HiFi-Tuning Fuses

jm1
jm1 Posts: 618
edited October 2013 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
I have reached a point where I am content with my two channel choices. But, in my never-ending quest to improve the overall sonic characteristics, I continually seek means to extract further improvements.

There has been a lot of talk lately regarding ‘Audio’ grade fuses and their contribution to the overall system characteristics. After researching and some enquiries, I decided to replace the stock fuses in my pre-amp and amp with HiFi-Tuning fuses. Two replacement fuses were ordered from Parts Connexion.

Once the fuses were received, I removed the externally accessible fuse from the Simaudio W-3 amplifier. The existing and new fuse ends as well as the external portion of the fuse holder were cleaned with Caig ProGold. The existing fuse was reinserted in the amp and a listening session was conducted. The new fuse was then inserted and the same selections were played.

I found the HiFi-Tuning fuse allowed the amp to create a more realistic representation of the source material. The presentation was more dynamic and allowed me to hear intricate details I was not aware of before. Acoustic instruments sounded more natural and occupied a more precise spatial location. Mainstream (electronic) material also benefited from these noted improvements.

I then removed the power supply component of the Simaudio P-5 pre-amp from the audio rack. The component was opened, the existing fuse was removed, the fuse holder was cleaned with Caig ProGold and the replacement fuse installed. The same selections previously used were once again played. The above noted improvements were even more pronounced.

I never would have thought replacing a fuse would add this level of refinement to a component. The collective refinements from replacing the two fuses add a new level of realism that is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. Some may think the price for these replacement fuses is outrageous, but based on the obtained results, I can easily justify the cost and even think it may be a bargain compared to the overall cost of the system.

I am so impressed with the results I will be going through the remaining components to determine where a replacement fuse should be installed.

Till next tweak,


JM


Associated Equipment
  • 15x13x8 room with 11 tube traps
  • BPT BP-2.5 balanced power (Bybee Quantum Filters, differential noise filter)
  • Pioneer DV-59AVi (as transport)
  • Museatex Bitstream DAC
  • Simaudio Moon P-5 pre-amp (HiFi-Tuning fuse)
  • dbx 120x active crossover
  • Simaudio Moon W-3 amp (HiFi-Tuning fuse)
  • Dynaudio Confidence C1 speakers mounted to lead shot filled Stand4
  • SVS PC-Ultra subwoofers (2) (HiFi-Tuning fuse)
  • Harmonic Technology Pro-Silway mkII ICs (cryogenic treated)
  • Harmonic Technology Pro-11 speaker cable (cryogenic treated)
  • PS Audio Prelude power cables (cryogenic treated)
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer
Post edited by jm1 on
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Comments

  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited September 2006
    Nice write-up, thanks!

    I've read several reviews on the AHP "Critical Link Fuse" (gold plated OFC copper ends and element, ceramic internal insulation plus dampening) and just spoke with a guy who experienced similar results to yours with his PS Audio GCA-500 using them. I'm going to try a pair in my GCA-250.
  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited September 2006
    Many people have used ceramic fuses to replace the standard wire fuse with good results.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited September 2006
    I read this and wondered:

    Would replacing the fuses in speakers have this effect? For that matter, what about the fuse holders?

    A while ago I started a project to replace the wire in some peakers of mine. On of the first things I saw was the fuses, and it got me thinking about them as a chokepoint. Any thoughts?
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited September 2006
    Good review :)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited September 2006
    amulford wrote:
    A while ago I started a project to replace the wire in some peakers of mine. On of the first things I saw was the fuses, and it got me thinking about them as a chokepoint. Any thoughts?
    Well, the run of the mill fuses are definitely a change in gauge and material from what lies on either side of them. A choke point? I'll let the resident EE's speak to that.

    When it comes to fuses in the power supply, the disparity in gauge and material is even more pronounced. I realize they're there as a fusible link and the material is engineered to break the circuit by simply melting (before the good bits do.) So, absent a mechanical reset arrangement tripped by heat accumulation, there will always be the disparity. I'm working on the theory that building a fuse with better quality material, an insulator other than a vacuum, and vibration dampening will provide a better quality power pathway.

