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THE BLACK ICE AUDIO ARIES
The Black Ice Audio ARIES is more than just a headphone amplifier, DAC, WiFi streamer, and preamplifier—it’s a labor of love and a masterpiece of design. Developed over three years in collaboration with audio legends Jim Fosgate and Jerred, the ARIES is the result of their dedication to achieving unparalleled audio fidelity in a compact package. Jim’s wife, Norma, even named this cherished design, which represents Jim’s vision for ultimate detail and adjustability in headphone and stereo audio systems.
Craftsmanship is at the heart of the ARIES, with many components, including the exquisite wood cases, finished personally by Jerred and Jaime. The NOS GE6SN7 tube upgrade enhances its already remarkable sound signature, delivering an even more holographic and liquid soundstage, with enriched mid-range and bass that bring every note to life. The DAC becomes smoother without sacrificing speed or detail, making every listening session a truly immersive experience.
Produced in limited numbers, the ARIES is a rare gem with no equal in the market. Each piece showcases genuine, furniture-grade wood veneer cases, carefully hand-finished by Jaime, with natural variances that add unique character to every unit. Embrace the craftsmanship and artistry that define the ARIES—there’s truly nothing else like it.
JIM FOSGATE DESIGN
The ARIES represents Jim’s last design. He hoped would bring the ultimate in detail and adjustability to his own headphones!
THE NEW CLARITY HYBRID HEADPHONE CIRCUIT
The Clarity Headphone Circuit uses a 6SN7 tube in a hybrid design to have the power to command hard to drive headphones with 8 watts of power.
THE NEW LUCID TUBE DAC
Jim has revised his approach to the typical DAC circuit and simplified it by removing anything unnecessary from the signal path. The result is the most detailed tube DAC we have ever created. The Lucid DAC uses a 6SN7 and ES 9038 Pro at its heart. The Lucid DAC has the ultimate speed, clarity, and detail without sacrificing the holographic soundstage and analog signature of our legendary Glass FX DAC. With the dedicated DAC output, you can bypass everything and use the ARIES as a stand alone DAC.
FULLY INTEGRATED TUBE HYBRID PREAMPLIFIER
The ARIES is fully integrated with volume and equalization control and can be used as a preamplifier for any tube or solid state amp. The ARIES features a ton of connectivity with a USB C, WiFi, Coax, 2x Toslink, and 3x RCA inputs that can be selected using the input button.
DAC CHIP
ESS Sabre ES 9038 PRO which supports up to 32Bit/384kHz.
DSD CHIP
SA 9302 DSD 256 never misses a beat keeping perfect asynchronous time.
WIFI STREAMER
Stream from your wireless devices or server! The ARIES is Apple AirPlay Certified and DNLA compatible. Transmit up to 32Bit/384kHz, DSD 64/128/256 with Android and Windows 11.
HIGH EQ FREQUENCY CONTROL
Individually adjust the High EQ for the left and right channels independently to take the edge off or add detail to your headphones. You can also choose from 3 preset EQ slopes and adjust from there; all done without any digital interference or microprocessor
SUB BASS LOW FREQUENCY CONTROL
Add bass using the Twin T Bass EQ. Choose from 6 preset positions and add up to 18 dB of sub bass to wake up bass shy headphones.
SURROUND “SSX” for HEADPHONES ADJUSTMENT
The surround adjustment is an expansion of our Sound Stage Expander tailored for headphones. The surround adjustment has a huge effect while watching movies and gaming, but works equally as well for music. The surround adjustment allows you to move the sound from inside your head to create a wider soundstage and is effective on both closed and open back headphones.
OUTPUTS
The ARIES features dual 1/4in headphone outputs* The ARIES can also act as a preamplifier with its variable RCA line out or you can use the ARIES for its one of a kind Lucid DAC circuit with its dedicated RCA DAC out.
INPUTS
The ARIES is fully integrated and features a USB C, WiFi, Coax, Dual Toslink, and 3 RCA inputs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Output Power: TBD
Frequency Response: 20Hz-70KHz (±0.5dB)
Distortion THD +N: ＜0.25% (Output 20Hz to 20kHz 5V)
Input Impedance: TBD
Output Impedance: TBD
SNR: ＞90dB
Tube Complement: 2 x 6SN7
Main IC: USB: SA9302 32BIT/384K SPDIF: CS8416 DAC: 32bit ES9038 PRO WiFi: SA9800 AirPlay/DNLA
Inputs: USB C, WiFi, 2x Toslink, Coax, and 3x RCA inputs.
Outputs: 2 x 1/4in Headphone Jacks, RCA Line Output, and RCA DAC Output.
Power Requirements: 110V-120 VAC 60Hz or 220-240 VAC 50Hz
Power Consumption: 30W
Dimensions: 4 5/8 inches wide by 13 1/4 inches deep by 8 3/4 inches high.
Weight: 14 pounds (6.3 Kg) net, approximately 19 pounds (8.6 Kg) packaged
Warranty: 5 year limited parts and labor.
Fuse: 110 - 120 VAC, 1 Amp Slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, .5 Amp Slow Blow, Size 5mm X 20mm
INCLUDED IN THE BOX
ARIES WiFi DAC/ Headphone Amplifier / Preamplifier
2 x 6sn7 Tubes
Gloves
Power Cord