What is the science behind audiophile fuses?


There were many threads on the topic of "audiophile fuses" on this forum, and I sure don't want to open old wounds and trench warfare. The fuse on my preamp blew suddenly two days ago, which prompted me to search for a replacement. That's when I came across the term "audiophile fuse" and the fact that they demand far-out prices. Deeper curiosity brought me to several other fora, where users posted glowing praises about their Zero fuses and other exotica. Now I am a scientist, but not a physicist or electrical engineer: so please enlighten me! How can a fuse have an audible influence on the signal, when the signal does not even pass through it? How can a fuse be "directional" when it deals with alternate current? I mean, if I recall my university physics, a fuse is basically a safety valve and nothing more. Am I completely missing an important point here? My scientific field is drug discovery, and because of this background I am thoroughly familiar with the power and reality of the placebo effect. I that's what I am seeing here, or is it real physics? I need objective facts and not opinions, please. I really appreciate your help!

 
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Showing 4 responses by tksteingraber

@carlsbad2 when you refer to slugs what exactly are they, do you make your own or where do you get them?  Curious minds want to know 

@carlsbad2  Thanks for the reply…got that was looking more for what you are using for slugs.  How to buy or make them? Metal type etc. 

@tonywinga Picked up an Amazon 3/8” (5mm) x 12” 99.9 pure copper rod a few days ago. Cut to 20 mm lengths, cleaned them up and took the plunge. Wow is all I have say…every aspect of the music Is improved over my audio fuses. Risk yes but low in my mind.  I have never had a component fuse blow. All components plugged into protected power conditioners.  I Make sure they are only powered up when I am using and I unplug them during any rare power outages as a backup.  Waiting for a higher grade conductivity copper slug to compare with these once it arrives.  🤞🤞 SD fuse box does seem like a nice insurance for more expensive or rare components which doesn’t really apply to me. 🤔

+ ghdprentice

Same here but not 50 years… never had a power plug outlet fuse blow.  Risk is very low and not really needed…give me those Sluggo’s instead and save 💰