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Fuses

I’ve read of views on whether amp fuses impart any sound quality or coloring. I had a recent experience that has made me re-think my views (fuses do not affect sound) and wondered if others had a similar experience. 
I have a Line Magnetic integrated amp. After heavy regular use for over 5 years, one day it just wouldn’t power up. After checking the power supply, I assumed it must be a blown fuse. I recalled that Line Magnetic sent with the amp two replacement fuses of the same type/quality that was pre-installed. I dug out one of them from storage, replaced the fuse and the amp powered up normally. 

What surprised and delighted me was the change in sound with the replacement fuse. Fuller bass, more detail and more warmth. I have rolled the tubes several times in the amp, and am attuned to the subtle changes that can make. Popping in a fresh fuse seems to have had a similar affect. And these appear to be cheap fuses, available for a few dollars at most. I don’t think I understand any of this. 
bmcbrad
lemonhaze
410 posts
 
@ femoore12

+1 lol

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,424 posts
 
Question:
Just getting interested in fuses.
Which of my components would benefit the most from a new fuse?:
Benchmark amplifier
Benchmark DAT
Vintage CJ preamp
Cambridge Streamer
Cyrus transport

Theoretically would all benefit?
vair68robert's avatar
vair68robert
592 posts
 
The Fuse
To my ears a simple fuse can make a difference ,
but does the difference justify the cost ?
I found going from a glass fuse to a ceramic one is an improvment 
the I highly recommend , when I purchased a Furutech fuse 
( for 1/2 price ) I did hear a slight improvment but the wallet
questions $2 verse $35 .
I use Bussmann fuse for the other 6 I'm the amp and 2 in my phono preamp' power supply . 
I am going to try 2 gold HiFi tuning in my amp because they are
on sale for only $13.00 and maybe my phono preamp power supply . 
So open your wallet an try what you are willing to spend  .  


yuviarora's avatar
yuviarora
537 posts
 
All components would benefit from a quality fuse. Every part of the Audio chain matters.
I would start with the DAC first, and work on downwards. 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,569 posts
 
Brad, it is very easy to fall for this. I think most of us have at one time or another. Many here obviously still do. You can not evaluate sound quality this way as your own internal biases can affect the outcome even when you are sure they can't. In short, you can remember what you heard but you can't remember what you heard sounded like even if you attempt to characterize it. It is impossible, none of us can because out brains are not wired to do this. People are dead certain there heard a difference which births the mythology and an industry base on psychological deception.

To do this correctly you have to go switch back and forth between the two possibilities. When you do this you will realize you can not hear a difference. Since this is difficult to do under most instances without special equipment it is hardly if ever done. The reviewer's certainly won't. That would be like politicians voting in term limits.

Your initial instinct was correct. Stick with it.
 
I don't believe I've ever read where someone practically commands another to not hear something and to only believe what he tells them.
Amazing.

All the best,
Nonoise

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