This may be a little over the top!

[AUDIOPEASANT]

This may be a little over the top:



http://www.partsconnexion.com/Index/hi-fi_tuning.html


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Celt]

Wow, gold over silver fittings for your aluminum fuse holder. :rolleyes:

[BroonsBane]

Uh oh...

[Celt]

Well, just kidding...but you know what I mean. This is like the never ending cable debate.

[Rybeam]

Than I'll need to gold plate my fuse holders and than be forced to upgrade all my solder joints to gold. I bet a gold plated tuning indicator improves sound too !

[Lefty]

:lurk: :lurk:

Anyone got some extra salt ?

Lefty

[BroonsBane]

There was a huge thread on this very topic on another board...dumbass people. The thread got really out of hand. If a $30 fuse turns your crank go for it but I sure don't have the ears or wallet for that crap.

[davidb]

I'm going out and gettin some of those, but I've got to stop and put hydrogen in my tires first.

[theodoric]

I'll be spending my $25 on records, not fuses, thank you very much.

[Drizzt]

I think you need to use these instead, those other ones don't even look to be directional :lmao:

http://www.photovations.com/ims/pic.php?u=2231K6Wvs&i=19802

[Lefty]

I think you need to use these instead, those other ones don't even look to be directional :lmao:

http://www.photovations.com/ims/pic.php?u=2231K6Wvs&i=19802

Wow a directionally sensitive AC fuse, what will modern science come up with next :scratch2: Got to make those AC electrons start going in just one way.

[Charivari]

Funny you should post the Isoclean fuses. I posted a link (http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/isoclean3/fuses.html) to a review of them in jest over in the Speaker forum (http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=66645) just a few minutes before this thread was started.

Hmm, directional fuses? I'm waiting for one made out of Mpingo wood (http://www.shunmook.com/text1.htm) to take care of those pesky resonances in the fuse that so mess up the sound.

- JP

[Drizzt]

I found them pretty amusing while I was searching through the internet a while back. There was NO WAY I was going to bring that subject up around here but I couldn't resist since someone else started the thread.

[PHC1]

How about a microscopic barbershop at the power cord socket so the electrons can get a haircut and a shave before going in? Oh, yeah, a beauty parlor for the "female" variety too, manicure and pedicure for them so they look and sound their best. :D

[dew042]

Can there be any doubt that this is a "choke point/weak link" in the performance of these components?

Yes.

dew.

[Rickman]

Wait a sec, directional fuses for AC, ALTRENATING current...
Good thinking on their part :stupid: :withstpd:
:wtf:

[ozmoid]

<SNIP>Hmm, directional fuses? I'm waiting for one made out of Mpingo wood (http://www.shunmook.com/text1.htm) to take care of those pesky resonances in the fuse that so mess up the sound.

- JP
I looked and looked for one in Mpingo wood, but all I could find was Red Oak. Sorry.http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=15807&stc=1

[blue_lateral]

I looked and looked for one in Mpingo wood, but all I could find was Red Oak. Sorry.http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=15807&stc=1
Sounds less metallic, does it?

[ozmoid]

Sounds less metallic, does it?
Oh yes, cuts right through those pesky harmonics...

kind of like a chainsaw. :naughty:

[blue_lateral]

:lmao: :lmao:

[crackerkorean]

I heard that a juicy fruit foil wrapper is supposed to be amazing. Especially if you chew the gum first.

[onepixel]

rotflmao

[ozmoid]

I heard that a juicy fruit foil wrapper is supposed to be amazing. Especially if you chew the gum first.
You're supposed to take the gum OUT? No wonder my amp is sounding sticky...

[ZebraBlvd]

:lurk: :lurk:

Anyone got some extra salt ?

Lefty


:lurk:
Pass it back when your done please.

[Fernzee]

I heard that a juicy fruit foil wrapper is supposed to be amazing. Especially if you chew the gum first.