    Relative to the money I have in PCs and line conditioners, the cost of the fuses is spit in the ocean--and worth a test.
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited September 2006
    Makes sense, something to try.

    Anthony, you know how to responsibly listen and not clip your amps. Don't replace your speaker fuses, bypass them altogether.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited September 2006
    One evening, I started listening to the Led Zeppelin four CD box set. When finished for the evening, I had listened to most of the four discs. From an overall fidelity perspective, I do not recall these discs ever sounding so good and with this much micro detail. I now need to revisit other recordings I have neglected these past years for one reason or another.

    I opened up the DAC to determine the value of the fuse to see if a replacement was available. The fuse has leads and looks to be soldered to the transformer terminals! I looked at some online fuse catalogues and found fuses with leads. If I decide to keep the DAC for any length of time, I may enquire about replacing this with an internal fuse holder.

    In all my online readings, I do not recall anyone replacing the fuses in their powered subwoofer plate amp. I am curious about the outcome of this change and decided to order two replacement fuses; one for each sub. This should be an interesting experiment.

    I haven’t decided to if I will replace any fuses in the Pioneer player. I will wait until I have evaluated the subwoofer fuse replacement.

    Fuse Holders

    I am not absolutely sure regarding this, but I recall there was a company that made a good quality replacement fuse holder. Some had used this replacement holder in their equipment. If I recall correctly, this replacement fuse holder is no longer available. If anyone is interested in pursuing this, you will need to verify this information.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited September 2006
    The subject of fuses is a hot topic with Magnepan speakers! I prefer to have fuses as I have kids and sometimes volume controls get twisted and not noticed prior to pushing the "on" button. I purchased some cryo (frozen) treated ceramic fuses through a website referenced on the Audio Circles forum. Using them in my Magnepan 1.6's had a positive effect. Interestingly I also tried them in a pair of Monitor 5B's, and they had a nice taming effect on the SL2000 tweeter!

    BlueMD - where do you get the AHP fuses?
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited September 2006
    dkg999 wrote:
    BlueMD - where do you get the AHP fuses?
    PS Audio carries them:

    http://psaudio.com/products/criticallink.asp

    But, I'm looking for another source. I can't find a link to AHP direct but, hopefully, PS Audio isn't their sole point distributor (@$29.95/each!!) The dealer I've hooked-up with for several PSA pieces can get them for $26.95/shipped. Still not much of a break.
  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited September 2006
    RuSsMaN wrote:
    Anthony, you know how to responsibly listen and not clip your amps. Don't replace your speaker fuses, bypass them altogether.

    Just think of Anthony leaving Troy's house after S.C. Polkfest 2004, leave the fuses in Anthony :p
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited September 2006
    I believe that PSA is the only North America distributor for the fuse. Additionaly, the fuses also only come in the small (5x20mm) size. They gave no indication if/when a large version of the fuse will be available when I enquired.

    Fuse Holder

    Found this externally accessable fuse holder at Parts Connexion.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited September 2006
    EDIT: Nevermind.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited September 2006
    I tried the HiFi fuses awhile ago and didn't find them any better than the ceramics from Digi-Key. That's not to say that they don't benefit someone, and moreso JM but they made no difference in my Magnepan. A friend of mine had the same experience albeit we owned the same speaker....food for thought.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited September 2006
    hoosier21 wrote:
    Just think of Anthony leaving Troy's house after S.C. Polkfest 2004, leave the fuses in Anthony :p


    What do you mean by that???;)

    Nah, I can do without 'em. Besides, I have WAY too much time and money in them to f#ck 'em up now...
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited September 2006
    Just ordered one for my int. amp from these folks:

    www.xtremecables.com
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited October 2006
    The new fuses arrived and have been installed in the two subwoofers. My initial impressions were that there was more detail and texture. I have had the opportunity to listen several times since and still have this same impression.

    The system is now more dynamic and ruthlessly revealing leaving music no where to hide. Well recorded material sounds amazing. I also accept that the system is not trying to make poor recordings sound ‘better’ than they should. This in no way diminished my enjoyment of lesser quality recordings.

