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Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Black Entry Level UK Mains Fuse - 3A, 5A & 13 Amp
As low as £50.00 £41.67
SKU
QSA Black UK
12 Months
New
24 hours
Future Shop proudly introduces Quantum Science Audio (QSA), a leader in audiophile fuses with over 22 years of research in 'Bottle Neck Distortion'. QSA's advanced fuses significantly enhance audio system performance, a breakthrough in an industry that once overlooked the importance of fuses. Recognising that all power in audio systems passes through a fuse, QSA's designs aim to reduce 'bottlenecking' effects, unlocking a system's full potential. The BLACK fuse, the range's starting point, focuses on improving audio clarity and reducing noise at an accessible price.
Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Black Entry Level UK Mains Fuse
Future Shop is very excited to introduce Quantum Science Audio, the undisputed heavyweights in the audiophile fuse space. With more than 22 years of research into what they call 'Bottle Neck Distortion', QSA products can remarkably enhance your enjoyment of your system for such a small component, until recently considered irrelevant by many in the industry. Since all current that enters a power cable or component in your system must pass through the fuse before it proceeds, the fuse's quality or lack thereof can drastically affect your system's performance. QSA fuses aim to reduce the negative effects of what QSA describe as 'bottlenecking', which can help your system perform to its full potential.
Much of this may sound outrageous, but only to those who have not heard it for themselves. Having conducted our own listening tests and based on external feedback, we are convinced that these fuses- all the way through the range- offer an upgrade to a system that can match components many times the price.
The BLACK Entry Level fuse is the starting point in the QSA range. As the introductory offering, it is designed to provide a basic upgrade from standard fuses. The Black fuse aims to enhance audio clarity and reduce system noise, offering an affordable option for those exploring audio improvements.
The LIGHT BLUE Entry Level fuse is the next one up from the BLACK and integrates additional graphene elements, seeking to provide a step up in performance. It is designed for those looking to further their journey in high-fidelity audio, potentially offering improved sound dynamics compared to the BLACK.
Each fuse in the QSA lineup is unique, catering to different preferences and audio systems. Ranging from entry-level to high-fidelity enhancements, these fuses are developed with the goal of enhancing the listening experience. However, the impact of these fuses on audio quality can be subjective and may vary based on individual systems and preferences. Users are encouraged to personally evaluate their performance.
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"I can tell you this: many high-end audio tweaks I've heard sound great, but none have matched the QSA's remarkable performance. I repeat, none." (Read More...) Product Review - Clement Perry, Stereotimes - Most Wanted Components 2020, 2021 & Publisher's Choice 2021, 2022
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Please note: fuses are directional, so please ensure you install your fuse accordingly. If you are unsure of the correct direction, simply try it both ways. You should hear a difference.
About Quantum Science Audio (QSA)
Quantum Science Audio (QSA) is a company that focuses on designing and manufacturing high-end audio equipment and accessories. QSA is committed to incorporating advanced technologies and scientific principles into its audio products. It aims to push the boundaries of audio reproduction by applying concepts from quantum physics and other scientific disciplines. QSA believe that by harnessing the power of quantum science, they can create audio systems that deliver exceptional performance and fidelity. The company's product lineup typically includes a range of audio accessories. These products are designed with attention to detail and often feature innovative engineering techniques and materials.QSA's focus on incorporating quantum science into their audio solutions sets them apart from more traditional audio manufacturers. They aim to provide audiophiles and music enthusiasts with a unique listening experience beyond conventional audio reproduction.
QSA specialises in manufacturing QSA home audio fuses. QSA Home Audio Fuses are designed to enhance your audio setup by potentially reducing the noise floor in your system. The range consists of 9 different fuses, each offering a unique level of performance enhancement. The entry-level black fuse serves as a starting point, while the gold fuse, positioned at the top end of the range, is claimed to deliver notable improvements to the noise floor. The listening experience is subjective, and individuals are encouraged to audition the fuses themselves to assess the impact on their audio system. QSA fuses aim to minimise bottle-neck distortions, potentially resulting in a quieter background that allows the music to emerge with improved dynamics and liveliness.
QSA products incorporate Quantum Science Audio's proprietary technologies, including Musical Metal Molecule Alignment Technology (MMMAT) and Metal Active Technology (MAT). These technologies aim to promote efficient electron flow and enhanced conductivity within the products.
It is important to note that individual experiences and results may vary when using audio fuses, and personal preferences play a significant role in evaluating their impact on audio systems.
QSA takes pride in its team of audiophile engineers who strive to design top-of-the-line audio products. The company aims to deliver natural sounds, rhythms, and music that resonate with listeners deeply and emotionally. With their groundbreaking science and technology, QSA accessories offer a new generation of audio enhancement, allowing users to experience greater detail and clarity in their audio playback. Quantum Science Audio products are designed to provide audiophiles with a transformative audio experience, uncovering new depths and nuances in their favourite music.
