[mca]

I need to check the fuse on my 550 Ultra, but I can't even figure out how to get the cover off, help!

[TomW16]

Depending on how old the amp is, you should be able to simply use a Philips screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the top and sides to take the lid off.  I belive that older amps had torx screws.

Good luck.

Tom

[mca]

No such luck. It's a new Ultra Double 550 by the way.

[Tone Depth]

Are you looking to check the speaker fuses, or the main amp power supply fuses?

Congrats on your new Ultra Double amp, Double cousin!

[mca]

My amp stopped working and frank thought it might be the main fuse. I did get the cover off (very tight fit) and that turned out to be the case. Not sure why it blew in the first place, but glad to have it back up and running again.

[martyo]

Welcome to the Double club.

[dB Cooper]

Nobody said this, and since your problem seems to be solved anyway, I will:
Unless you have a very large amp, I doubt you can get inside it 

[ArthurDent]

mca - good to hear you got the situation resolved. So did the Ultra 550 replace the Spectron ? If so what are your thoughts comparison-wise ?

dB - 

Hope all is well in general.   

JD

[gjs_cds]

My amp stopped working and frank thought it might be the main fuse. I did get the cover off (very tight fit) and that turned out to be the case. Not sure why it blew in the first place, but glad to have it back up and running again.

I've had two fuses blow on me in my life.  One was clearly my fault--I shorted the speaker wires (from my Rotel 980 amp).  The other was much like yours...the amp just blew for no real easily discernible reason.  Swap the fuse, never had a problem since...

I used to think that my Rotel 980 was the cat's pajamas... Right up until I got an Omega-III 440HC some 10 years ago.  Never really used the Rotel since; I only keep it as a back-up for then I sent my AVA gear for service or upgrades

[martyo]

mca - good to hear you got the situation resolved. So did the Ultra 550 replace the Spectron ? If so what are your thoughts comparison-wise ?

dB - 

Hope all is well in general.   

JD

Hey mca, in a friends journey to find an amp for his HT3's I had the chance to listen to the Spectron vs. my Double. I am going to start a thread about it and some others but haven't gotten to it yet. Look forward to your impressions.

[TjMV3]

Nobody said this, and since your problem seems to be solved anyway, I will:
Unless you have a very large amp, I doubt you can get inside it 

I could only get in ankle high.   

I think if I slouch a little,  I could get a shin ....in.

[mca]

I never did end up buying a Spectron, so I can't compare those. The double 550 is sounding very nice though!

[Wayner]

Fuses age just as any other component. The constant on/off of inrush current sooner or later takes a toll. I would recommend using a name brand replacement fuse like Bussman. And of course, always replace with same type, voltage and amperage rating. Also check for cord damage and things like that if you do happen upon a blown fuse. A second blown fuse will probably mean a visit to the AVA shop.

Wayner

[gjs_cds]

Fuses age just as any other component. The constant on/off of inrush current sooner or later takes a toll. I would recommend using a name brand replacement fuse like Bussman. And of course, always replace with same type, voltage and amperage rating. Also check for cord damage and things like that if you do happen upon a blown fuse. A second blown fuse will probably mean a visit to the AVA shop.

Wayner

So no $200 dollar replacement fuse for you?  It doesn't put you in audio nirvana?  *laughs*  Does gold make it better?

[srb]

Does gold make it better?

If the fuse holder is gold.  Although gold is very corosion resistant, dissimilar metals can cause chemical reactions between the metals.
 
Same with interconnects and jacks.
 
Steve

[avahifi]

A couple of 10 amp slow blow ceramic fuses on the way to you.

Frank