Audiophile Fuses


I have used audiophile fuses for years in various equipment without problem, generally appreciative of sound quality improvement. Recently, I've encountered problems with audiophile fuses blowing in my Coincident Turbo 845SE amplifier. At this point I've had two failures of Synergistic Red Quantum 6.3a 250v sloblo fuses in this amp.

Recently I discovered some interesting information in regard to audiophile fuses at partsconnexion.com website. In the heading above stocked fuses it states, "blow characteristics will differ slightly (due to the different metalurgy of the fuse elements) between commercial grade and audio grade fuses. We can't guarantee that your audiophile grade fuse won't blowout at different in-rush current thresholds than your stock commercial fuse."

They also mention one should check for continuity on fuse prior to installation to insure it will be covered by warranty.

And so, based on my experience, and quoting this message, it seems buyer beware on these fuses. First off, I doubt measuring continuity prior to installation will validate any warranty. How would dealer/manufacturer know whether or not you had installed a blown/defective fuse? Also, it would appear this request to check continuity prior to installation may demonstrate quality control problems as well. Do they not check continuity at the manufacturer and/or dealer? Or are they often damaged in shipment? If so, that is a high level of fragility.

At this point, I would advise caution in using audiophile fuses in high current amplifiers. The disclaimers stated on partsconnexion website demonstrate they've encountered this problem more than a few times. I applaud partsconnexion for they're forthrightness on this issue. Other manufactures/dealers should follow suit.
sns
I have also used audiophile fuses for many years, around twenty or whenever IsoClean fuses first came out. I also have had the Audio Magic Super fuse that contains liquid. All without any issues. I am also apparently one of the few folks who has actually revised the direction of ordinary bog standard fuses to get better sound. Why it's almost like the industry is stuck in first gear.
I've been using after market fuses for years and never had one blown. SR Red, HiFi-Tuning Supreme, Audio Magic ... Just make sure you buy the right size and type.
Knghifi
08-16-15: Knghifi

I had the original OEM fuse in my ARC VT50 power amp for about 17 years and up until then it never blew. That is until a 6550 power tube shorted and luckily the fuse saved the day. After re-tubing the amp I installed another OEM fuse.

I feel safer using the OEM UL Listed Fuse ARC recommends for the amp.

Just curious, are the "SR Red, HiFi-Tuning Supreme, Audio Magic" fuses safety tested and Listed by any independent recognized testing laboratory?
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08-17-15: Jea48
I had the original OEM fuse in my ARC VT50 power amp for about 17 years and up until then it never blew. That is until a 6550 power tube shorted and luckily the fuse saved the day. After re-tubing the amp I installed another OEM fuse.

I feel safer using the OEM UL Listed Fuse ARC recommends for the amp.

Just curious, are the "SR Red, HiFi-Tuning Supreme, Audio Magic" fuses safety tested and Listed by any independent recognized testing laboratory?
Funny your brought up ARC ... I use after market fuses in all my components EXCEPT for ARC. Kal concedes after market fuses are higher quality but different timing so might not protect the component as designed.

All other companies such as Kevin Hayes, ... encourage I experiment and report my results. They are NOT KNOW IT ALL ... so gets my business.
Knghifi,

Are the "SR Red, HiFi-Tuning Supreme, Audio Magic" fuses safety tested and Listed by any independent recognized testing laboratory?
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08-17-15: Jea48
Knghifi,

Are the "SR Red, HiFi-Tuning Supreme, Audio Magic" fuses safety tested and Listed by any independent recognized testing laboratory?
Sorry Jea48 I don't know.

Fuses are not too complicated so just upgrading material SHOULD improve performance so I'm comfortable using them.