KLANGMODUL V G (5)G - High end fuse holder 50A - ahp

HiFi accessories - Mains supply - Fuse holder

Every flow of music begins in the fuse box - and this is where it is traditionally slowed down the most. An ordinary circuit breaker works with spring-loaded contacts, stamped plates and electromechanical release mechanisms that introduce measurable ohmic resistance into the supply line. For an amplifier that calls up high current peaks within milliseconds during dynamic passages, this silent bottleneck is by no means neutral in terms of sound: fine dynamics, fundamental warmth and the cleanliness of the bass line depend directly on how loss-free the current flows from the meter to the socket.

The ahp sound module VG (5) is the brand new fifth generation of the legendary audiophile fuse holder from Brachbach in the Westerwald - and also the large, more powerful version (the "G" stands for "large"). The holder accepts cylindrical 14 × 51 mm audio fuses up to 50 A and simply replaces the existing circuit breaker or holder in the fuse box. Compared to the proven IVG predecessor, the contacting has once again been completely revised: higher contact pressure on the gold-plated contact springs, increased conductive surface and more precise fit of the fuse. The result is a faster, more dynamic and more spatial sound image with unchanged tonality - the improvement is linear across the entire frequency spectrum, not just in one section.

By design, every fuse - whether in the fuse box or in the device - is an artificial eye of a needle: a deliberately thin conductor that blows in the event of an overcurrent. It is precisely this needle eye that inevitably introduces an ohmic resistance and - depending on the contact quality - further transition resistances into the mains supply line. For a transistor power amplifier with an output power of 200 watts, which draws a multiple of its quiescent current consumption in dynamic jumps, every milliohm of additional resistance means a noticeable loss of impulse fidelity, bass control and dynamic naturalness.

The VG sound module systematically addresses this problem: instead of the usual stamped contacts, large gold-plated copper contacts work with significantly increased contact pressure. The gold plating protects the copper surface from corrosion and thus keeps the contact resistance at a constantly low level for years - an effect that has been confirmed by the trade press across all previous generations: Bass lines gain contour, voices seem more full-bodied and the spatial imaging opens up noticeably. The decisive factor here is that the sound improvement does not come across as a treble emphasis or bass boost, but rather as a gain in calm and order in the overall sound image.

The VG sound module unfolds its full effect in combination with the 14 × 51 mm audio fuses available exclusively from ahp. These are optionally available as pure copper, gold-plated copper or pure silver versions - each material version has its own sonic signature. The ceramic body of the fuse is also resonance-optimized and thermally highly resilient. Incidentally, all previous 14 × 51 mm audio fuses from the ahp range can continue to be used for the VG sound module - so it is easy to upgrade the holder without having to replace the entire stock of fuses.

The VG sound module is exactly the same height and depth as a standard fuse holder, but is 9 mm wider than the "normal" size. This additional 9 mm is available in practically every modern domestic distribution board - a quick look in the fuse box before purchasing is all it takes. It is mounted on the standardized top-hat rail (35 mm DIN rail), as is familiar from any standard distribution board. The solid connection terminals accept conductor cross-sections up to 35 mm² - even a high-quality audio supply cable with 6 mm² is securely held.

Important safety note: Any work on the domestic electrical system may only be carried out by a VDE-certified electrician. Experience has shown that a specialist company can replace a sound module in around 10 to 30 minutes. As the VG sound module is approved for up to 50 A and tested in accordance with IEC 60947-3 and VDE 0660-107, it can be used either as a fuse for a dedicated hi-fi circuit or - if designed accordingly - as an audiophile back-up fuse for the entire system. The LED display on the front indicates the status of the fuse used at all times: if it lights up, the fuse is intact.

ahp - Audiophile Hifi Products, founded and still managed from Brachbach in the Rhineland-Palatinate, was the first manufacturer to systematically tackle the audiophile power supply issue with the Klangmodul I in 2003. Since then, the series has been continuously developed further: II (2003), III and IIIG (until 2018), IV and IVG (since 2018) - and now, as a brand new expansion stage, the Klangmodul V or VG (5). Each generation has brought noticeable improvements in contact design, contact pressure and surface treatment.

The current series is organized as follows: The Klangmodul V (normal format) is designed for 10 × 38 mm fuses up to 32 A and fits into fuse boxes with limited space - the same width as a normal automatic circuit breaker. The VG sound module presented here, on the other hand, accepts the larger 14 × 51 mm fuses up to 50 A and, thanks to its higher current carrying capacity, is also suitable as an audiophile back-up fuse for the entire fuse box. For countries with neutral conductor regulations (e.g. Austria, Netherlands), a variant with a separate neutral conductor contact is also available (Klangmodul VGi) - this is covered in a separate product listing.

The Klangmodul series is one of the most reviewed power supply tuning measures in German-language hi-fi journalism. STEREO (issue 12/2018, Tom Frantzen) attested to the IV-G generation a larger and more powerful sound performance in direct comparison to the normal automatic circuit breaker and spoke of a clear indication of an actually noticeably improved current flow. HIFI-STATEMENT (Dirk Sommer) documented the leap from the IIIG to the IVG in its own comparative test and confirmed the audible further development within the series. AUDIOPHIL-ONLINE (Karl Belkner, 10/2018) described how the sonic improvements were noticeable after just a few bars - right up to a subjectively increased perceived volume at identical control settings, typical of a gain in dynamics and impulse fidelity.

Note: The tests quoted above refer to the previous IIIG and IVG generations. No independent print tests are yet available for the brand new VG (5) sound module at the time of launch - however, the development line to date and the design improvements compared to the IVG suggest that the positive press opinion will continue. Initial listening comparisons with the manufacturer confirm the described trend: faster, more spacious, more dynamic - with unchanged tonality.