Swiss Digital Fuse Box Anyone?

[Mendel]

I did make contact with Mark, and as others have mentioned, he is an absolute pleasure to deal with.
I will be taking advantage of his offer and getting a SDFB with extreme piggy tail and Graphene Sluggo to replace the fuse in my modified Rogue Audio Stereo 90 amp. I will of course report back my impressions on this interesting tweak. Cheers!

 

[dgale]

That's not the issue with Pathos. As I've described in detail at this forum, I had extensive modifications done to my PathosTT and the factory never warned or discouraged me. Quite the opposite - they shared things they had experimented with, made suggestions for upgrades, and provided feedback to my tech, the late Bill Thalman, regarding the likley impact of different parts changes. The issue is that since we are talking about integrated amps there are different fuses of different values for the current going to the pre-amp section (2A) and the power amp section (6.3A). The SDFB can only accommodate one fuse value so there is no way to make it work. Mark Schifter of Vera-Fi Audio also spoke with Pathos about this.

Anna at Pathos confirms. She recalls internal discussions about the very issue.

 

[Jeff4598]

Anna at Pathos confirms. She recalls internal discussions about the very issue.

What if you used a 2 AMP SDFB? The preampo section would be safe and unless you push the amp very hard it may never draw >2 amps. If it does the switch just flips off and no harm, no effect on sonics below 2 A draw.

 

[Cellcbern]

Wouldn't risk limiting instantaneous current draw/dynamics, or having to worry about keeping the volume low just to have an SDFB. All the more so since I am completely satisfied with the sound of my modified Pathos TT with SR Purple fuses.

 

[Mr. Miyagi]

FWIW the Riviera Levante has multiple fuses and two different kinds and its works well for me with SDFB and a step up from SR purple i had previously

 

[Cellcbern]

FWIW the Riviera Levante has multiple fuses and two different kinds and its works well for me with SDFB and a step up from SR purple i had previously

FYI:

From: Sales Pathos <sales@pathosacoustics.com>
Date: July 15, 2024 at 4:22:13 AM EDT
To: Cellerino Bernardino <CellerinoBernardino@msn.com>
Cc: Zanini Damiano <damiano@pathosacoustics.com>, service@upscaleaudio.com
Subject: Re[2]: Fwd: Fw: Fw: Pathos TT Parts
Reply-To: Sales Pathos <sales@pathosacoustics.com>

Dear Bernardino,
The SDFB operates before the fuses on the rear panel. Therefore, a 6.3A SDFB would not be sufficient because there is also a 2A fuse. You would need an 8A SDFB to cover both fuses, but in this case, the power transformer would not have adequate protection.

The two fuses are necessary due to the differing power absorption rates of the power transformer and the tube transformer. If you use an 8A SDFB, it might not provide the necessary protection when needed.

You may choose to try it, but please be aware that it will be at your own risk.

In our opinion, the SDFB is suitable for units with only one fuse on the rear panel and a single power transformer. However, the TT has two fuses and two transformers. Additionally, the internal fuses cannot be bypassed.

Kind regards
Anna Letizia

Customer Service
Pathos Acoustics
T 0444 264732
F 0444 381275
www.pathosacoustics.it
sales@pathosacoustics.com
Skype: pathos_acoustics

 

[Republicoftexas69]

True dat. Nonetheless, I get the sense from this thread that there is little experience with multiple fuse amps. And I gather that Mark is not prepared to pronounce on the issue yet. I’ll let others take the initiative.

Not true. I have it on my X200 for 18 months and it is a multi fuse amp. You do you.

 

[Cellcbern]

Not true. I have it on my X200 for 18 months and it is a multi fuse amp. You do you.

You have it on the main AC fuse with the other fuses still in place, or you've replaced the other fuses with Sluggos? What is the difference in fuse values?

 

[Republicoftexas69]

You have it on the main AC fuse with the other fuses still in place, or you've replaced the other fuses with Sluggos? What is the difference in fuse values?

No just the mains in my X200. Only a mains fuse in my Gold Note PA 10's.

 

[Dubplate]

I have recently received two fuse boxes, having conversed with mark , great man , I got the power max version to go with my musical fidelity amplifier, these have 4 rail fuses rated at 15 amps , the amplifier is powerful , but now sounds powerful, I have the graphene sluggos in at the moment, after 2 weeks they sound glorious , the amplifier now has a rock solid foundation , with even more clarity and spaciousness but with a warmth. That doesn’t detract from the initial sound of the amplifier, in fact everything is enhanced to great effect.

 

[Anyoldears]

Also note the sluggos can be directional. Try swapping direction to get optimal sound

 

[highstream]

To change the SDFB discussion a bit, SDFB's don't show up on the used market very often. In fact, I've only seen one, just recently. I grabbed it quickly, thinking it would make one less needed for my ATC floorstanders and JL Audio subs. In the meantime, since it is set at 2A, I installed it in the AC line from PS Audio regenerator to a Paul Hynes LPS, the latter powering an iFi iSpdif Purifier 2 on an spdif run from Oppo to Lampi dac. For the fuse slot, out came a QSA red-black and in an extra graphene sluggo I had laying around. The basic Piggy had come with the SDFB, but after a not pleasant 24 hours, it was replaced with a WyWires Platinum until an Extreme Piggy arrives.

