Hi fi Tuning supreme fuses installed...with some help from JJinID
 

First off, a big THANK YOU shout out to Jeff aka JJinID....who graciously offered to let me try out a pair of Hi Fi Tuning Supreme fuses in my McIntosh MC501 amplifiers. He had two of these he was no longer using and offered to let me take them for a "spin". The fuses arrived Saturday, and with some help from a friend I pulled out my 2 main MC501's and installed the two T8A fuses. I took care to observe the correct direction when installing them. Since these fuses were previously used, it is safe to consider them to be "broken in".

Now I wasn't sure at first if it was in my head or what, but I thought I could hear a difference as soon as I powered the system back up. Jeff had described the impact on the 501's as being a bit more open and "energetic". I would say that's an apt way to describe it. However, upon more extended and careful listening, it seems to me that the top end is a bit more extended and revealing, giving way to more subtle nuances and "air". It seems strange that something as seemingly insignificant as a fuse could have a sonic impact, but there are many strange and interesting facets to this hobby. I'm thinking that having a tiny and cheap fuse element in the power line could constitute a "weak link". And after all, we know that a quality power cord can make a positive difference. So, from that perspective it may not be as strange as one first thinks.

In any event, I do like what I'm hearing and will be keeping the fuses. Since I do have a third MC501, I plan on acquiring another T8A fuse for that amp, and perhaps for other components in my system as well.

Thanks again Jeff for giving me the opportunity to try these out, and for the nice deal you gave me on them. A top AA'er for sure! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

:banana:

Nice work Pete!

It surely seems strange, but it does make a difference IMHO

Pete,

Did you find a specific part number for the proper sized fuse for the MC501's?

Michael....the part number seems to change depending on who you order from. But in the case of the MC501 it uses the 8 amp "small" (5 x 20MM) fuse.

Pete.......It took you awhile to arrive, but you finally made it. :D

Pete...Thank you. I was confused because I found several sources online but they all have a different part number. Now I see I need a small 5x20mm 8 amp fuse.

I appreciate the help!

Michael.......T8A is a time delay fuse.

Thanks for the compliments, Pete, and I'm very happy that you found them to be a worthwhile upgrade! :thumbsup:

Pete, Your post was timely and inspiring for me. I had thought about this off and on for years. Well as I mentioned to Ivan, 'tis the season to tweak so I ordered a pair for my MC2301s and one for my C2300 today. Craig

Craig.......I think you will like them. I have Hi Fi Tuning Supreme fuses in my McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301's, C2300, MC601's, and a MC452. I am pleased with the performance bump they delivered.