    Overall, I welcome the additional contributions the fuses bring the system. I will note that not everyone who has tried replacement fuses has experienced positive results. If you are at a state of system contentment, I encourage trying replacement fuses. I would suggest starting with one (power amp) or two components first to determine if any perceived benefits are noted.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2006
    Little tweaks are what make this a fun hobby, rock on JM.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited October 2006
    Hi Doro,

    I have no experience with Magnepan speakers. I am interested if you have any thoughts on why the fuses did not make any difference for the speakers.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited October 2006
    jm1 wrote:
    The new fuses arrived and have been installed in the two subwoofers. My initial impressions were that there was more detail and texture. I have had the opportunity to listen several times since and still have this same impression.

    The system is now more dynamic and ruthlessly revealing leaving music no where to hide. Well recorded material sounds amazing. I also accept that the system is not trying to make poor recordings sound ‘better’ than they should. This in no way diminished my enjoyment of lesser quality recordings.

    Overall, I welcome the additional contributions the fuses bring the system. I will note that not everyone who has tried replacement fuses has experienced positive results. If you are at a state of system contentment, I encourage trying replacement fuses. I would suggest starting with one (power amp) or two components first to determine if any perceived benefits are noted.

    Good marketing!
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited October 2006
    Mine arrived today. I'll pop it in and let y'all know the results.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited October 2006
    Listened some more to see if I could tell a difference. The answer is: "I dunno."

    When I first installed the new fuse, I thought I heard a slight improvement in detail. Since I introduced a new power center only a few days earlier, it's tough to state definitely if the changes are due to the fuse or to the power center breaking in. I'm not interested in switching out the old one and new one to discern any differences. I'll leave that to other folks to do. Still glad I bought it, though, just for peace of mind.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • Moose68Bash
    Moose68Bash Posts: 3,843
    edited March 2013
    This is a pretty old thread, but I was searching the forum for information about HiFi Tuning Supreme fuses because of an unusual experience I recently had.

    I just purchased and installed a Silver Circle audio Pure Power One 5.0 power conditioner. I bought it from The Cable Company, which had taken it in on trade for the most recent Silver Circle Audio power conditioner -- the Tchaik 6. The unit I purchased did not come with any sort of manual, owner's, operator's instruction, etc. -- and I could not find anything on the Internet.

    So, I sent an email to the contact address on the company's web site on Saturday evening. On sunday morning, I had an email reply from the president of Silver Circle Audio in Houston, who sent me the one-page sheet that provides all the instructions you need.

    But, the interesting thing is that he recommended -- without my asking him anything about upgrades or mods -- upgrading the stock fuses to the HiFi Tuning Supremes. He said, about the HiFi Tuning fuses that are available, "Any of those will be an improvement over the stock fuses" and that they put them in their Tchaik 6 model.

    I was looking for any experience others have had with these fuses. For $84.95 per fuse, it is not an easy decision to order them just to experiment.

    Any comments? Thanks.
    Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.

    Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.

  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited March 2013
    OH GREAT!!! A new rabbit hole i havent fallen into yet. LOL
    Main Rig:
    Krell KAV 250a biamped to mid/highs
    Parasound HCA1500A biamped to lows
    Nakamichi EC100 Active xover
    MIT exp 1 ic's
    Perreaux SA33 class A preamp
    AQ kingcobra ic's
    OPPO 83 CDP
    Lehmann audio black cube SE phono pre, Audioquest phono wire (ITA1/1)
    Denon DP-1200 TT. AToc9ML MC cart.
    Monster HTS 3600 power conditioner
    ADS L1590/2 Biamped
    MIT exps2 speaker cable
  • Moose68Bash
    Moose68Bash Posts: 3,843
    edited March 2013
    OH GREAT!!! A new rabbit hole i havent fallen into yet. LOL

    "OH GREAT!!!" or "OH MY GOD!!!" -- as Hamlet said, "That is the question."

    Just think, we may have vigorous debate about fuses as well as about cables! :smile:
    Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.

    Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.

  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited March 2013
    "OH GREAT!!!" or "OH MY GOD!!!" -- as Hamlet said, "That is the question."

