oldhvymec and other audio nuts out there:

noromance solved my fuses popping on start up. I just reversed the order and turned the power supply on last as the rectifier tube in the preamp warms up slowly. Wala the fuse held. Now to break in the new purple fuses and hopefully hear what many are claiming. Better overall sound!

As a continuing audioholic, I''ve spent considerable energy and resources upgrading everything over many years. The result I have lets me pretend I am at a rock cocert  or a symphony orhestra with somme pretty good realism. No more concerts since the whole pandemic so this is the next best thing. Lots of fun and never ending quest for the holy grail. It's either that or bars and women. Wife wouldn't like that so she lets me do my stereo obsession. Next thing I'm gonna tackle the room acoustics. Called Synergy and started researching their stuff. It will probably be my next post.

Greg

Good! :-) If I don't do anything but have people prove me wrong, you still got a fix.. That's better than eatin' bugs. :-)

Time to feed the chickens! Come on Dog.. 

Regards

Not proving you wrong and really appreciate you sharing your vast experience on this. I know you were right as this is likely just a temporary fix till the caps get worse. As you suggested and so did Ted from Synergy, the preamp shouldn't pop a slow blow fuse when you turn it on unless something is not right!

Well being able to use it is a good start.. :-) I have to roll a C2500 in and a C45 out of my system. I'm so lazy! :-) BUT I just got it fixed. Wife is driving me nuts as usual. She will listen for 2 days and come out with a list.. LOL Good ears. The FIX will be a pair of matched Blackburn or Telefunken. 

I would like to try a Cary pre like a 98 or 05. I'm so use to tone control and Mac, tough to change. I've heard a few Carys though...

Happy Happy..

Fuses do NOT make ANY difference to the sound. Anyone not agreeing suffers from the audiophool syndrome. There will be scandalous resistance to this comment but just take my word for it.

Use UL approved, slow blow properly rated fuses which came with your system originally.

If you are still popping them, there may be a fault in your system.

Remember, fuses pop for a reason (typically to avoid a fire). Do not do anything weird (like installing higher rated snake oil fuses) to give the insurance companies any excuse not to pay for your burned down house.