The Tube Amplifier for Music Lovers | Black Ice F35 Review

[@Firebottleman]

It's no wonder these Fusion amps sound so good. The Odyssey circuit and power supply was designed by none other than Mr. Jim Fosgate himself. One of the Godfathers of the audio industry. This was his latest and his last work of art in hi-fi. He passed away last year in 2022. RIP Jim. I cannot believe that there's been no mention of his name and collaboration in any of the BIA reviews so far.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

Damn. That’s heavy, man

[@chrisstark9444]

I just ordered one for my birthday!! It'll be shipped this week!

[@Firebottleman]

Don't forget that the headphone section on the Fusion line is not only tied to the tubes, but also driven directly from the power transformers. This means that you'll never run out of juice for those hard to drive cans, and whatever phones you do plug in, will have that tube magic going on. Btw, everything you've described about the sound of the Fusion F-35, also applies to the F-22 integrated I've happily owned for 18 months now, without any shut-down or finnicky tube behavior you've mentioned about the F-35. The F-22 is one heck of an amp for all those of us that aren't trying to fill a stadium sized room with music. You'll never notice the 10 Watt difference between them anyways. Keep em' coming Ron. Excellent work!

[@chunkycheesemonkey99]

Hmu if you ever sell the f22 lol

[@jeremyr722]

I think you’ve done it Ron! You’ve helped me make up my mind. As a person who is VERY sensitive to treble, this amp with the NOS upgrade is the amp for me. Thank you!

[@briancullen8506]

I had the same problems with the sound turning off by itself with my used Jolida/Black Ice Fusion 3502P 6550 stereo amplifier. I called Jerred in Maryland and he told me that the connector wire sometimes comes loose to the power switch on the front panel. Jerred also told me to squeeze together the individual metal pieces in the tube sockets so they would tightly make contact with the tube pins. I took off the bottom plate and made sure the wires were secure to the power switch and tightened the tube sockets. The amplifier would operate for a while and then shut off again. This amplifier has its tube sockets directly soldered to the circuit board. I took the whole amplifier apart and found that the "balanced" output jacks were connected with 2 wires to the RCA output jacks. The transformers were not tightly secured to the chassis. I found some of the tube sockets were not solidly soldered to the circuit board. Some parts of the tube socket had no solder at all. When this amplifier worked, it sounded good. Jerred was very nice on the phone, I had no warranty because I bought it used. This amplifier did not operate reliably so I scraped it. When it worked it sounded good.

[@sbud5134]

25 years plus I’m still running my old Jolida 502A which might be considered an ancient ancestor of this amp. I’ve never really heard anything that bettered it by enough (for the money) to make me change. Maybe this one will be there for me when the Jolida finally gives up the ghost!

[@johnsonrobinsonjr1272]

I was able to hear both the stock F35 and the hot rod version at the Florida Audio Expo. It was a huge difference between the 2. The stock amp was really good, but the upgraded version brought out so much more detail. The speakers were the ZU Union 6 speakers. It was a fantastic combination 🔥🔥🔥 Jaime and Jarred were awesome hosts at the show! Killer dudes to chat with, you can see how much they love their products!

[@BumminTrout]

I own the stock F35 and I absolutely DIG it! Question: if you were buying the F35, would you pair it with the Zu Union 6 speakers? What did you think of the combo with the stock F35? Thanks in advance!

[@Gpray75]

I just looked at their website and they state this particular reviewed modded amp is a $5500-$7500 upgrade. Absolute FKN ridiculous LMFAO

[@peterprimes497]

​@@Gpray75I see $ 4,175 with the top price tubes?.

[@rickriche4765]

Excellent review! I have the stock F35 KT88 paired with KEF R3’s. These aren’t the easiest speakers to drive and the F35 has no issues. Sounds fantastic!

[@Newrecordday2013]

I can see that being a great combo!

[@robertallain605]

Love your show. The F35 to my ears was clearly suprior to the others. Was that the $7000 upgraded model used or the base $3000 unit?

[@lbudt29]

Clean, well defined, clear vocals, bass ifs defined well, soundstage is accurate. I hear lots of ambience as well.

