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IMHE

Posted by unclestu52 (D) on November 12, 2007 at 11:22:58

In Reply to: RE: Hi-Fi Tuning fuses supposedly are not directional like the IsoCleans. Not so! posted by rick_m on November 11, 2007 at 09:45:30:

Fuse directionality is audible virtually everywhere. I can not speak for all brands of fuses, but with the Bussman fuses, inserting the fuse into a twist type external fuse holder with the fuse rating sticking into the chassis seems to be the preferred position: the sound stage tightens up, there is better dynamics and a noticeably cleaner presentation with greater detail.

We've tried this in at least four systems with similar results, all with different components. Unfortunately most digital gear we tried it on had internal soldered in type fuse blocks. The sonic difference was noticeable even with the fuses in a VPI SDS motor stabilizer, which of course, is not even in the signal path and simply providing the motor with a stable AC power. The SDS is solid state, BTW.

The sonic quality of fuses was first brought up by PS Audio way back when they introduced their Big 200 watt amps back in the early 80's. They had special gold plated fuses for the B+/- supplies, and IIRC they used an MTX fuse, which has a fast blow fuse but the fusible link had an unusual lightning bolt shape. These fuses are still manufactured but are more expensive and do sound better, with better dynamics.

The slow blow fuses with the dual element design can handle higher current inrush and seem to have a better control on the lower frequencies as the fusible link is noticeably thicker than the more commonplace twisted spiral fuses elements over a fiberglass core. There are also still available, but are rather pricey costing about 2 to 3 dollars apiece.

I do notice that Digikey and Mouser now are advertising ROHS fuses, and I'll bet that they do sound different also with better highs compared to older fuses, but I haven't tried them as of yet.

Stu

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