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Enhance Your Experience: Free Cable Burn-In Service with Nordost VIDAR Machine
Please take note of the following details regarding our cable burn-in service:
- Cable Compatibility: We regret to inform you that we cannot burn-in cables with stripped bare ends or BFA plugs. In order for cables to undergo the burn-in process, they should be terminated or have connectors.
- Timing: Cables will be burnt in for the selected period after processing your order. For custom-length cables, the burn-in process will occur after they have been terminated by the manufacturer or our engineers unless specified otherwise in the product description.
- Availability: Future Shop provides our cable burn-in service free of charge, but its availability is at our discretion. While we strive to fulfil all burn-in requests for the specified time periods, please understand that during exceptionally busy periods, we may be unable to meet the demand due to limited connections on the Nordost Vidar cable conditioning machines.
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine integrates three key functions into one operation:
- Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
- Deep Conditioning: The machine provides a wide band and deep conditioning process that affects the conductor core, resulting in changes to the signal transmission through the metal. This deep conditioning enhances the cable's performance.
- Ultrasonic Surface Conditioning: The VIDAR machine utilizes ultrasonic waves to condition the surface of the conductors, optimizing their contact and overall conductivity.
The VIDAR employs a proprietary combination of composite and complex signals to condition the cables. These signals comprise ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies, extending beyond the range of video frequencies. The signal moves back and forth along the cable, penetrating deep into the core with ultra-low frequencies and traversing the surface with ultra-high frequencies. This transmission method generates beat harmonics between the two complex waveforms, which permeate all layers of the cable. The circuitry of the VIDAR also drives electrons from the conductor into the insulation area, neutralizing electrical charges.
So, what does this all mean for you?
The ultimate outcome of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation in your audio system.
Now, you may wonder why cable burn-in is necessary. During cable manufacturing, gasses become trapped as insulation is applied over the conductors. Additionally, new cables often possess high electrical charges, resulting in a brittle and bright sound that lacks the desired detail and depth for music production.
When cables undergo burn-in, the trapped gasses are dissipated, and small impurities in the conductor metals begin to exhibit diode-like behaviour, favouring current flow in a specific direction.
Here are the physical effects of the burn-in process:
- Charge Neutralisation: The burn-in process neutralizes charges in the conductors and insulation, promoting a more balanced electrical environment.
- Wide Bandwidth Frequencies: The conditioning affects how signals pass through the metal, enabling a wider range of frequencies to penetrate all cable layers.
- Signal Transmission: The burn-in process establishes the directionality of the cable, optimizing signal transmission from one end to the other.
When cables are properly burnt in, you can expect the following audible changes in your audio system:
- Fuller and Natural Sound: Your system should be capable of producing a more immersive and realistic performance with a fuller and more natural sound.
- Increased Detail: You may notice enhanced details and nuances in the music, allowing you to perceive subtle elements that were previously hidden.
- Improved Soundstage: The dimensionality of your system's soundstage can be greatly improved, creating a more spacious and immersive listening experience.
At Future Shop, our goal is to maximise your satisfaction. That's why we offer a free burn-in service on all our cables before they arrive at your door, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of properly conditioned cables in your audio system.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT
Customer Reviews
4.3 /5.0 of 8 Reviews
Racing toward a red light 2
Dave Burchett
11 Dec 2023
Verified Buyer
Maybe I should have started here. I started with the blue fuse, which is the next step up and on the back of recommendations. So, with a blue fuse in the mains block, I bought two of these cheaper(!) black fuses - one for the TV plug and one for the Blu-ray plug. Once again, I opted for 96 hours of burn-in.
Once again, the improvements have been dramatic. The picture of my now-old Panasonic plasma is the best it has been (and not just a bit, noticeably better), and the sound has improved to the same degree. On one level, that is depressing because it means every plug will, at some point, get an upgrade with a QSA fuse. That will cost.
The other issue is that I need quite a bit of experimentation to see how far to go in upgrading each fuse in my system. But the results based on these first four fuses are simply amazing and far beyond what I ever expected. The hype is true. These fuses are excellent.
How long before I try a yellow?
Once again, the improvements have been dramatic. The picture of my now-old Panasonic plasma is the best it has been (and not just a bit, noticeably better), and the sound has improved to the same degree. On one level, that is depressing because it means every plug will, at some point, get an upgrade with a QSA fuse. That will cost.
The other issue is that I need quite a bit of experimentation to see how far to go in upgrading each fuse in my system. But the results based on these first four fuses are simply amazing and far beyond what I ever expected. The hype is true. These fuses are excellent.
How long before I try a yellow?
As near to a "no brainer" as any hifi thing gets
Alex
15 Oct 2023
Verified Buyer
This is definitely not the "black sheep" of the family - or, indeed, ANY family!