Na, the tin foil from cigarette packs work much better. The tar coating on the foil makes the electron flow with nervous energy. It really "lights up an amp."

[grumpy]

I love when people who have not tried something slam it. Shows their ignoarance.......

[bentpencil]

I wouldn't slam them. I'm gonna try some as soon as my Enzyte is paid for............

[grumpy]

So thats why your so full of shit eh ?

My comment still stand and yours speak for themselves....

[bentpencil]

Sorry. I'll go now...................

[john_w]

I seriously (OK, not TOO seriously) wonder what an all 99% pure silver and silver-solder signal path would sound like - all the way thru the amp, and up to and including the speaker coils. :scratch2: And of course, what would that cost?

If I want resonance dampening, I'd look at something to do with the shelf rather than fuse protectors that you can't see thru.

It seems a lot of well respected modern hi-fi gear is actually made entirely w/out fuses affecting the signal path for the same reasons stated in the article. (Recent high-end B&W loudspeakers, for instance.) However, pushing these for supply fuses just sounds like something that wouldn't even be worth my time to try. Makes about as much sense as high-end power cords, IMO.

[cableguy]

Grumpy, have you tried these? (If you have maybe we can change gears on this thread :scratch2: ) I am always curious about simple tweaks, but it's hard for me to spend any money on them untill someone I know/trust can give me reason to....

[grumpy]

Sorry no I have not and I probably will not either. My problem was that this could have been about any product that no one wanted to pony the money up for and then the "its bogus" naysayers come out in droves.

The best advice i was given many years ago when I started hanging out on bulletin boards was if you have not tried it to keep your mouth shut. Its not always easy but you would be amazed at the amount of people who read this or that review without ever hearing the piece in question and then start spewing those reviews as their personal experience without ever having tried or heard it. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but try to form one from experience with the piece in question and not from what the next guy says...

[cableguy]

That's good advice.....I more than likely would not try them either, so have no opinion to offer either.

[grumpy]

Hey on a better note i love your hot sauce ! I wont share with anyone :)

[cableguy]

Hey on a better note i love your hot sauce ! I wont share with anyone :)
PM your address, and I'll send more.....I still have 3 cases of pint jars remaining. yes sir, that is the real deal, huh? :yes:

[grumpy]

Will Do !

[Arkay]

This thread had me ROFLMAO in places. :lmao: :yes:

That said, I can have no opinion, not having tried these yet... :scratch2: but there is a shop here that not only sells several different brands of "audio grade" fuses like these, but ALSO accompanying holders (socket things) for them. That way, you are putting expensive gold-on-silver fuses into expensive gold-on-silver holders and not into aluminum ones.

[Remember, aluminum tends to disrupt the inter-radial echonomastic harmonic structures at the sub-atomic level. That's why all the best beanies for warding off government and alien mind-reading equipment are covered with aluminum foil!]

John_w, as for what an all-silver path set-up would sound like, start with a Yamaha M2 amp. It is already all-silver (wires and solder) as it came from the factory, with most wire connections wire-wrap, not soldered, but there is a large copper plate inside that you might need to replace with a silver one for a truly all-silver path. That would be costly, as the plate is something like 6" x4" and 2.5 mm thick, and has to be cut and bent to shape. Also, silver has a lower melting point than copper, so I'm not sure if that plate can safely be replaced (?)...

For the rest, all you need is silver connectors (widely available), and go to a jewelry supplier for silver wire to re-wire your speakers, etc... with. Wiring replacement could be done for a few hundred dollars.

Of course, you still have all kinds of other stuff in the electron path, inside the actual resistors, capacitors, etc... A truly ALL-silver path would just amount to a convoluted silver wire, and wouldn't make music! :no: [I know that isn't what you meant.]

Just to speculate: The sound of silver tends towards the "bright" side when used with most components/designs, so depending on the choice and design of components, it might tend to make a too bright-sounding system. Then again, choose bass-heavy components to start with, and all-silver replacement inside components might be an improvement. Would love to hear if anyone has ever tried it.

