magister saidThis is a particular nuisance with the DS DAC . . .
Undoubtedly.
Undoubtedly.
I just purchased an SR Black fuse for my Directstream. Can anybody add their experience with the directionality of the fuse, to hopefully save some time? I stack my DSMP on the Dac, and going back and fourth changing fuse directions sounds like a day in the dentist’s chair to me. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks; Tim
Unfortunately, this is a trial and error process for each user.
If you cannot readily tell which is better, it does not matter which way you place the fuse.
Hi, I am thinking about trying an Audio Magic Beeswax SHD fuse in my DirectStream DAC. I am skeptical, though, that a fuse could make such a profound improvement over what is already incredible sound quality. Does anyone know of a dealer with a return policy? (The Cable Company’s return policy excludes fuses.) Thanks.
There’s a seller on Audiogon that offers a 30 day within receipt. High End Electronics in California. Read their policies tab for details. No affiliation with them.
If you decide to go that route then please let us know what you think after you’ve put it through its paces.
Bootzilla saidHi, I am thinking about trying an Audio Magic Beeswax SHD fuse in my DirectStream DAC. I am skeptical, though, that a fuse could make such a profound improvement over what is already incredible sound quality. Does anyone know of a dealer with a return policy? (The Cable Company’s return policy excludes fuses.) Thanks.
I, too, was very skeptical about how much of a difference fuses would make in my DS DAC. I have often been underwhelmed by differences in cabling, in particular. I do think that in sum total, they make a difference, but it is difficult to change, say, RCA inputs and expect a huge difference, IMO. So that’s why I was so stunned by the difference in swapping out my stock fuse for the SR Red as I described above. There was an immediate difference in the mid and treble presence with increased clarity across the board. I couldn’t believe it. The treble was so pronounced I had to turnmy treble down several notches on my preamp. Maybe too much treble? Then I read about the AM SHD Beeswax fuses and I had to give them a try. So I swapped the SR Red for the AM fuse and was struck immediately how much more balanced the sound was compared to the SR Red. All of the clarity and increased energy compared to the stock fuse but without the pronounced treble. Still I let the fuse break in before forming my final conclusion. Now with over 200 hours, give or take, the AM fuse really has settled into what I thought the DS DAC could be: very transparent and clear across the spectrum, but not harsh. A very precise, analog sound, while the SR Red sounded a little more harsh, more “digital”. Bass very well defined and not boomy. Percussion is now fantastic with very realistic transient attacks. I can’t recommend them highly enough. I was told the fuse breaks in in whichever direction it is put, so no worries there. Plus High End had a 30 day return policy. They ain’t getting mine back, I can tell you that! I say give 'em a try. You will probably be very pleasantly surprised.
Thanks, Joe and amgradmd. I spoke with Jerry at Audio Magic yesterday and today with Alfred at Highend-Electronics, Inc. Both seem like good guys and both are passionate about the improvements an audio-grade fuse can make. Given Alfred’s liberal return policy, I took a shot and ordered an Audio Magic Beesway SHD fuse (Small 5x20mm (0.75") / Slow (T) / 1A). I will report back in this thread after I install the fuse and give it the recommended 200 hours or so of burn-in.
I received the Audio Magic Beeswax SHD fuse late last week and installed it early this afternoon. I have approximately two hours of playing time on it, so it is too early to form conclusions. I can say that there is an immediate and definite impact on the sound. Could anyone who has this fuse in his DirectStream describe what to expect from the recommended 125-200 hours of break-in? Thanks very much.
Bootzilla saidI can say that there is an immediate and definite impact on the sound.
Positive? Negative?
I just get my beeswax fuse for the DSJr this morning also. Will certainly try it tomorrow. I hope hearing significant improvements before the 200h mark…
Elk saidHi Elk. I am trying to hold off forming conclusions or even posting impressions until the fuse has adequate break-in time. Audio Magic recommends 125 hours and some people in this thread suggest 200 hours (which I hope/assume means time with the DAC powered up as opposed to time with actual music playing). I only did about two hours of listening after I installed the fuse yesterday, so not only was the fuse "cold" but the DAC and my source component (Melco) were just coming off of being powered down completely. I think it would be premature to judge the fuse on those two hours. I can say that I heard a different sound after I installed the fuse and powered everything up. It remains to be determined whether the difference changes over time, and also whether the difference arose because of: (A) the new fuse, (B) the removal of the original fuse, and/or (C) the fact that the DAC and source were newly powered up from "cold."Bootzilla said I can say that there is an immediate and definite impact on the sound.Positive? Negative?
I put that same fuse in about an hour ago and powered up the DAC and have it playing music in the other room to help break it in. I too would be interested in weather the DAC must be playing music to great in the fuse or if just leaving it on 24/7 will be good enough.
Essentially all of the DAC is in use whether or not music is playing. I can’t imagine that playing music is necessary for breaking in a fuse.
Bootzilla,
Just curious, did you try the fuse in each orientation before letting it burn in?
Some swear there is a directionality and others say just install and let it burn in.
@speeddeacon: Hi, I just installed it one way and started using it. I spoke with Jerry at Audio Magic beforehand and he said the direction did not matter with the initial install (but if the fuse is installed, removed and then re-installed, Jerry said it should be placed back in the same direction as before; otherwise, it would need to be burned in again).
Good to know.
Bootzilla said . . . otherwise, it would need to be burned in again).Yike
Very interesting… I have never thought of fuses. Definitely give us your honest impressions.
My Audio Magic Beeswax SHD fuse is now fully burned in (or close enough). The combination of the DirectStream Sr. plus the AM fuse caused my system to go backwards … in time … to July 6, 1957, in Newport, Rhode Island to be precise. The sound was so lifelike, it was almost as if I were there. More comments to follow…
This is truly amazing to me… I think Elk is a believer now… Elk - when are you getting your beeswax fuses??? 
I am very tempted – interested to hear more…