2. tech-talk
  3. 1439749162

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
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Jea48,

Thanks. I always wanted to know how to do that. Normally, I would do something like this if I wanted to quote you.

"Web addresses must start with http."

Is this right?

[Web addresses must start with http.] And I would now type my reply as I'm doing here.

If the above is right, I get the part about shrinking it. Thanks again.
Post removed 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Blind tests like any tests prove nothing. They are only data points. Especially if results are negative. Sorry about that.
bmwhaus
84 posts
 
Like anything else in audio if you feel it makes a difference then its worth spending the money.I myself use the stock OEM fuses and if they blow I buy the same ones.I have friends who swap out the OEM with $50 fuses and generally they say there is zero audible difference.I tend to agree when we do a A/B test.Yes some posters dont believe in A/B testing but in my circle of audio friends we all do.Before and after testing.IMHO the best "investment" for any audiophile that owns their own home is run dedicated lines.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Zd542, Have you ever done a blind listening test with your fuses? Just like the difference with gold and silver plated spades on speaker cable,. I think you will come to the conclusion that it is all just Smoke and Mirrors! But like I said,if you hear an improvement that's great!
I don't really comment on these fuse discussions anymore because it's become totally senseless (which is really unfortunate).

However, it seems to be the only topic where people want to trout out "blind testing".  This only happens on fuses on this forum.  I have NEVER EVER seen an argument pushing blind testing for speakers, amps, cd players, etc. etc.!!
More to discover