[john_w]

John_w, as for what an all-silver path set-up would sound like, start with a Yamaha M2 amp. It is already all-silver (wires and solder) as it came from the factory, with most wire connections wire-wrap, not soldered, but there is a large copper plate inside that you might need to replace with a silver one for a truly all-silver path. That would be costly, as the plate is something like 6" x4" and 2.5 mm thick, and has to be cut and bent to shape. Also, silver has a lower melting point than copper, so I'm not sure if that plate can safely be replaced (?)...

...Of course, you still have all kinds of other stuff in the electron path, inside the actual resistors, capacitors, etc... A truly ALL-silver path would just amount to a convoluted silver wire, and wouldn't make music! :no: [I know that isn't what you meant.]

...Just to speculate: The sound of silver tends towards the "bright" side when used with most components/design...

Very interesting info about Yamaha's M2! I am actually well familiar with the M1, but I'm not sure I've even seen an M2. The M1 is not known for bass, but conveys an incredibly clear signal. I can only guess that the M2 leans even further in that direction.

I did think about the ground plane. I don't think the conductor would make a very significant difference there. (Or would it? Impossible to tell unless you try it.) Of course the speaker wiring would be the only thing detering me from actually trying this. Just no time and not enough inclination. (I also really don't need yet another integrated amp!)

[Rickman]

sry, but according to my knowlege of electrical engineering, a/c isn't directional

it goes back
<=================
and forth
=================>
and back
<=================
and forth
=================>

[john_w]

Rickman - Now you're just making me dizzy! (Actually, I think I started out that way, come to think of it.)

BTW - I was thinking about the A-1 when I mentioned M-1 (if such an animal even exists).

My apologies for the confusion.

My mind just goes Back......And forth......and back........and forth......

[Kerb]

I don't have to try it to know this product is snakeoil.

[Bigerik]

Wonder if we could get the manufacturer to submit some for review here. After being made a total fool of in my belief that interconnets wouldn't make much of a difference, who the heck am I to say that these would not work? As with anything, you never know til ya try. If they don't work, only loss would be a few hours spent listening to the old Victorola. Doesn't sound like too bad a deal.

Actually, if anyone has an open mind and is willing to give a listen, I will contact the manufacturer and see if he will submit a few. Ain't this what this forum is all about? Wouldn't you kick yourself if a $25 fuses made a big difference?
Other thing I would need to get are a couple of standard sizes for the fuses. What sizes would be the most popular?

[dnewma04]

sry, but according to my knowlege of electrical engineering, a/c isn't directional

it goes back
<=================
and forth
=================>
and back
<=================
and forth
=================>


Good point, you need to buy two of these fuses, one for each leg.

[reggaenaut]

Just a more bs for "audiophools".

[Unda Maris]

How about a microscopic barbershop at the power cord socket so the electrons can get a haircut and a shave before going in? Oh, yeah, a beauty parlor for the "female" variety too, manicure and pedicure for them so they look and sound their best. :D

:thmbsp:

Yeah, but the best is, that these directional fuses are able to eliminate the effects of superimposed DC on your AC line ... :D

And they solve the problem of terrorism all over the world ...

[john_w]

But what about global warming? We need electronic components that cool the planet on a quantum level while reproducing New Age music with brilliance and clarity.

And let's not forget about world hunger...and the rainforest.

[piece-it pete]

Like the Big Eric, I too thought this stuff was dumb without any real-world experience. Kinda like a kid who's always right.

Silver sounds different.

Pete

[theodoric]

I sent some green pens to a couple of AKers. Perhaps they'll chime in and let us know if they heard a positive difference.

[dnewma04]

Like the Big Eric, I too thought this stuff was dumb without any real-world experience. Kinda like a kid who's always right.

Silver sounds different.

