[rollo]

   By accident recently  installed a 3A fuse in lieu of a 1A fuse and the result was better sonics. A fuller more dynamic presentation with improved harmonics.
   Then installed the proper size fuse but now a Hi Fi tuning fuse. VG but still not equal to the oversized fuse. I'm totally puzzled by this. Then a seasoned buddy of mine was telling me about headroom for fuses. Is ther such a thing ?
   Wht amazed me the most was that the oversized  radio shack fuse was better sonically then the super duper fuse from Hi fi tuning. Then tried a HFT fuse with 3a rating and was taken back a bit as to the results. Even better.
   Why would a larger value improve sound. Please lets just accept my findings on sonics and concentrate on the headroom and oversizing issues.
    Just makes no sense to me as to why. opinions ??? Pleae no flame wars, thanks maybe we will learn something.


charles

[satfrat]

Just curious but what type of component are we talking about here Charles? Fuse size other than amperage, 20mm/32mm? Also, have you tried a WA Quantum fuse chip yet? Just a pinch of lighter fluid ya'know, 

Cheers,
Robin

[rollo]

  It was the BSG QOL signal completion stage. Then tried it on a Plinius 101 CDP. The affect was the same. The WA chip are a different animal and does not apply to this. That would be a thread unto its own.
  My biggest question is "fuse overhead" if there is such a thing.


charles

[satfrat]

Thanks Charles! Hope you find the answers you're looking for from the more knowledgeable folk here. 

Cheers,
Robin

[Davey]

Well, there isn't any technical reason for your two fuses to sound different.  A typical AC line fuse will probably have approximately 0.25 volts across the element in normal usage.  Relative to 120VAC that's nil.  And there isn't any reason why slight variations would find their way through a devices PS and yield some sort of audible result.
If installed in series between amplifier and speaker, I could understand a possible audible effect related to the non-linearities of the fuse element.  Fuses are not suited to that application....IMO.

All fuses have overhead.  They will carry slightly greater than their 100% rated value indefinitely.  They will open within a certain period of time if carrying 150% of their rated capacity.  They will open within a shorter period of time if carrying 300% of their rated capacity.  Etc, etc.  You can find this information on the data sheet from the fuse manufacturer.  Unless, of course, it's Hi Fi Tuning fuses, which doesn't supply any information. 
However, I suspect this isn't the "overhead" your seasoned buddy was talking about.    I have no idea what he's referring to.

Anyways, use the fuse that sounds the best.  Subjective evaluation trumps safety in all cases.

Cheers,

Dave.

[DaveC113]

IME the fuse does make an audible difference and slight differences DO find their way through the PS and are audible. For example powercords. In most equipment the PS rectifies the AC signal but the "slight differences" are only attenuated by the PS's filters and can easily be audible.

And as far as safety, a fuse isn't necessarily going to save your equipment, it depends on what happens. The fuse didn't save my Anthem Pre-1 preamp from melting down it's power trafo.

[Davey]

IME the fuse does make an audible difference and slight differences DO find their way through the PS and are audible. For example powercords. In most equipment the PS rectifies the AC signal but the "slight differences" are only attenuated by the PS's filters and can easily be audible.

Only in equipment with a piss-poor power supply.

Anyways, as I said, subjective evaluation is the most important thing.  Simply use the fuse that sounds better.  Whether it provides a usable safety function is secondary.

Threads like this have little value because, generally, folks are only looking for a technical explanation if it confirms what they hear.  If not then...... 

Cheers,

Dave.

[rollo]

   Maybe I need to clarify my question. Trying to find out if say a [ 1 A  ] fuse  which is recommended by the Manf. is there headroom in the circuit design to allow a larger fuse value ??
   Not wether there is any sonic benefit. That is for another  time and circle. Thanks. BTW the seasoned guy is Larry Smith.


charles