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THE BLACK ICE AUDIO FUSION F159
The Black Ice Fusion F159 emerges as the ultimate embodiment of standalone phono preamplifier artistry, harmoniously melding an inky black noise floor with a remarkable capacity to unearth breathtaking detail from any phono cartridge. At its core lies the innovative Crosstalk Reduction Circuit (XT-R), a pioneering solution that transcends cartridge-induced crosstalk and axial tilt phasing challenges, setting a new standard for audio fidelity.
Crafted by the legendary Jim Fosgate, the Fusion F159 is the product of relentless refinement, with Jim meticulously constructing and testing 158 prototypes until he achieved perfection in this, the 159th iteration. The F159 showcases a classic Cascode circuit—reinvented by Jim—with the addition of a MOSFET output that masterfully balances the rich, warm nuances of tube sound with the crisp immediacy and precision of cutting-edge solid-state designs.
Unlike most tube equipment, the Fusion F159 stands out by effortlessly producing a flawless sine wave while employing zero negative feedback, resulting in an audio experience that is both pure and authentic. With the Crosstalk Reduction Circuit, users can easily calibrate and correct for the natural channel imbalances present in all phono cartridges, utilizing the built-in meter alongside the included Calibrated Test LP. Once aligned, the F159 has the capacity to negate axial tilt by up to 7 degrees, optimizing channel separation to an impressive maximum of 48dB.
This meticulous calibration process enriches stereo imaging and clarity, all without compromising the seamless, smooth character of your music. The Crosstalk Reduction Circuit artfully delineates all frequencies, sharpens the auditory image, and provides an unparalleled sense of separation within the soundstage. For those times when you seek a more straightforward listening experience, the Crosstalk Reduction Circuit can be effortlessly bypassed.
The Black Ice Audio Fusion F159 is not merely a phono preamplifier; it represents the culmination of decades of Jim Fosgate’s innovative electronic design expertise. It offers the unparalleled channel separation and phasing akin to digital formats, all while preserving the organic richness and unadulterated sound that only the stylus in a record’s groove can provide. Experience music in a way that is as nuanced as it is powerful, with the Fusion F159 leading the charge into a new era of audio excellence.
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.
Fuse: 110 - 120 VAC, 1 Amp Slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, .5 Amp Slow Blow Size 5mm X 20mm
BLACK ICE AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
INCLUDED IN THE BOX
Fusion F159 Phono Stage
4 Pre-amp Tubes: 2 x 6922
Black Ice Test Record
Textured Gloves
Power Cord
Dust Cover Bag