Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Black Entry Level UK Mains Fuse - 3A, 5A & 13 Amp

Item code: QSA Black UK

4.5 11 reviews ✓ Verified
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 th…
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We can burn-in your cable for up to 96 hours FREE of charge using our Nordost VIDAR cable burner. This is a £3000 machine that will optimise the performance of your cables from day one. This means the cables will be in optimum performance mode when you receive them, so you'll be able to make a performance assessment quickly rather than waiting 70 hours+ of usage. The result of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is, improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation. Please Note: we are unable to burn-in cables with stripped bare ends, BFA-only plugs, or no plugs selected. (This does not apply to BFA/Banana plugs). Cables are burnt-in for the selected period AFTER your order has been processed. This service is offered at Future Shop's discretion and we cannot guarantee all burn-in requests are fully completed during busy periods.

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SPEAKER CABLES:

A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.

OTHER CABLES:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.

NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.

£41.67 ex. VAT
Available — built to order, dispatches in 24 hours
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24  ·  DPD Next Day from £8.95  ·  DPD Saturday from £12.95
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Our promise: 30-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · 12 Months warranty · Expert support on every order

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.

 

Stereo Times Awards

"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

 

 

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.

 

About Quantum Science Audio

Maker of audio fuses in a colour-coded range, with wall sockets and power conditioning devices alongside.

Quantum Science Audio, known as QSA, makes fuses for audio equipment and power cables. The fuses are colour coded, from the Black and Blue series up through Yellow, Purple and Red, and the colour shows where a fuse sits in the range. QSA also makes wall sockets and power conditioning devices called Jitters.

Read more about QSA Show less

A colour for each level of the range

The range runs Black, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Red and Red/Black. Price rises with the colour, so the Black fuse is the entry point and the Red/Black is the top of the range. You can start at the lower end and move up, one component at a time.

The maker's description of the technology

QSA says its fuses use Musical Metal Molecule Alignment Technology and Metal Active Technology, with a graphene mix, to remove what it calls bottleneck distortions. These are QSA's own descriptions of what the design is intended to do, not independent measurements.

Fuses are installed with a direction

QSA fuses carry arrows to show installation direction, and the maker recommends pointing the arrows inward, towards the component. Fuses come in sizes for different equipment, including mini fuses 20mm long that are used in amplifiers, so check the size your equipment needs before you order.

Why we stock QSA

QSA came in alongside Synergistic Research to give you a choice in fuses rather than a single option, and they span a wider spread of prices at both ends. Fuses are a contested subject and we will not pretend otherwise. What we can tell you is that the customers who fit them keep ordering more.

Shop all Quantum Science Audio →
About Our Free Cable Burn-In Service

New cables (even high-quality ones) benefit from a period of signal conditioning before reaching their optimum performance. The dielectric (insulation) around the conductors needs time to stabilise under the electromagnetic field created by signal flow. Rather than leaving this to you, we run cables on our Nordost Vidar burn-in machine before dispatch, up to the equivalent of 200 hours of use, in a fraction of the time. Your cable arrives performance-ready from the first listen.

01
Cable Built
Cut, stripped and terminated to your specification in our UK workshop
02
Nordost Vidar
Run on our professional burn-in machine, equivalent to 200 hours
03
Dispatched Ready
Arrives performance-ready, simply connect and listen

We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.

Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.

 

Standard delivery is usually within 2 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 Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.

 

 

Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

We offer 'Free 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 Future Shop
  • 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 DHL 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 DPD or DHL).
  • 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.

 

UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS

Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*

Weight Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE)
0g - 1000g £3.95
1000g - 1400g £4.95
1400g - 1800g £5.95
1800g - 2000g £6.95
2000g - 3000g £8.95


* 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 DHL 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 DHL.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 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

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 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 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 at our discretion

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

Write Your Own Review

Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Black Entry Level UK Mains Fuse - 3A, 5A & 13 Amp

We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.

