[Wes S]

Yeah I love richness in that mid bass so I always go H impedance with my VC, but I really like having the options. Have you upgraded the fuse? I haven't gotten into those upgrades yet. If so, what do you recommend? Slowly rolling my tubes first. Posted this recently, but my current combo is some GE rectifiers (from Surplus Sales of Nebraska), Linlai Elite 6sn7s (from Ali Express), and the stock Gold Lions (eventually going to the Elrogs). I think the 4.4 balanced has a quieter noise floor on mine than the 4 pin XLR with my VCs. That doesn't apply for my Calderas though.

I upgraded the fuse in the power supply with an Audio Magic M1. I recommend the M1 over the SR Purple, but both are fantastic.

 

[rangerid]

I upgraded the fuse in the power supply with an Audio Magic M1. I recommend the M1 over the SR Purple, but both are fantastic.

I'm looking for a fuse upgrade as well and SR Purple is on top of the list. Can you briefly compare the sonic characteristics of the SR Purple and M1 - strengths & weakness of each? Thx

 

[Wes S]

I'm looking for a fuse upgrade as well and SR Purple is on top of the list. Can you briefly compare the sonic characteristics of the SR Purple and M1 - strengths & weakness of each? Thx

The M1 has better balance top to bottom and better dynamics. Basically, the M1 improves on all aspects of the sound compared to the Purple and is worth the extra cash in my opinion. Also, everyone I know that has compared the two has said the same thing as me, and prefer the M1. You really can't go wrong with either one though, as they don't really have any weaknesses other than the Purple being a bit more emphasized in the treble/vocals area.

 

[incredulousity]

Well, it’s not all that much extra cash, unless one already has 3-4 purple fuses!

 

[jamato8]

I use surface mount slow blow fuses, same as normal round fuses. Schurter brand. High quality and gold plated contacts.

 

[msq123]

 

[paradoxper]

You appease the gods.

 

[Alenotta]

The M1 has better balance top to bottom and better dynamics. Basically, the M1 improves on all aspects of the sound compared to the Purple and is worth the extra cash in my opinion. Also, everyone I know that has compared the two has said the same thing as me, and prefer the M1. You really can't go wrong with either one though, as they don't really have any weaknesses other than the Purple being a bit more emphasized in the treble/vocals area.

Why does the fuse make much difference on the overall sound? I've always been confused about that.

 

[Wes S]

Why does the fuse make much difference on the overall sound? I've always been confused about that.

Couldn't tell ya exactly why. I just know what I hear, and in my system they have always made quite a difference for the better. SR and Audio Magic both put materials/compounds inside the fuse like beeswax and graphene, which I assume helps with something. . .

 

[paradoxper]

Why does the fuse make much difference on the overall sound? I've always been confused about that.

It's more of a audiophile proclamation. Talk to all of your favorite engineers and ask them of what meaningful importance the fuse type matters to their design.

 

[Wes S]

It's more of a audiophile proclamation. Talk to all of your favorite engineers and ask them of what meaningful importance the fuse type matters to their design.

Yep, I have not met a single engineer that believes in audio grade fuses. Most of those same engineers also say the same thing about expensive tubes and cables. . .

 

[AudioPowerHead]

Yep, I have not met a single engineer that believes in audio grade fuses. Most of those same engineers also say the same thing about expensive tubes and cables. . .

Unless the engineer is also an audiophile at heart.

BTW, thanks @Wes S and @ARCXENOS for your past sharing on 22DE4s. Have since tried the Japanese rebranded Raytheon, and they are fantastic ! Great extensions at both ends, increased transparency and the bass simply rumbles; while retaining good staging. I used to think that impact of 22DE4s is limited to 10-20% at best but these tubes changed my view totally. They really make a big positive change to the final tone coming from my amp.

 

[jonathan c]

Yep, I have not met a single engineer that believes in audio grade fuses. Most of those same engineers also say the same thing about expensive tubes and cables. . .

….an analogous situation: by aerodynamics / physics, a bumblebee cannot fly….

 

[ARCXENOS]

Unless the engineer is also an audiophile at heart.

BTW, thanks @Wes S and @ARCXENOS for your past sharing on 22DE4s. Have since tried the Japanese rebranded Raytheon, and they are fantastic ! Great extensions at both ends, increased transparency and the bass simply rumbles; while retaining good staging. I used to think that impact of 22DE4s is limited to 10-20% at best but these tubes changed my view totally. They really make a big positive change to the final tone coming from my amp.

Congratulations! I quite agree that the raytheon's bass presentation is impactful

I am still looking for the elusive black plates, but I am probably gonna get more sylvanias as backup when they pop up again.

Tube fun is both an illness and a blessing

 

[AudioPowerHead]

Congratulations! I quite agree that the raytheon's bass presentation is impactful

I am still looking for the elusive black plates, but I am probably gonna get more sylvanias as backup when they pop up again.

Tube fun is both an illness and a blessing

Good luck with the search for black plate! I have some Sylvanias coming in too. It’s amazing how the 22DE4 rectifier tubes could change the overall sound signature so much in the system.