Let me explain: This humble, and let's face it, pretty damn cheap fuse was originally intended for my TV after Mark (from the brilliance Futureshop team) suggested that I try it. It worked. Brilliantly. With colours bursting from my screen, I sat there, almost annoyed that Mark is indeed, always right.
I have, over the course of a month, ignoring the rolling eyes of my fiancee, drenched the rest of my hifi components, one by one, in the glorious privilege of the yellow fuses, with one rather embarrassing exception - my preamp - stupidly ignoring the advice of Mark. As an experiment, I removed the black fuse from the TV and placed it into the preamp. Oh my... Oh my! The music breathed out, reaching further out into the new, virtual soundstage it had created for me. It was like it'd always been there, waiting for me but hidden, sheathed behind whatever the hell electricity "normal" fuses let through! Listening to endless music, I realised with bitterness that Mark is ALWAYS right and that I might have to employ him to aid me in other key decisions in my life.
I'm afraid my TV has been relegated back to the comparative dullness of its previous existence. That is, until (of course - It would seem I have no self-control) after a yellow fuse replaces the one in my preamp and the black fuse can resume its rightful place.
I am now firmly, and I mean FIRMLY, camped in "Team QSA". I don't claim (nor could I) to have any insight as to how they do it, but in my short but rather wonderful experience of LISTENING, I just know that they have found some way of doing it - very, VERY well. If you're unsure whether to give it a go, £50 isn't a bad place to start at all.
Let me explain: This humble, and let's face it, pretty damn cheap fuse was originally intended for my TV after Mark (from the brilliance Futureshop team) suggested that I try it. It worked. Brilliantly. With colours bursting from my screen, I sat there, almost annoyed that Mark is indeed, always right.
I have, over the course of a month, ignoring the rolling eyes of my fiancee, drenched the rest of my hifi components, one by one, in the glorious privilege of the yellow fuses, with one rather embarrassing exception - my preamp - stupidly ignoring the advice of Mark. As an experiment, I removed the black fuse from the TV and placed it into the preamp. Oh my... Oh my! The music breathed out, reaching further out into the new, virtual soundstage it had created for me. It was like it'd always been there, waiting for me but hidden, sheathed behind whatever the hell electricity "normal" fuses let through! Listening to endless music, I realised with bitterness that Mark is ALWAYS right and that I might have to employ him to aid me in other key decisions in my life.
I'm afraid my TV has been relegated back to the comparative dullness of its previous existence. That is, until (of course - It would seem I have no self-control) after a yellow fuse replaces the one in my preamp and the black fuse can resume its rightful place.
I am now firmly, and I mean FIRMLY, camped in "Team QSA". I don't claim (nor could I) to have any insight as to how they do it, but in my short but rather wonderful experience of LISTENING, I just know that they have found some way of doing it - very, VERY well. If you're unsure whether to give it a go, £50 isn't a bad place to start at all.
Fuse upgrade for my router!
QS Black 5 Amp UK Plug Fuse
21 Jun 2023
Verified Buyer
I have upgraded all of the fuses in my hifi and AV system, and all have made a really noticeable improvement in every respect.
The only fuse I hadn’t upgraded was in the plug for my router. I have a fairly high-end hifi system, and my main music listening is streaming via ROON. The difference was immediately apparent when watching streaming tv via Netflix and Apple 4K TV. This included fewer dropouts over Wi-Fi. After about three days, I noticed a very subtle improvement in sound quality in music. The Wi-Fi improvements were noticed by the rest of the family around the house (I hadn’t informed them of the fuse replacement).
For the money, this fuse proved to be a fantastic and unexpected upgrade to the streaming side of my entire A/V system. This is a worthwhile addition if you have already upgraded other parts of your system with fuses and power cables/conditioners.
And as usual, Future Shop's service was top-notch.
The only fuse I hadn’t upgraded was in the plug for my router. I have a fairly high-end hifi system, and my main music listening is streaming via ROON. The difference was immediately apparent when watching streaming tv via Netflix and Apple 4K TV. This included fewer dropouts over Wi-Fi. After about three days, I noticed a very subtle improvement in sound quality in music. The Wi-Fi improvements were noticed by the rest of the family around the house (I hadn’t informed them of the fuse replacement).
For the money, this fuse proved to be a fantastic and unexpected upgrade to the streaming side of my entire A/V system. This is a worthwhile addition if you have already upgraded other parts of your system with fuses and power cables/conditioners.
And as usual, Future Shop's service was top-notch.
