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Synergistic Red Fuse ...

I installed a SR RED Quantum fuse in my ARC REF-3 preamp a few days ago, replacing an older high end fuse. Uhh ... for a hundred bucks, this little baby is well worth the cost. There was an immediate improvement upon installation, but now that its broken in (yes, no kidding), its quite remarkable. A tightening of the focus, a more solid image, and most important of all for my tastes, a deeper appreciation for the organic sound of the instruments. Damn! ... cellos sound great! Much improved attack on pianos. More humanistic on vocals. Bowed bass goes down forever. Next move? .... I'm doing the entire system with these fuses. One at a time though just to gauge the improvement in each piece of equipment. The REF-75se comes next. I'll report the results as the progression takes place. Stay tuned ...

Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
128x128oregonpapa
tommylion
563 posts
 
Got the BNC terminator for my unused DAC input (Thanks Al 🙂). The improvements are very similar to what I heard putting the first one on the S/PDIF output of my transport. There is a physical switch to choose between the the BNC and AES/EBU inputs. You'd think that would mean the BNC is terminated when the switch is in the latter position, but apparently not.

The difference is not at all subtle, and I've got to say this is one of the most cost effective tweaks I've ever tried.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa OP
2,850 posts
 
Finally got the line stage and the CD player back from the tech. All is fine and sounding better than ever.What a joy to have music playing from the big system again. Spotify with headphones and a small dac feeding into the PC is okay .... but, well you know. :-)

For all of the Chet Baker fans out there, I highly recommend this CD:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHET-BAKER-BILL-EVANS-the-complete-legendary-sessions-CD-near-mint-/19220031...

Its all ballads with a "you are there" presence, The music is so beautiful, its hard to tear yourself away from it. 

Frank


 



charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Frank,
Half of the songs listed on this CD are from the "-Chet" recording. This is an excellent example of vintage Chet Baker in top form. Two songs "It Never Entered My Mind" and "September Song" feature guitarist Kenny Burrell. The combination of these two is drop dead gorgeous!

I agree with you, excellent recording quality and musicianship. I’ve owned this CD for years and I listen to it often. Chet could extract so much beautiful sound and emotion from his trumpet and flugelhorn.
Charles
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
THANKS oregonpapa and charles1dad!  I just went to Amazon, read the reviews there and ordered the CD.  Will be here Tuesday.  From what the two of you have said above I'm looking forward to a musical Tuesday evening.  Bonus for me with this disc is Herbie Mann on flute.  A big fan of his.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hifiman5,
In addition to Herbie Mann there's Pepper Adam's on baritone saxophone and Paul Chambers on bass.  I hope you find these recordings as enjoyable as I do.
Charles 
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