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I'm looking to replace some speaker fuses and some fuse connections in a few vintage tube amps. I'm planning on using the Acme fuse holders where applicable, but I'm unsure about the best fuses to use.Has anyone made a direct comparison between the Acme silver plated fuses and the Hi Fi tuning silver fuses?
Your comments would be appreciated. I am most concerned about the use of the fuses to protect a pair of tweeters as I would think that this makes a notable difference. Of course I'd rather have no fuse, but it is not feasible in the case of the tweeters.
Follow Ups:
I am unable to offer an opinion on the comparision, but, in the light of postings made, would add AHP to the list (see link, below, and, then, click on Feinsicherungen). I use HiFi-Tuning fuses, but in the context of my Audio Note DAC2.1x Balanced, the AHP fuse was preferred. Where the HiFi-Tuning fuse uses silver wire, the AHP uses copper.
...........about the positive attributes these bring to ones system. Of course, not everyone will agree with my statement and that's fine.In addition to the fuses U mentioned, there R also Cryogenically treated hi-end fuses from Cryo Parts and PS Audio. I have implemented the Cryo Parts fuses in 2 of my systems with a subtle improvement in refinement and for ~5 bucks a piece, R worth the money in my book.
Keep in mind, the fuses are NOT going to provide a head turning change but should be considered fine tuning after major system tuning issues have been addressed.
Do a search here for "Hi end fuses" as ALOT has been posted to gleen the current climate concerning them.
Cheers,
~kenster
Thanks for link, kenster.Do these fuses use silver wire? (no info on webpage re: wire inside fuses)
Here is the link to PS Audio fuses. They use copper for the actual fuse element.Not sure about the Cryo Parts fuse elements. U could call Lee at 1-877-849-0400 and ask him.
Cheers,
~kenster
re. copper-based or silver elements in fuses:I work for Ultra Systems, the importer for the HiFi-Tuning silver/gold fuses.
At the risk of sounding biased... keep in mind that these elements are not operating in a vacuum, and will oxidize over time. Silver oxide is a good conductor, so this is not so much of an issue with the silver element fuses from HiFi-Tuning (the only ones, I think), but copper oxide is a good INSULATOR and a very bad conductor. I wouldn't suggest paying much for a fuse with a copper-based element because after a few months of existence (maybe the months before you buy it:-) it will degrade.
I noticed in the insert that comes with the Isoclean fuses that they recommend changing the fuses every six months - credit them for being straight about this, however unrealistic it may be.
This sounds like a legitimate point, but I would guess that the generic fuses that most equipment have use copper, and these seem to last indefinitely. So if the outer layer of the copper oxidizes and then acts as an insulator, I would think that would leave most of the conductor protected by this layer, and the remaining unoxidized copper would impart the character of the metal to the sound. Despite the skin effect, I would think that the oxidized copper shouldn't be much different than a covering of insulation.
I'm not so sure this corrosion is sonically benign. Aside from the fact that Isoclean themselves seem to think it is a performance problem, from personal experience with some poorly terminated copper speaker cables that started to turn a little green on the wire surfaces near the ends, I believe that the sound is likely to degrade too. (With those cables the connection to the spade - a high pressure crimp - was clear of oxidation. It was only the unsealed naked conductors after the connection which were oxidizing. The same sort of surface oxidation you will get on the fuse element I think.)
Thanks for the pointer. I did not even know Mike made these.I've been wanting to try some exotic fuses, and $12 is much better than $35 or so (Music Direct price). So I've sent my money to Acme. I'd rather send money to a bloke in Eugene, Oregon anyway.
Regards,
Geoff
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