receiver - Should a fuse with the correct amps, but is physically too small, still power my stereo unit?

I'm not sure if I'm asking the right kind of question for this site. But if someone could help me, I'd be grateful:

I blew a 125V 2.5A fuse in my home stereo head unit. I couldn't find that fuse at any stores nearby, but I was told 250V 2.5A would work just fine. I bought those but when I went to install it, I noticed I bought 3/4" size but need 1" size.

Even though it's too small to fit in the fuse clamp, I figured it would still work if I drop it in there and have the metal touching on both sides. My stereo powers up like it's working again, but now I get no sound; just humming from my speakers. I've checked all the speaker wires, they look fine.

Is this because the fuse is too small, or does it sound like i have another problem?