the best,
Nonoise
Conclusions with no science or facts to back them up are merely opinions and everybody has one of those. Especially audiophiles when it comes to what sounds good, better , best. Not to mention those who function primarily as salespersons. Whoever they might be. No way to know for sure except they quack like a salesman. 


  • "Not to mention those who function primarily as salespersons. Whoever they might be. No way to know for sure except they quack like a salesman."


Here we go again with the denigration of salespeople. Interesting that those who show such a lack of respect for those on the front line of the economy, those who make the capitalistic system rock & roll, have never spent one day of their lives in the shoes of a professional salesperson. 

I think I'll be trying a good bottle of Mezcal. I'll look for one without the worm. 

On a side note ... are we Italians considered to be "Gringos?" 

Frank