The result of this seemingly small change was a big surprise: a transformation of pitch and clarity and presence that is improving as the sluggo burns in. And with it another surprise: the ability to dial up the volume a couple of notches more, if I wish, without losing clarity or overwhelming the room. So much for saving this one for the speakers.

 

[LarsV]

I have only tried the SDFB on streamers. My Lymin U2 is still in use. I upgraded my video streamer and it uses a circuit breaker. So now to figure out what/where to use my other SDFB.

What is your experience with the SDFB on a streamer? I have one SDFB coming soon for my Magna Hifi Mano Ultra MK3.5 streamer..... that makes it 3 SDFB in my setup (plus a Snubway and a Main Stream). Very happy with the performance of all Verafi products so far. Plus great service from Mark.

 

[audiom3]

What is your experience with the SDFB on a streamer? I have one SDFB coming soon for my Magna Hifi Mano Ultra MK3.5 streamer..... that makes it 3 SDFB in my setup (plus a Snubway and a Main Stream). Very happy with the performance of all Verafi products so far. Plus great service from Mark.

I would describe it as more dynamic and open with the SDFB in place. Dynamics being the biggest impact, pun intended.

 

[Jeff4598]

Wouldn't risk limiting instantaneous current draw/dynamics, or having to worry about keeping the volume low just to have an SDFB. All the more so since I am completely satisfied with the sound of my modified Pathos TT with SR Purple fuses.

I do not think it would limit anything. It would simply shut off if current demand is too high. If you don't use full power it may never shut off but it's binary- better than a fuse or----shut off.

 

[treitz3]

Has anyone tried this on a Lumin UX1 (or X1) Power Supply unit? If so, please tell me what your observations were. Thanks.

Tom

 

[highstream]

Wouldn't risk limiting instantaneous current draw/dynamics, or having to worry about keeping the volume low just to have an SDFB. All the more so since I am completely satisfied with the sound of my modified Pathos TT with SR Purple fuses.

Unless I’ve missed part of a conversation, there seems to be a misunderstanding. The SDFB is set to the value of your current fuse spec (unless you request something higher). If your fuse doesn’t blow under the instantaneous draw/dynamics conditions or volume mentioned, I’m not aware why the SDFB would. At least, I haven’t experienced it and haven’t heard of anyone else reporting such an occurrence. The difference sonically between the SR Purple and the SDFB with a good power cord (Extreme Piggy or other) and the right choice of sluggo for your tastes — I use mostly the graphene — is night and day. It was even night and day between the SDFB and the $2800 retail QSA red-black fuse, the latter being far beyond the Purple.

Mark gives a 30 day return, including return shipping, no hassle. I know, because I returned both his SnubWay and Mainstream (he says I’m the only one to do so). The SDFB has been a different story. In fact, I’m awaiting shipment to complete a full loom to use with ATC floorstanders and JL Audio subs.

 

[Cellcbern]

Unless I’ve missed part of a conversation, there seems to be a misunderstanding. The SDFB is set to the value of your current fuse spec (unless you request something higher). If your fuse doesn’t blow under the instantaneous draw/dynamics conditions or volume mentioned, I’m not aware why the SDFB would. At least, I haven’t experienced it and haven’t heard of anyone else reporting such an occurrence. The difference sonically between the SR Purple and the SDFB with a good power cord (Extreme Piggy or other) and the right choice of sluggo for your tastes — I use mostly the graphene — is night and day. It was even night and day between the SDFB and the $2800 retail QSA red-black fuse, the latter being far beyond the Purple.

Mark gives a 30 day return, including return shipping, no hassle. I know, because I returned both his SnubWay and Mainstream (he says I’m the only one to do so). The SDFB has been a different story. In fact, I’m awaiting shipment to complete a full loom to use with ATC floorstanders and JL Audio subs.

There is no misunderstanding. My comments are related specifically to my Pathos TT integrated (and by inference other similarly designed integrated amps). The factory has explained why the SDFB would be risky to try with the TT, and based on the factory's explanation I have simply stated that I would not risk trying it, the speculation of multiple posters not withstanding. Mark Schiffler of Vera-Fi also contacted Pathos and received this explanation.

 

[corepowertech]

Very grateful for the positive comments here - thanks

@highstream - you are STILL the only one (to my knowledge) to return a Main Strean and or SnubWay. Very well received and enjoyed by many.

As in all things related to how we perceive music through our systems... YMMV

Best to all - Mark

 

[LuisMontreal]

I see that many are upgrading the piggy tale. One more option is from AudioSensibility. After discussion with Steve, he added the option of two quality Furutech connectors. It was very positive in my system versus the base piggy tale.

AC Adapters - Audio Sensibility