    Just think, we may have vigorous debate about fuses as well as about cables! :smile:

    That could prove dangerious. And funny.
    Main Rig:
    Krell KAV 250a biamped to mid/highs
    Parasound HCA1500A biamped to lows
    Nakamichi EC100 Active xover
    MIT exp 1 ic's
    Perreaux SA33 class A preamp
    AQ kingcobra ic's
    OPPO 83 CDP
    Lehmann audio black cube SE phono pre, Audioquest phono wire (ITA1/1)
    Denon DP-1200 TT. AToc9ML MC cart.
    Monster HTS 3600 power conditioner
    ADS L1590/2 Biamped
    MIT exps2 speaker cable
  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited March 2013
    But, the interesting thing is that he recommended -- without my asking him anything about upgrades or mods -- upgrading the stock fuses to the HiFi Tuning Supremes. He said, about the HiFi Tuning fuses that are available, "Any of those will be an improvement over the stock fuses" and that they put them in their Tchaik 6 model.

    I was looking for any experience others have had with these fuses. For $84.95 per fuse, it is not an easy decision to order them just to experiment.

    Any comments? Thanks.


    I discussed the use of HiFi Tuning Supreme fuses in my two channel system here

    Discussions of other Hifi Tuning fuses can be found here:

    Studies-On-Residential-Power-Line-Noise-Part-8-Audio-Grade-Fuses-For-Home-Theater

    Studies-On-Residential-Power-Line-Noise-Part-7-HiFi-Tuning-and-Isoclean-Fuses
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited March 2013
    I recently upgraded the fuses in all my equipment to some Supreme and some gold Hi-Fi tuning fuses. I won't go into extreme detail as Ray's review is better than mine would ever be. I will say that the difference was very positive regarding tonal properties and imaging. To a lesser extent, the clarity and detail improved as well. This was my experience. BTW, I installed some of the WA quantum fuse chips on the gold Hi-Fi Tuning fuses as well.
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....


    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
  • Glen B
    Glen B Posts: 269
    edited March 2013
    A couple of months ago I upgraded my preamp and amp fuses from Isocleans to HiFi Tuning Supreme with the WA quantum chips, and the improvements were like having a new system. I initially tried a fuse in the amp, like what I heard, then bought another for the preamp. The difference in each case was immediately noticeable. I have tried other fuses including the HiFi Tuning gold and silver, and none brought as much improvement as the Supremes. YMMV.
    Main System: Denon DP-59L | Audio-Technica AT33EV | Marantz SA-11S2 | Classe DR-10 | Classe CA-300 | Classe RC-1 | PSB Stratus Gold i's | DIY Balanced AC Power Conditioner | Acoustic Zen and NeoTech cables | Oyaide and Furutech power connectors | Dedicated 20A isolated ground line.

    Home Theater: Toshiba D-VR5SU | Laptop #1 |Outlaw Audio OAW3 wireless audio system | Marantz SR-19 | Phase Linear 400 Series 2, modified | AudioSource 10.1 EQ (for subs) | Axiom M3 v3’s | Axiom VP150 | Optimus PRO-X55AVs | Dayton 12” powered subs (x2) | Belkin PureAV PF-60 line conditioner.

    Party System: Laptop #2 | Audioquest Dragonfly USB DAC | Technics SU-A6 | Acurus A-250 | Radio Shack 15-band EQ | Pioneer SR-9 reverb | Cerwin Vega DX9's | Dayton 100° x 60° horns with titanium HF/MF compression drivers.
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited March 2013
    Glen B wrote: »
    A couple of months ago I upgraded my preamp and amp fuses from Isocleans to HiFi Tuning Supreme with the WA quantum chips, and the improvements were like having a new system. I initially tried a fuse in the amp, like what I heard, then bought another for the preamp. The difference in each case was immediately noticeable. I have tried other fuses including the HiFi Tuning gold and silver, and none brought as much improvement as the Supremes. YMMV.

    I have tried the Isoclean, Furutech, and Acme's.
    I thought they all sounded better than stock, JMHO.
    YMMV!
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,139
    edited March 2013
    Anybody tried these yet?

    http://www.audio-magic.com/Prod-NanoFuse.html

    NanoFuse.jpg

    Specifically talking about the SUPER Fuse (Nano-Liquid)

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~