Pete

I used to love the idea of these types of products and had a lot of faith in the abilities they possessed, then real world use and measurements either eliminated the mysticism that seemed to surround them or explained the apparent differences in sound when one was perceived. If I perceived a change that didn't display itself in the measurements, I chalk it up as Jedi Mind tricks.

[piece-it pete]

I should add I'm not saying everything is real. It's just when folks slam things they haven't even tried it shows a definate bias.

Pete

[dnewma04]

I should add I'm not saying everything is real. It's just when folks slam things they haven't even tried it shows a definate bias.

Pete

Fair enough, I have no problem with that, but i'm not sure I would call it bias as much as skepticism, and in the realm of audiophilia, a healthy dose of skepticism should always be present if the bank acct is to survive.

[john_w]

As long you can remain impartial, a certain level of skepticism is fine. This kind of stuff just makes me curious - up to a point. Eventually though, you have to ask "Is the chance that this might actually work to some degree worth the time and $$ I need to burn to find out?" If it sounds just way too ridiculous with no backing in any current understanding of reality, then obviously the time spent alone isn't worth it. I'm usually way too busy to experiment with implausible tweeks anyhow. If I were bored I might try just about anything, but that just never happens in my world. And you can make a number of sound, practical changes to your system that are a far better investment of your resources before dabbling in this kind of thing.

[HiFiber]

I actually think the author of the site with the fuses has a good point that if you bother upgrading cables and power components, wiring etc, then your fuse would represent a weak link in the chain of upgrades. So if you can acknowledge that a power chord is a good mod, then surely you must concede that a better fuse is a logical mod also.

Having said that I do not believe that any amplifier draws enough current to justify an upgraded power chord. If your big arse 1000 litre fridge/freezer or ducted AC is not suffering from lack of AC current then I doubt your pissy little overpriced integrated amp will be...

[JustinDanger]

Being a newbie, I should keep my mouth shut for at least a year, but I think I would rather just solder between the legs of the fuse holders and bypass the fuses before I'd pay $25 each for a fuse. I don't have a problem with the idea that a fuse might change how things sound, but I'd take my chances on no fuse instead. About the only thing I can remember a fuse blowing in is a multimeter I had and cars.

[sorenj07]

here's a quick tip - the electrons get through the fuse JUST LIKE A WIRE. they don't go slower or faster, because they move at close to the speed of light. they don't go through it "better" because we don't believe in that. inductance and capacitance due to wiring aside, there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to use fancy "gold-plated" p.o.s. fuses. in my opinion, of course.

[jim3860]

Intresting thread and ideas. actually B&W had a set of silver series speakers. they obviously beleived that silver was better. i think it was a set of bookshelfs. if i recall correctly they had silver wiring and solder throught the crossovers etc, and they cost a fortune. the ones i seen had a birdseye maple finish. its a known fact that better connections make for better sound, clean power without all the rises and falls make for your equipment working better and i asssume sounding better. so i think there actually would be some diffrence. now as to whether the diffrence would be audible is another matter.my thoughts are if you have a $50 receiver running $10 speakers $25.00 fuses probally arent the answer for you. if you have lots of extra money and have spent huge amounts on cables interconnects and power conditioners and have ran out of things to tweak or upgrade then by all means buy a six pack of the damn things. for myself it comes down to bang for the buck. what can i get for $25.00 or in my case between the preamp amp and tuner i suspect i would need at least 8 fuses minimum to be able to say whether it makes any diffrence. i would want to put them in everything involved to get an accurate test. i would even be willing to shell out the $200.00 invoved if i had a money back in 30 day trial period to test them out but until they offer something like that, i will spend my $200.00 on some other tested and proven upgrade :yes:

[brown13]

Can we go back to the speaker wire debate now?

[john_w]

Yes.

People who use speaker wire are idiots who are wasting their money.

[MannyE]

This is what SEEMS to me the blue-tak phenomenon. Blue Tak costs 2 bucks at your local CVS or Walgreens and 17 dollars at the esoteric store..because it was dipped in liquid sulphur or whatever... blow me.

