Fuses
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.
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- 208 posts total
There is no ideal power transformer with perfect magnetic coupling and no leakage flux. So the impedance will be always higher than winding resistance. No one would want to add more resistance to what is already there in order to keep the impedance of the secondary winding and the power supply as low as possible. Impedance is the current limiting characteristic of a transformer. If the amp needs a lot of current to drive a speaker load it will be audible if the impedance is high. A fuse on the other hand has to be a resistive load if the current in the power supply rises in order to operate as a fuse in case of failure . That will be audible if the amp has to drive demanding speakers at high volumes or dynamic peaks. This shouldn’t affect class A amps but definitely class A/B designs. So how would different material of the fuse wire which has to be a resistive load by design (gets hot and burns up if it reaches its breaking point) influence the SQ? A piece of wire that would not increase the impedance of the transformer would be the only logical solution in order to avoid these current limiting effects. But then it’s no longer a fuse. How does this all fit together with those expensive fuses? Any explanation? |
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@millercarbon and @oldhvymec So I reinstalled the bypass capacitors.....and they sound incredible. Sorry 🙏🙏 I was too quick to judge them....they sound open, crystal clear, and wonderful in both position on my speakers. Just needed a bit of burn in time. The Tinned Copper bypass capacitors have a wonderful tone, all the microdetails are still here... I'll add in more impressions after I get some solid listening time with these. |
- 208 posts total