Black Ice Fusion f159 PhonoStage

Unit was demo'd and reboxed.  

The Black Ice Fusion F159 represents the pinnacle of standalone phono preamplifier design combining an inky black noise floor with the ability to retrieve the greatest detail from any phono cartridge. We then embedded the Crosstalk Reduction Circuit (XT-R) which solves cartridge-induced crosstalk and axial tilt phasing problems. Black Ice Audio has awakened a new level of detail and channel separation only possible with the Fusion F159.

Jim Fosgate designed the Black Ice Fusion F159. Jim built and tested 158 prototypes until he perfected this phono stage in his 159th iteration so we named it the F159. The F159 is a classic Cascode circuit redesigned by Jim, who has added a MOSFET output to give the musical performance of tubes with the speed and detail of current solid-state designs. Unlike most tube equipment the Fusion F159 can produce a perfect sine wave and uses zero negative feedback.

Using the Crosstalk Reduction Circuit you can calibrate and correct using the built in meter with the included Calibrated Test LP to correct for natural channel imbalance that all phono cartridges have based on their design. Once calibrated to your phono cartridge the F159 will compensate for up to 7 degrees of axial tilt and can improve channel separation to a maximum of 48dB. The result will be an improvement in stereo imaging and clarity without any sacrifice in smoothness. The Cross Talk Reduction Circuit clearly defines all frequencies, focuses the image, and gives the ultimate separation in the soundstage. The Crosstalk Reduction Circuit can be bypassed when not in use.

The Black Ice Audio Fusion F159 is the culmination of decades of Jim Fosgate’s electronic design experience in this unique phono preamplifier. The F159 gives you the channel separation and phasing of digital, without losing the organic and pure sound only a stylus in a grove of a spinning record can provide.

PRECISE TRANSPARENT SOUND

Black Ice Audio’s F159 Phonograph Stage Tube Pre-Amplifier is an example of cutting edge technology as it exists today. The F159 Phono Stage delivers musical accuracy and separation. with no equal.

XTR CROSSTALK REDUCTION CIRCUIT

Jim Fosgate has designed an elegant electronic circuit to compensate for crosstalk and axial tilt. The XT-R represents a breakthrough since axial tilt and crosstalk are not mitigated through the traditional method of physical adjustment, the compensation of the XT-R is electronic. The XT-R incorporates signal cancellation to reduce inter-channel crosstalk. This is the same technique that is used in high separation surround processors. The XT-R corrects for a misaligned stylus or cantilever, misaligned generator, and misaligned tone arm azimuth (axial tilt). It also reduces crosstalk from cross-coupling of the generator coils or tone arm wiring. This circuit works with moving magnet, moving iron, and moving coil cartridges. The XT-R will compensate for up to 7 degrees of axial tilt and can improve channel separation to a maximum of 48 dB. The result will be an improvement in stereo imaging and clarity without any sacrifice in smoothness. The Crosstalk Reduction Circuit can be bypassed when not in use.

AZIMUTH CORRECTION

You can use the F159 meter to measure and adjust the azimuth of your cartridge.

NO NOISE

Even in the highest gain position the noise approx. -70 dB with input load set to 10 ohms, When set to normal and low gain the noise floor is not measurable.

ZERO NEGATIVE FEEDBACK CIRCUIT

Jim Fosgate revised the Cascode tube circuit design and eliminated all negative feedback from the tube path which is a Black Ice Audio exclusive.

CUSTOM ISO ACOUSTIC FEET

Isolate the F159 chassis from the rack and other components, making sure nothing can effect the sonic signature of the F159. The Iso Acoustic feet also dampen unwanted extremal vibration such as the sound waves from your speakers on the chassis and minimize the transfer of vibration to your turntable. Their isolating properties creating a very neutral inky black background for your tonearm and cartridge.

 *Our custom Iso Acoustic GAIA are not available anywhere else and the chassis must be modified and not user upgradable. Iso Acoustic feet equipped amplifiers do have a 45 day return period.

COMPATIBLE WITH ALL PHONO CARTRIDGES

Designed to work with Moving Magnet, Moving Coil, and Dynamic Head cartridges. The F159 40/60dB gain stages will handle MM, MC, and Dynamic head cartridges and 47K, 30K, and 1K with variable adjustment to 10 ohms.

R CORE TRANSFORMER

The quietest and most reliable transformers on the market.

SIGNAL TUBES

The stock signal tubes are two 6922/6DJ8 tubes. You can use equivalents if you want to tube roll to change the signature of the F159.

1 kHz TEST RECORD

The F159 includes our custom calibration record.

REFERENCE GRADE PARTS

The components used to build the F159 are the best currently available, and the overall circuit layout is maximized for sonic purity.

SPECIFICATIONS

Gain: @ 1KHZ in low gain position 39DB with 47K input

Gain: @ 1KHZ in high gain position 59DB with 47K input

Input Resistance: Variable from 10 ohms to 1k ohms, 30K ohms, 47K ohms

Output Impedance: 105 ohms

Noise Floor: In high gain position approx. -70 DB with input load set to 10 ohms, the noise floor will be lower with the gain set in low position.

Frequency Response: RIAA EQ is Plus/Minus 1/4 DB from 250 HZ to 20KHZ, + 3DB at 20 HZ (Bass Boost)

Distortion:.05% @ 1 kHz 1V RMS out

Plate Voltages: Approx. 90V on the input stage, 70V on the second stage.

Output Impedance: 32 to 300 ohms

SNR: 85dB

Tube Complement: 2 x 6922/6DJ8

Power Requirements: 110V-120 VAC 60Hz or 220-240 VAC 50Hz

Dimensions: 17 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 4 inches high (4.5in with ISO Feet)

Weight: 16 pounds (7.26 Kg) net, approximately 21 pounds (9.53 Kg) packaged

Warranty: 5 year limited parts and labor. 1 year or 1000 hours whichever comes first on Black Ice Audio Tubes.

Fuse: 110 - 120 VAC, 1 Amp Slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, .5 Amp Slow Blow Size 5mm X 20mm