I too have been surprised by what I thought was "snake oil" in the form of SST "Super Silver Treatment" which at 72 bucks a bottle I thought was really going off the deep end. I spent hours making spoof ebay auctions for "Audio Lymph Node Fluid" and posting disparaging remarks about this stuff... then someone sent me a bottle to review and I had to shut the hell up, eat ALL my words and admit that not only did I hear a difference, I heard a SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT in my system...well worth the 72 bucks.. had I spent it...

BUT.... I looked and did research and lo and BEHOLD!

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/product/1530-0141

I found this on my first try in google, and further research has revealed a wide assortment of silver and copper electrically conductive greases... all for under 20 bucks. HAve I ordered some? You bet! Will I compare to the 70 dollar grease? You betcha!

You guys will be the first to know....

What's my point?

While it my indeed be irresponsible to poo poo a 30 :eek: dollar fuse without having heard it in your own system... COME ON! A THIRTY DOLLAR FUSE????

You can achive much better results by using a dime's worth of silver wire to remove the fuse from your component! If sonic clarity is so important to you that you spend 30 bucks on a 20 cent fuse, then it behooves you..... no.... YOU ARE COMMANDED BY YOUR DESIRES to take that extra step and just eliminate the fuses from your system!

I've got a 200 dollar kit, by the way that replaces all your fuses with cryogenically treated 99.9999999999% silver wire... :yes:

[sorenj07]

or, just leave the dang fuse in so you don't explode your everything when you short it when testing or something.. (personal experience)

[MannyE]

Yes.

People who use speaker wire are idiots who are wasting their money.

:yes: I use cardboard tubes.

[GaryP]

What's wrong with you guys!?!

All us audiophiles use string.... :D

[john_w]

Would that be cotton or nylon?

I prefer twisted dental floss, myself. Especially when listening to Zappa.

[MannyE]

Would that be cotton or nylon?

I prefer twisted dental floss, myself. Especially when listening to Zappa.

You are obviously a luddite... everyone knows dental floss makes the sound too enamely. :nono:

I you must use something you put in your mouth, well... I think we all know waht that is :banana:

[john_w]

I prefer twisted dental floss, myself...

The operative word, of course, being twisted. :banana:

[brown13]

I like the yellow wires.........they sound brighter

[PhilMcL]

that mpingo wood nonsense had me lolling... claiming that the clamp essentially is magic and "resonates the sound back, enhancing soundstage"... arent clamps supposed to DAMP the vibrations, not like harmonize with them?

futhermore grumpy your name is very apt. I dont mean any disrespect but with obviously silly things like these i think it's fair to make fun of them...

[RichPA]

that mpingo wood nonsense had me lolling... claiming that the clamp essentially is magic and "resonates the sound back, enhancing soundstage"... arent clamps supposed to DAMP the vibrations, not like harmonize with them?

futhermore grumpy your name is very apt. I dont mean any disrespect but with obviously silly things like these i think it's fair to make fun of them...

Well, Phil, I wouldn't deny that there are some silly things out there. But the trouble with making fun of things in this forum is that inhibits discussion of those things that some people think are silly but others would like to seriously discuss. As I understand, the whole purpose of this forum is to have a place to discuss cables, stands, and other "tweaks" without fear of being ridiculed. Personally, I'd like to see that be the spirit here.

[sorenj07]

this whole thread is full of ridicule. did phil, the last poster, get stuck with the "hot potato"? if you feel that way about not ridiculing things, you could have posted waaaaay before and stopped all this nonsense.

[Bigerik]

Guys, I am in agreement here. This thread started out in an interesting way, but now has gotten well beyond the purpose of what this forum is about. This is supposed to be an area for discussion of all kinds of interesting tweaks, without editorializing or ridicule. As this thread is adding nothing to the purpose of the forum, I think it is time I closed it and we moved on.
Much more interesting stuff coming anyway.