Please do:

  • - Write 50-300 words for the product
  • - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
  • - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
  • - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
4.5
11 reviews
5★
8 (73%)
4★
2 (18%)
3★
0 (0%)
2★
0 (0%)
1★
1 (9%)
AI Review Summary — Generated from 11 Reviews

Customers consistently report noticeable improvements in sound clarity, soundstage, and bass response after installing these fuses, with benefits extending to TV picture quality and streaming stability. Users praise the product's value for money, particularly at the entry-level black variant, and note that a 96-hour burn-in period enhances results. Service from the supplier receives consistent positive mention. However, one review raises significant safety and authenticity concerns, claiming the fuse contains cheap components, potentially dangerous construction, and a relabeled Bussman interior, directly contradicting claims of superior engineering. This single negative review presents serious allegations that substantially conflict with overwhelmingly positive customer experiences.

Dave Burchett ✓ Verified Purchase
Black and white improvements 6 November 2025
These things work. Period. The question that arose for me was the balance between cost and performance increase. At this time, I have bought about 12 Black fuses as I have a number of setups with varying kits. I am currently working to the guidelines that if the TV, CD player, Amp, Dac or Record player is in the price bracket £350 to £600, then I fit a Black fuse.

Below £350, I do not think the addition is justified. For over £600 and up to about £1250, I move up to the Light Blue fuse, which retails for £86. In each case, I can hear or see the benefits and justify the cost. At this time Light Blue is as far as i have gone. I am not sure if I will ever buy a yellow for £200, but who can tell?
superb ✓ Verified Purchase
Spot on tone 18 February 2025
Brilliant fuse - very detailed, but natural sounding, with enough warmth to make a sound system, sound beautiful > 10/10 = So good, won't bother trying the other fuses.
TY Tang ✓ Verified Purchase
Unbelievable 30 December 2024
I replaced the stock Isotek power cable fuse. Without burn-in, I can easily hear better soundstage and stronger bass.

Kinda unbelievable the difference.
Colin ✓ Verified Purchase
Improved my TV colours 23 August 2024
Not too expensive. Had a good effect.
C Ross ✓ Verified Purchase
Good value. Great service 20 July 2024
It is early days, but these fuses have made a noticeable difference to the clarity of my TV picture and improved the sound on my hifi, making it feel more in the room.
Dave Burchett ✓ Verified Purchase
Racing toward a red light 2 11 December 2023
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?

Frequently Asked Questions

The Master Fuse is Synergistic Research’s most advanced design, engineered for maximum resolution, dynamics, and soundstage depth. The Purple Fuse, while more affordable, offers excellent performance and long-lasting reliability. Both elevate your system, but the Master Fuse sets the highest benchmark in the range.
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Yes. Synergistic Research fuses (including the Master, Purple, Pink, Orange, and Blue) are directional. For best results, install them so electricity flows left to right when viewing the fuse label. Many listeners report subtle sonic differences when reversed, especially after the fuse has been broken in.
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Yes. For example, Synergistic Research Black fuses typically require around 200 hours of break-in, with about 90% of tonal change settling after 100 hours. Patience is rewarded, as long-term listening reveals deeper improvements in tonal balance, staging, and overall clarity.
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Hi-fi fuses are safe to use when they are the correct rating and type specified by the manufacturer. They function in the same protective way as standard fuses, but can use different materials, construction methods and optimisations. Some listeners report improvements in clarity, focus, and low-level detail after fitting a hi-fi fuse. These changes are typically subtle and system-dependent, making fuses more of a fine-tuning option than a primary upgrade.
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We have tried and tested various different fuses from multiple 3rd party manufacturers, as well as the standard off the shelf fuses, and we believe that audiophile fuses do offer improvements while maintaining safety standards. Like any fuse, audiophile fuses will still blow above their rated amperage to protect your power connections & equipment. We understand that it seems counter-intuitive for a fuse to make improvements, however, we, along with many other audiophiles, have found that there are improvements to be found when swapping out an off the shelf fuse for an audiophile fuse. We highly recommend trialing an audiophile fuse in your system to hear the difference yourself.
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Many users report improvements in clarity, dynamics, and noise floor when using high‑quality audio fuses.
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They are usually fitted in Uk 3 Pin plugs, IEC inlets, or internal fuse holders within audio equipment.
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Some manufacturers recommend a short running‑in period for best performance.
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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:

  1. Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

 

 

Nordost Vidar Burn-in Machine

 

 

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.

 

 


Download Icon  READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT

 

Write Your Own Review

Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Black Entry Level UK Mains Fuse - 3A, 5A & 13 Amp

We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.

Please do:

  • - Write 50-300 words for the product
  • - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
  • - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
  • - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
QSA
UK 3 Pin Mains

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