Fused In Gold, Bussmann, Aucharm & AMR Hifi Gold Fuse Comparo

Here is the Aucharm 13 amp gold fuse, compared to a standard grade Bussmann 13 amp fuse that comes standard with most high end equipment or power cord terminated with BS plugs

If you look at tweaks, and if you're like me, having toyed with almost any novelty that hifi tweaks dom has to offer, and scraping the bottom of the barrel for shit to write home about, eventually you'll come to this, Hifi Tuning Fuses! Now, I know I am not the first to write about it, and certainly will not be the last to do so too, but perhaps this multiple fuse comparo will interest your attention for just a few short minutes? 

I know based on web site statistics, now days the average attention span is 3 minutes or less, and the music producers knew about it a long time ago, that's why since pop music became available, the genre never broke the 3 minute long rule, until Freddie Mercury & his band Queen came about with a song called Bohemian Rhapsody, which is more than double the standard 3 minute time format!

Sorry I digressed, but this topics about the BS 13 amp fuse got me all hot & bothered, you know why? Because that little shinny gold tipped ceramic body fuse does changes the sound! And with each fuse brand, the sound is different too! For better or worse, only once you plug those pesky little gold fuses and you'll find out!

From here on I will attempt to describe each of the 3 gold fuses that I have in hand and how I used them in my system to get the sound & picture quality to my preference.

Bussmann 13amp gold fuse for bass prowess

First, I'll start with the Bussmann gold fuse. In hifi application, Bussmann BS(British Standard, not the other BS) 13 amp is the de factor choice of many hi-end equipment manufacturers in markets like Malaysia, or the Commonwealth, where the British Standard to 220V - 240V power delivery is used. And until now, virtually all my 13 amp fuses are this standard Bussmann grade, until I got one of Bussmann gold grade came with one of the MSHD plugs that I bought. Compared to the standard Bussmann grade, this gold fuse does sound slightly more muscular in the bass area. Bass comes across as BIG, BOLD & strong! the result is kick drums kicked harder, plucking of double bass has more force, and bass lines are solid, yet tuneful, and easy to follow without muddiness. I didn't fine much difference in the mids, but perhaps, top end was just a tad more refined! 

 The Bussmann gold fuse, with it's standard ceramic body & printing looks just like the usual standard grade, except the matt looking gold coated tips on both end caps. In other words, it is not a visual stand out from the standard Bussmann, in terms of appearance & sound. Certainly useful for those who want to squeeze a little more bass energy out of the system. 

Aucharm 13 amp gold fuse, for spot lighting high frequencies against a pitched dark sound stage or back ground

Next up is the Aucharm 13 amp gold fuse. The Aucharm looks better finished compared to the Bussmann, not make it off all three, with it's nice shinny gold coating on the end caps, and a very striking blue hue ink printing on the ceramic body.

Sound wise, the Aucharm is the direct opposite of the Bussmann, it's main focus lies in the upper frequencies. Top end is a little emphasized, but that may be the way because the treble is contrasted to the background is so......... dark, and completely hash free! If my hifi system presentation is correct, it sort of gives a slightly spotlighted effect on the cymbals & high hats, and percussion instruments. However, there is also a small downside to this fuse, that way it highlights the high frequencies, with some female vocal recording when she is coming to her hi-octave falsetto, there could at times be a bit ear pinching. I must say say it doesn't happen with every recording but just with the odd few CDs that I listened to, so happens. 

The good part is, the Aucharm is very affordably priced if you just look at Lazada or Ali Express.

   

AMR 13 amp gold fuse shows maturity in refinement & overall well balanced sound properties of a well tuned product, as can be expected froma hi-end equipment manufacturer like AMR

 

Lastly is the AMR 13 amp gold fuse. This is the most expensive fuse of the lot, at just the edge to my give up to purchase pricing, but it didn't stop me from getting 3 pieces. 

However, it's pricing does show a voicing maturity resulting overall balanced sound from top to bottom frequencies, and very refined top end. Bottom end is not as gutsy as the Bussmann, but nevertheless still nice and tuneful. the over all presentation is quiet, and free from hash(though not as dark background as the Aucharm). It also doesn't spot light the highs like the Aucharm. So in essence, it's just a very refined, quiet and noise free tuning. And like all well tuned products, it never lets a hair down, or have any rough edges to the sound. Everything is where it should sound like, but just more refined & less noise. 

So, in the end how did I used the fuses to tweak my hifi & HT systems? Yes, plural, because I have stereo separated from my multi channel HT system. 

First up, in my stereo system, I only used the AMR & Aucharm gold fuses. I used the AMR in the power line where all my pre-amp & sources are powered. Then I used the Aucharm in the power  lines that drive my power amp. I loved the refined balanced on the AMR for my sources but as I had a bit of rowdy bass response in my system, I would use the Aucharm in the lines that drive my power amp to tightened the bass and give and overall darker sound stage.

In my HT system, I used  the AMR again, to power all my source, AV Receiver, EQ and power amp. the Aucharm powers all my auxiliary items like Google Chromecast & Arcana HD Fury. And lastly the Bussmann Gold to supply juices to my twin SVS subs as I want the bass to rock my HT room, especially when watching those earth quake or natural disaster movies!   

As hifi tuning fuses are another controversial topic, if not more controversial than cables such as power cords, your comments & brick bats are welcomed in the comments section!