PLEASE PLEASE don't waste your money on this
Paul Stacey
26 May 2023
Verified Buyer
I purchased one of these a while ago and it's been used on my amp in that time. It made no difference to the sound but, it's a fuse, so I thought just leave it and let it do its job. I recently decided to give my cables (including mains) a clean. Upon wiping the tips of this fuse the endcap came off. What I noticed was a cheap bit of fuse wire and no filler in the ceramic fuse tube. Also, the fuse wire had been folded around the fuse tube and the endcap pushed over the top - that's a definite no no, for a start, and is the sort of thing you'll find mentioned when you look up poor, fake and even potentially dangerous fuses. But that's not the worst of it; there's more. I decided to remove the QS sticky label and, low and behold, what did I find underneath but a Bussman fuse. However, the endcaps are not standard Bussman, at least not the ones that match a standard 13 amp fuse (Bussman fuses are far more robust and far better, and have British kite mark for a start). Do not buy this fuse (I can only guess what the other QS fuses are like further up the range). At best, it's a repurposed Bussman fuse (cheap as chips), at worst, I have discovered that it's construction renders is potentially dangerous. If you have one, investigate it, please. A fuse should be there for safety, above all else. If it fails that test, it's not fit for purpose.
I don't recommend
this product
this product
Response from Future Shop
1 Jun 2023
Thank you for bringing to our attention your recent experience with the Quantum Science Audio Black Entry Level UK Mains Fuse.
We sincerely appreciate your feedback and taking the time to share your thoughts with us. At Futureshop, we strive to ensure that all our customers receive the utmost value from their purchases. Therefore, we want to address the issue you encountered with the fuse end cap coming off when you wiped it. We find this situation surprising and completely unacceptable, as the fuse end caps are typically securely attached. These fuses undergo quality control measures by the UK distributor before they are sent to us for sale.
We want to assure you that several of our team members, including myself, use these fuses and have not experienced any issues with their performance or encountered similar incidents during our evaluation and testing on our reference system. As these fuses come with a guarantee, we are more than willing to offer a replacement or refund for the problematic fuse. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Regarding the performance of the Quantum Science Audio Black fuses, we would expect an immediate enhancement in audio quality, with further improvements occurring over time. These fuses have gained considerable popularity, with many customers making repeat purchases based on their positive experiences.
It is worth noting that the fuses are designed to be directional, meaning they deliver optimal results when installed in the correct orientation—following the flow from the socket, through the cable, and into the powered component. You can identify the right direction of flow by locating the arrow on the fuse itself.
While Quantum Science Audio does not divulge detailed information about the exact nature of their fuse processing, they openly acknowledge that their processed fuses are based on the Bussmann fuse. Our understanding aligns with this, and it is through their unique processes and techniques, the fuses are further enhanced, commensurate with their performance and price advancements. An advantage of utilising a standard fuse as a starting point is that it retains the BS 1362 certification, and the overall structure of the fuse remains unaltered by Quantum Science Audio. Hence, we would expect the construction of the fuse you examined to be in line with that of a standard Bussmann fuse.
To ensure the credibility of our product claims, we have conducted numerous listening tests on our reference system and various home systems. Upon confirming the correct orientation of the fuse, we have consistently discerned a noticeable improvement in the overall listening experience. However, we regret that this enhancement was not evident in your system.
Transparency and openness are of utmost importance to our relationship with customers. We want to ensure you have all the necessary information to make informed purchasing decisions. If you have any further inquiries or require additional clarification, please do not hesitate to let us know. The UK distributors are also readily available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may still have.
Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your feedback. We remain committed to delivering exceptional products and service to our valued customers.
Bargain upgrade (in audio terms)
Rob Gardner
27 Feb 2022
Verified Buyer
It made a valued difference when used in my system on my NAS drive and amplifier. Probably the best £80 - (I bought two black fuses) that I have ever spent on audio. I have to say the black fuse didn’t seem to work very well when I tried it on my Isotek Titan PSU, but I also bought a blue fuse, and that did work very well.
I wonder if you need to use the higher model in the range upstream of any lower model? So Blue feeds Black, not the other way around? That’s what worked for me, so these are great value for money in the right place.
I wonder if you need to use the higher model in the range upstream of any lower model? So Blue feeds Black, not the other way around? That’s what worked for me, so these are great value for money in the right place.
Better than you think
Adrian
3 Feb 2022
Verified Buyer
I have the Synergistic orange in my system, so I thought I'd try these entry-level fuses; whilst not as dynamic sounding as the orange fuse, they are pretty close.
I would say you get 85% of what the orange fuse does; this is truly amazing given the price. If you are on a budget, it is a no brainer. With these fuses, you can't go wrong, clarity, drive, air, taught bass, wide sound stage, and a smidgen of warmth, as I said, truly amazing stuff and this the entry-level black fuse.....say no more!
I would say you get 85% of what the orange fuse does; this is truly amazing given the price. If you are on a budget, it is a no brainer. With these fuses, you can't go wrong, clarity, drive, air, taught bass, wide sound stage, and a smidgen of warmth, as I said, truly amazing stuff and this the entry-level black fuse.....say no more!