Wasn't gonna post this...

[The Black Adder]

Jo, I have a HIFI Tuning Fuse you can try - think its a 3.15a fuse if that's any good?

Hi James.

Many thanks. I've just checked my pre and my fuse is rated higher. Many thanks for the kind offer!

[Marco]

Try removing and replacing the original fuse first, see if you can hear a difference.

Good advice, Ali.

Also, if you're sceptical and worried that the improvement you're hearing with 'audiophile' fuses is due to expectation bias, or can't get your head around technically why they should be any different, sonically, from a standard fuse, then buy some new standard fuses of the same amperage rating as those originally fitted to the equipment, and test them against the expensive 'audiophile' fuses.

If you can't hear much difference, then chances are the improvement gained has been as a result of simply renewing the existing (heavily used) stock fuse, the performance of which will have deteriorated over time [lets face it, some of these fuses could've been inside equipment for YEARS, and few of us even will even think about it], together with the fact that the 'audiophile' fuse will have brand new, often polished gold end-caps fitted, and the fact that the internal contacts in the equipment will have been cleaned during the process of pulling fuses in and out...

Therefore, for those who can't afford to, or are unwilling to shell out for expensive 'audiophile' fuses, simply try replacing all the existing fuses in your equipment with identical standard ones, and while you're at it, polish the end caps up to a fine shine, along with cleaning the internal contacts in the fuse holders, and I *guarantee* you'll obtain 85-90% of the improvement gained by fitting 'audiophile' fuses

Then if you hear an improvement with that, and want to go the extra mile and gain that last 10%, or so, then invest in some Hi-Fi Tuning fuses or SRs!

Quite simply, the exercise is all about reducing resistance and the effect of electrical 'bottlenecks' - and the results gained will vary from system to system and where the changes are applied.

Marco.

[Marco]

Interesting: NOTE: The “blow characteristics” will differ slightly (due to the different metallurgy of the fuse elements) between commercial grade and audio grade fuses. We can't guarantee that your audiophile grade fuse, won’t blow at a different in-rush current threshold, that your stock commercial fuse.

Interesting, and precisely what Anthony was on about earlier! That's definitely something you should consider *very seriously* before using these fuses, which is why I only use them in low current-drawing equipment, such as CDPs and preamps - and NEVER on something potentially electrically volatile, such as a valve power amp.

The bottom line is that only YOU can decide how safe they are to use and whether you want to take the risk, in terms of faults occurring and subsequently damaged equipment, from the use of 'audiophile' fuses, and the result of any insurance claim afterwards.

Marco.

[anthonyTD]

All I will say further on the subject is this; just be careful where you fit them, and try not to leave equipment fitted with them on when not in use!
Be safe.
A...

Interesting, and precisely what Anthony was on about earlier! That's definitely something you should consider *very seriously* before using these fuses, which is why I only use them in low current-drawing equipment, such as CDPs and preamps - and NEVER on something potentially electrically volatile, such as a valve amp.

The bottom line is that only YOU can decide how safe they are to use and whether you want to take the risk, in terms of faults occurring and subsequently damaged equipment, from the use of 'audiophile' fuses, and the result of any insurance claim afterwards.

Marco.

[farflungstar]

Marco, I pm'd you about something..

Adey

In perpetual pursuit.

[Macca]

I should be okay. I don't leave the kit powered on when not listening to it and I don't have any insurance to invalidate

Not sure how an existing fuse can 'deteriorate' though. I mean it is just a piece of wire and it isn't exposed to the elements?

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Good advice, Ali.

Also, if you're sceptical and worried that the improvement you're hearing with 'audiophile' fuses is due to expectation bias, or can't get your head around technically why they should be any different, sonically, from a standard fuse, then buy some new standard fuses of the same amperage rating as those originally fitted to the equipment, and test them against the expensive 'audiophile' fuses.

If you can't hear much difference, then chances are the improvement gained has been as a result of simply renewing the existing (heavily used) stock fuse, the performance of which will have deteriorated over time [lets face it, some of these fuses could've been inside equipment for YEARS, and few of us even will even think about it], together with the fact that the 'audiophile' fuse will have brand new, often polished gold end-caps, and the fact that the internal contacts will have been cleaned during the process of pulling fuses in and out...

Therefore, for those who can't afford to, or are unwilling to shell out for expensive 'audiophile' fuses, simply try replacing all the existing fuses in your equipment with identical standard ones, and while you're at it, polish the end caps up to a fine shine, along with cleaning the internal contacts in the fuse holders, and I *guarantee* you'll obtain 85-90% of the improvement gained by fitting 'audiophile' fuses

Marco.

If it has not already been stated , Never open casework with power connected . ** Always pull the power cord out of either the IEC socket or at the wall fitting
before opening casework *** . Place casework back ON and tighten screws before power is applied.

[Marco]

Spot on, Chris, and very sensible advice indeed!!

Marco.

[JohnJo]

+ 2

Hard times

Brian, Neil,

thanks, trying to look forward.

OK to look back but not good to stay there!

[Gazjam]

Agree with Marco about cleaning up existing fuses and fuse holders, potentially make a good improvement.
I did that first and noticed the improvement, thats what got me curious about looking into alternative fuses.

The SR Black kept coming up as the one to get, not cheap but a 30 day trial meant I could take a punt, hear one for myself.
Not sure about tbe other fuses. but the SR's were a big jump over even cleaned up and Deoxit'd fuses.