HiFi-Tuning Fuses

jm1 · 09-13-2006, 01:24 PM

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)

BlueMDPicker · 09-21-2006, 05:29 PM

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 · 09-21-2006, 05:36 PM

Many people have used ceramic fuses to replace the standard wire fuse with good results.
madmax

amulford · 09-21-2006, 08:17 PM

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 · 09-21-2006, 08:33 PM

Good review

BlueMDPicker · 09-21-2006, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amulford

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 · 09-21-2006, 09:32 PM

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

jm1 · 09-22-2006, 01:07 PM

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.

dkg999 · 09-22-2006, 04:18 PM

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?

BlueMDPicker · 09-22-2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkg999

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 · 09-22-2006, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RuSsMaN

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

jm1 · 09-22-2006, 04:49 PM

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.

Early B. · 09-27-2006, 06:07 PM

EDIT: Nevermind.

dorokusai · 09-27-2006, 07:03 PM

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.

amulford · 09-27-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoosier21

Just think of Anthony leaving Troy's house after S.C. Polkfest 2004, leave the fuses in Anthony

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. · 09-27-2006, 11:11 PM

Just ordered one for my int. amp from these folks:

www.xtremecables.com

jm1 · 10-06-2006, 01:09 PM

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.

dorokusai · 10-06-2006, 01:35 PM

Little tweaks are what make this a fun hobby, rock on JM.

jm1 · 10-06-2006, 01:52 PM

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.

PolkThug · 10-06-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jm1

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. · 10-06-2006, 05:12 PM

Mine arrived today. I'll pop it in and let y'all know the results.

Early B. · 10-10-2006, 01:13 AM

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.

09-13-2006, 01:24 PM	#1
jm1 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 51.014963N - 114.182248W Posts: 499	HiFi-Tuning Fuses 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) Last edited by jm1; 01-30-2008 at 01:38 PM..

09-21-2006, 05:29 PM	#2
BlueMDPicker Old Polk Member Sales Rating: (7) Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,448	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. __________________ Our polkaudio speakers: SDA 2B Studio, Monitor 11, RTA 8T (2 pair), CS-300, Atrium 45

09-21-2006, 05:36 PM	#3
madmax Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (14) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 10,281	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...

09-21-2006, 08:33 PM	#5
george daniel Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (42) Join Date: May 2005 Location: 4th tower of inverness Posts: 7,038	Good review __________________ JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)

09-21-2006, 09:32 PM	#7
RuSsMaN Hardcore Member Sales Rating: (28) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Texas Posts: 16,134	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 __________________ If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough - when you get knocked down, you gotta get back up - Roger Alan Wade

09-22-2006, 01:07 PM	#8
jm1 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 51.014963N - 114.182248W Posts: 499	Update 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.

09-22-2006, 04:18 PM	#9
dkg999 Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (18) Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Northern IL/Central IA Posts: 3,998	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, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507 S2 AVR, B&K 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 540v2 DVD, Sony BDP-S550 BD, Signal Cable PC, BJC Interconnects and speaker cables, Sony XBR5 46" LCD

09-22-2006, 04:49 PM	#12
jm1 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 51.014963N - 114.182248W Posts: 499	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.

09-27-2006, 06:07 PM	#13
Early B. Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (19) Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,172	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." Last edited by Early B.; 09-27-2006 at 06:33 PM..

09-27-2006, 07:03 PM	#14
dorokusai Hardcore Member Sales Rating: (43) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: 6 Feet Under Posts: 18,799	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. __________________ Death is my set, guess my religion

09-27-2006, 11:11 PM	#16
Early B. Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (19) Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,172	Just ordered one for my int. amp from these folks: www.xtremecables.com

10-06-2006, 01:09 PM	#17
jm1 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 51.014963N - 114.182248W Posts: 499	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.

10-06-2006, 01:35 PM	#18
dorokusai Hardcore Member Sales Rating: (43) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: 6 Feet Under Posts: 18,799	Little tweaks are what make this a fun hobby, rock on JM.

10-06-2006, 01:52 PM	#19
jm1 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 51.014963N - 114.182248W Posts: 499	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.

10-06-2006, 05:12 PM	#21
Early B. Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (19) Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,172	Mine arrived today. I'll pop it in and let y'all know the results.

10-10-2006, 01:13 AM	#22
Early B. Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (19) Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,172	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.

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