Final Notes
The only reason why I’ve decided to start fuse rolling on the PSAudio P5 first is because this unit has a very easy to handle fuse holder mechanism (remove the holder by a simple twist). Almost everything else I own requires me to either open up the unit itself (e.g. the Marantz SA-11S2), or pry the fuse holder from the IEC inlet with a flathead screw driver.
On hindsight swapping the fuse of the P5 is a great idea as that fuse powers the entire audio system - every audio equipment is powered from the PSAudio P5. Swapping this fuse ensures every component will benefit. Having said that, what will it be like if I swap the fuse further down the chain, e.g. on the JS-2? Will that yield even bigger benefits, ot would it be a furby? In time I will try that and see how that goes.
If you’re wondering if I am imaging all these improvements, of course I am! As I mentioned earlier, music interpreation is 100% congition! Instead of focusing on what you can hear from the sound waves, focus more on what you can feel from the music
. Do the latter and you’d open yourself to a whole new world (and probably a lot of flame wars too).
This is my first review where I explain in more detail on how I listen. The quick story is I have a list of reference tracks that I listen to almost daily, and I have listened to these tracks for years (revising and honeing the list along the way). As shown in this example the tracks don’t necessary need to be audiophile level recordings, the key is you need to familiarise yourself to these tracks so as you’d pick up new things, or notice existing things aren’t there any more . If you’re intrigued to learn more, check out for the “How To Listen” chapter in the manual in a few months time.
About The Author
7 comments
Comment from: Thuan Bui Visitor
Totally agreed with your review. Having installed and lived with two small Furutech fuses for 24 hours (obviously not burned in yet), I’ve found them to possess those characteristics that you described.
I’ve seen more expensive fuses advertised else where, so I think these Furutech are pretty cost effective especially for what they do to our gear. Thanks for the good work.
Comment from: giorgia Visitor
Placebo.
Comment from: Julio Ramos Visitor
As i changed the amp and dac inlets to furutech Fi-09 and sow a justification for the investment/84€ each; will look ahead for the fuse. Thanks for the in-depth review.
Comment from: Frans Visitor
So you’re basically saying you need to be willing to expect improvements if you are going to roll fuses. That is <strong>exactly</strong> how the placebo effect works. This primes you to hyper focus on details until your brain tells you there is a difference. This renders all findings anecdotal, at best. Snake oil thrives in these conditions.
Please perform a proper blind actual ABX test performed. This will not only show if there’s a difference, it will also show which one is preferred. The null hypothesis needs to always be that there is no difference.
Comment from: Agent Kith Member
Hi Frans,
I think you’ll hate my views on Blind Testing then (https://www.snakeoil-os.net/news/folklore/folklore-3-blind-testing).
For me personally I am embracing placebos. I’m all for placebos IF it is giving me genuinely enjoyment when I’m listening to the music. At the end of the day, I’m not listening to "difference in music", I’m looking for "difference in my enjoyment when listening to music".
You may well be surprised how much more enjoyable you’ll get from your sound system if you start focusing on that.
Comment from: Frans Visitor
I avoid deluding myself; it makes my opinions worthless for others and my conscience will not allow it. I A/B test for a living and know the value.
If I can measurably detect a difference with a tweak or gear - I am willing to spend money. If I cannot, I move on to something where I can. It’s simple really. The placebo greatly undermines your resource allocation.
Recently, I regret getting an Uptone EtherRegen and not returning it within the window (due to outside circumstances). The damn thing does nothing at all except generate heat.
Comment from: Agent Kith Member
That is some good advice Frans. Like you I always maintained my opinions are worthless to others. This is why the motto of Snakeoil OS is - Music Your Way, Designed By Us Defined By You.
The subject (music listener) is the litmus test and is what matters. If you use A/B or ABX tests and find it works for you, then good for it. At the end of the day, it’s music your way (i.e. defined by you).
And yes, you basically nailed my approach to Hifi in the first sentence, I’m indeed trying to delude myself. After all I am doing everything I can to reproduce music to trick my brains into thinking something fake (a recording) is something real (a real life person performing in front of me). We all know what an optical illusion is, I’m effectively doing an audio illusion. The key thing is that audio illusion is only very likely work for me and me alone. If you drop by and listen to my setup, it’s very unlikely you’d experience the same effects I do.
I have never tried EtherRegen, although I do own a Uptone power supply. To be honest I don’t change my Hifi equipment that often, havn’t changed a thing in well over 10 years (probably more). My focus always has been making my current system better. 10+ years in I estimate I’ve only managed to bring out maybe 70% of the performance out of my sound system. My current focus is still on trying to bring something more out of my current equipment. The only upgrade I would do right now is if I can find a matching second pre-amp + amp (SC11 and SM11) and split my left and right channels (i.e. one pre-amp and amp for left, and another for right).