Isoclean Audio Grade Fuse

jcoat007 · « **on:** 18 May 2005, 06:53 pm »

Anyone ever use these? Seems to makes sense that a good quality fuse would be a benefit. It might seem like a lot of money ($25 each), but the 6 moons review said it was equivalent to upgrading the power cord. If that is the case then $25 is a cheap upgrade. To me anyway. I have three fuses in my 2 channel rig, so it would cost me $75 to check it out.

Here's a link to their website:

http://www.aaudioimports.com/store/ProductDetail.asp?catID=38&subCatID=28&productID=71#

zybar · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 May 2005, 08:07 pm »

Quote from: tvad4

I find a few shots of premium tequila has about the same benefits as a good power cord, too.

If you do too many shots of tequila, you don't even have to have your system on to hear music!!

George

Andrikos · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 May 2005, 08:31 pm »

Quote from: jcoat007

... It might seem like a lot of money ($25 each), but the 6 moons review said it was equivalent to upgrading the power cord....

I take that to read:
"upgrading the fuse is as useless as upgrading the power cord only cheaper... "

Kenobi · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 May 2005, 11:13 pm »

Hi,

I'd be tempted to find out as well. Please post impression after you try. I think it's worth a shot.

Thanks,

Fife12 · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 May 2005, 12:05 am »

Wouldnt upgrading fuses be similar to upgrading spark plugs for your car?

I would think a quality made fuse would add some benefit.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 May 2005, 08:14 am »

From the 6moons review adding some Walker SST to the contact points..."Performance went up beyond expectation yet again."

Chris[/list:u]

peranders · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 May 2005, 11:12 am »

Quote from: jcoat007

Anyone ever use these? Seems to makes sense that a good quality fuse would be a benefit. It might seem like a lot of money ($25 each), ...

25 dollars for a fuse which has very little gold on both end plus a nice print.. boy, those easy fooled "audiophiles".

jcoat007 · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 May 2005, 01:07 pm »

Boy this hobby is a lot like religion. If you believe then those who don't think your a fool. If you don't beleive then those who do feel bad for you because of your ultimate fate.

Those who get on their high horse about cables not making a difference seem to be adamant that the other camp is insane. They very rarely ever support their case with a/b comparisons and real world tests. It's almost always some blanket statement with no facts.

If you will all read my original post, you will see that I was eliciting facts from those who may have tried this product. I was not asking anyone's opinion about whether or not cables make a difference. That can be debated elsewhere.

Just to set the record straight, I have heard, with my own ears, the difference that cables can make. I have also heard the difference that good power conditioning can make. Put me in the believer camp. Being the fool that I am, I ordered three of these fuses yesterday to try in my pre-amp (Modwright SWL 9.0), my phono pre-amp (modified eAR 834p)and my amp (Butler 2250).

I will do an a/b comparison when I get them and post my results based on hearing them with my own ears.

I will also be trying them with another expensive tweak, Walker SST.

If this works as described, my second system will require 14 of them which is a bit of a tag.

Sorry for the rant.

Maybe I should cut back on the caffeine.

ohenry · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 May 2005, 01:54 pm »

Quote

I will also be trying them with another expensive tweak, Walker SST.

Would you consider using the SST on the existing fuses prior to fitting the gold ones? That may provide more perspective as to the super fuse's real worth.

Thanks for taking the plunge and trying this new tweak.

Eric · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 May 2005, 02:22 pm »

Well,

I will take a hit here for being the fool. I tried one on my transport and it did make a difference. It ws even directional as they said. Improvements were mainly in the areas of cleaner bass

Carlman · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 May 2005, 02:44 pm »

Since the purpose of a fuse to break under a certain load, I don't understand why making better connectivity to the cheap metal that breaks would improve anything.... In fact, I would think the more conductive a fuse is, the more likely it would let voltage through before breaking.

Fuses use a somewhat weak metal conductor with the intention of having it break. If the material was extremely fine silver or copper, I might get it. I don't know enough about the metal used in fuses but what I see in those photos look like every other fuse I've ever seen.

I don't question 'if' they work but why. If the internal metals are the same as other fuses, I don't get why there would be an improvement. gold plating doesn't help conductivity to my knowledge... just reduces oxidation and wear. Besides, the metal underneath the gold is likely whatever standard fuses are made from.... since I suspect these fuses are essentially like any other... EXCEPT for the directionality.

That's the one thing I don't know... If they have figured out that this crappy metal works better in one direction than the other, that's cool... Does anyone know how a fuse could be directional?

-C

Kenobi · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 May 2005, 03:19 pm »

Jcoat007,

I am with you. I have learned not to speak w/o any first-hand experience and not write anything off w/o a trial. Then, whatever the observation, there's justification at least to your own ears and mind.

Regarding SST contact enhancement, I have tried it and it works. I have also tried Xtreme QuikSilver that is cryo'd @ $64.95 via Audiogon and it works better due to the seemingly higher silver content.

Good luck and can't wait to hear your observation.

JoshK · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 May 2005, 03:35 pm »

I have to agree with Carl on this one. It doesn't make much sense to me. Not saying it can't make a difference, but difference without a good reason why is suspect to me. Seems to me that if your PSU is well designed then the differences should be moot, even if the different metallurgy made some difference. I'd rather spend that money elsewhere myself.

Occam · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 May 2005, 03:47 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

.... Seems to me that if your PSU is well designed then the differences should be moot, even if the different metallurgy made some difference. I'd rather spend that money elsewhere myself.

Aw c'mon Josh. You of all people should know better than that. In the scheme of things, what powersupply is, in absolute terms, well designed and implemented?

I do agree, in many circumstances, its pointless to, IMO, polish a turd. As a 'armchair' DIYer, I've the option of telling OTHERS to replace their switches and fuses with a proper circuit breaker.

Felicitations,
Paul

JoshK · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 May 2005, 04:32 pm »

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that most commercial products have good PSUs (far from it), I am implying that maybe they only work because the PSUs aren't good to begin with.

electricbear · « **Reply #15 on:** 20 May 2005, 09:08 pm »

In Britain (before my emigration to the usa) all the power cords have plugs with fuses in them. I could hear a difference in replacing the stock fuses with an audiophile variety. I don't know if its the same brand or type as being debated here but if they get some posative feedback I'll be investing in some.