A few weeks ago I gave the SR Black fuses high praises in this forum. I replaced the stock fuses in my Primaluna Dialogue Premium Integrated tube amp and Hegel HD 25 Dac and was impressed with the sonic improvement on both hi-rez files and ripped cds.
Now that both fuses are fully broke-in with at least 200 hours, I decided to compare the SR Black fuses with my previously purchased Audio Horizons Platinum Reference fuses. I first made sure each fuse was in the optimum direction before any comparisons and let all components warm up at least 1/2 hour.
The music consisted mainly vocals which I feel is important in making comparison. The music included Anita Baker, Sade, Patricia Barber (HD), Diana Krall, Kevyn Lattau, Chris Botti, James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Eva Cassidy, Led Zepplin and the Beach Boys (HD). I felt these selections encompassed a wide variety of music and recording qualities.
The first comparison was with the Hegel Dac which took around 2 minutes to switch fuses and start up. I alternated which fuse went first so it wouldn't affect my judgement. What shocked me most the SR fuses sounded thinner, less bass and a bit brighter. The AH fuses were smoother and more dynamic.
I followed the same procedure with the Primaluna amp with the same results. These differences weren't as great as comparing either fuse to the stock fuses but the AH fuses were better on my system. The icing on the cake came listening to James Taylor's 'How Sweet it is' ripped from his Greatest Hits cd. I clearly heard Carly Simon's backing vocals starting at around 1:30 into the song which was harder to distinguish with the SR fuses.
I'm not saying this comparison will be the same with all systems or our listening preferences. One thing I learned over the past 40+ years is synergy between components including cables, tubes and now fuses is the key.
Judge for yourself. AH also has a money back guarantee and Joseph Chow is a great guy to deal with if anyone is interested in AH fuses.
Now that both fuses are fully broke-in with at least 200 hours, I decided to compare the SR Black fuses with my previously purchased Audio Horizons Platinum Reference fuses. I first made sure each fuse was in the optimum direction before any comparisons and let all components warm up at least 1/2 hour.
The music consisted mainly vocals which I feel is important in making comparison. The music included Anita Baker, Sade, Patricia Barber (HD), Diana Krall, Kevyn Lattau, Chris Botti, James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Eva Cassidy, Led Zepplin and the Beach Boys (HD). I felt these selections encompassed a wide variety of music and recording qualities.
The first comparison was with the Hegel Dac which took around 2 minutes to switch fuses and start up. I alternated which fuse went first so it wouldn't affect my judgement. What shocked me most the SR fuses sounded thinner, less bass and a bit brighter. The AH fuses were smoother and more dynamic.
I followed the same procedure with the Primaluna amp with the same results. These differences weren't as great as comparing either fuse to the stock fuses but the AH fuses were better on my system. The icing on the cake came listening to James Taylor's 'How Sweet it is' ripped from his Greatest Hits cd. I clearly heard Carly Simon's backing vocals starting at around 1:30 into the song which was harder to distinguish with the SR fuses.
I'm not saying this comparison will be the same with all systems or our listening preferences. One thing I learned over the past 40+ years is synergy between components including cables, tubes and now fuses is the key.
Judge for yourself. AH also has a money back guarantee and Joseph Chow is a great guy to deal with if anyone is interested in AH fuses.