The Synergistic Research Orange Fuse ... Further thoughts.

@oregonpapa   Frank, how did you conduct the comparison? Thanks.

@oregonpapa  Thanks, Frank.  For further clarification:

I had the Blue fuses in the system for over two years. I pulled them out and installed the Orange fuses. Then, I listened to the difference.

...Amp, line stage, phono stage, and the CD player. Four fuses total.

The comparison was to your system with the 4 blue fuses in 4 components versus the orange fuses in the same components (and system)? Memory of the sound of your 'former blue system' versus the "active" new 'orange' one, correct?

There is a wide divide between believing and knowing, at least there is for me. 

As @analogluvr  points out:

There is always a need for a/b comparisons.

In my experience, I have learned that my audio memory is suspect (if I am only going by it) and it becomes progressively problematic the longer the time between event A and event B.

I've learned this by evaluating my gear with direct and repeated comparisons across (nearly all) of my system changes. It's really hard work, but the rewards are significant and the growth and learning well worth it and in some cases priceless. 

I say this despite being intimately familiar with my system and having spent thousands of hours with it. 

My advice to members is to test and question yourself and your approach to audio more vigorously than your gear.

@oregonpapa Frank, I need to challenge the methodology of your ’comparison’ as I understand it (post your clarification).

I believe it is especially important since you have self identified yourself as a beta tester and have shared your findings across 3 threads (if memory serves me).

Please know I am not disputing your findings (yet)...they may well hold...but I am now questioning them.

Please know this is coming from someone who is far more invested in SR than I believe you are.

I’m also familiar with SR’s improvements (and track record with new introductions) as one moves from a previous generation product to a new one.

If I am incorrect in what follows, please offer your corrections.

1. Audio Memory is fickle and tricky. This holds even when the comparisons are close in time. Removing 4 fuses in 4 different components takes time. Installing 4 fuses takes time. Having the components settle after being off and out of system takes time. Break-in time for the fuses, though shorter now, does add another time element. Were your fuses stock out of the box or were they specially broken in for you?

2. To A/B a single change isn’t easy. 4 changes simultaneously is quite a feat.

3. I’m assuming you did not A/B/A and repeat (?)

4. Directionality? Was it checked? By specific component?

5. Was there a reason why you did not compare the fuses one fuse/component at a time? In other words only one new orange fuse in the system with 3 blue fuses. Times 4.

6. Was there a reason you did not take a stepped approach. One component, then two? For example, starting with the most upstream or most downstream component.

7. Was there overlap with your Stop It applications? From your posts, it appears so. If that is the case, how are you separating out contributions from one or the other and both?

Thanks.

@oregonpapa Frank, thank you so much for your response, it’s thoroughness, and for answering my questions directly, honestly, and fully. I respect and appreciate that. Thank You!

I’ll comment more in a subsequent post because I would have conducted the same or a similar ’evaluation’ differently than you did.

I do not have the HFTs nor do I have any direct exposure to them. Everyone who has implemented them in their systems (that I know personally) has also strongly suggested my using them. : )

My investment in and experience with SR has been in power conditioning, grounding, cables, and isolation.