[@JohnScheppler]

🤔Did Ron just say he recommended Klipsch? 😳🤯 Great review and nice-looking amplifier. Ron, I'm not sure your grandma was watching, but mine was Lawrence Welk, followed by WWE every Sunday.

[@idahocartel]

Would love see and hear your take on the Heaven 11 Billie MKII sometime soon

[@jamescease4280]

Get some Quicksilver mid mono amps and don't look back. I've enjoyed Mike Sanders amps for 30 years in different models. It doesn't get any better imho.

[@chuckisidro8624]

Great video! How does the audio Hungary a20i compares to this baby?

[@mikemajors2385]

Great Job on an exemplary review. Subscribed.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks for the sub!

[@dgfazzina]

Great review. NRD s now next level. Here’s to a new subscriber. The only question I have is how is the F35 Almost 30% more powerful than other comparable kt/el amps out there? Are they just pushing the tubes way harder? If so what does this mean as far as tube reliability/life go. Did I miss something here?

[@Newrecordday2013]

I don’t know the answer to that question but you should shoot an email to black ice and ask them. Jerrod will give you the information you are looking for.

[@Firebottleman]

Higher plate voltage and a beefy output transformer section is the reason

[@soundbydesignindia3730]

Good day, have you heard any cayins to draw a comparison. The most of the cayins were exemplary. Beautiful and smooth

[@markhershberger9477]

Hi Ron, Mark here once again after a couple of months and I just re-watched your review of the F 35. I still as I did before very much appreciate your review and it has me considering a purchase of the F35 for my Pure Audio Project Trio 15 Classic Voxativ PIFE’s‘s. The PAP‘s are open baffle like your Spatials and I am simply wondering if, generally speaking, you would presume some synergy and likely compatibility between open baffles and the F 35? My PAP’s are 95db sensitive with the Voxativ PiFe (500Hz and up as crossovered on this model) center drivers, while the Eminence 15”er’s cover 500Hz and down. Any thoughts or perspective you would share on this would be valued by me, thank you.

[@vasukilaru8252]

I have a pair of spatial audio X3 and I'm finding that AMT tweeter a bit harsh. Looking for something to smooth that. Opinions? Suggestions?

[@dilbyjones]

Thanks for looking at what the system does with bass as often it's a failing on cheaper amps. Midbass is hit or miss unless it's 100k. Really like the use of glass in the design.

[@chrismack7814]

Great review. I’ve been looking at purchasing this or the Cronus Magnum III. It would be base model of whichever I go with. I have Cornwall IVs, so if you were me which amp would you go with? I have different power tubes that I can roll in either amp. Thanks for any opinion you can provide!

[@cpope67]

Great review Ron! I currently run a YAMAHA RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with Klipsch Heresy IV’s. I have been very curious about tube amps and what would pair well with the Heresy IV’s.

[@mikefiftynine]

I'm pretty sure this one would go well with them. I've a Willsenton R8 and it sounds fantastic with the Heresy IVs.

[@pnichols6500]

@@mikefiftynine Same set up here, pairs nice!

[@mannycazz8018]

How much is the upgraded version used in the shootout? It's definitely a great sounding amp! Much appreciated and Rock on NRD!

[@stephenschmitt8630]

Hi Ron, since you are familiar with the GR Research NX Studios how would the Black Ice F35 pair with them? Or would one of the other shoutout tube amps be better? Thanks, Steve

[@fabriziosiano7210]

Would like your opinion on noise level between those four amps you compared. And also which one is best for headphones. Can they stand against an Mz3?

[@piker3000]

I've been interested in this F35 since hearing it at Capital AudioFest in 2021. I ams really curious how it would handle my Scansonic MB6B HD. Im currently running the Hegel H390

[@robertanderson7049]

I used to sell Jolida and Black Ice Audio. I gave that up after some serious problems with the F11 amp. Also the Black Ice Audio is way over priced. One would might be better off to buy Rogue or Conrad Johnson. I got rid of my Jolida amp and bought an Onkyo A-9110. It sounds as good or better. A Denon amp would have a very clear, smooth sound and cost much less.

[@makito218]

Thanks for the review, anyone has a recomendation for a double subwoofer amplifier, something under $1500. Today I have a pair of elac's uni-fi reference in a small living room, and a single Velodyne sub.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Hey there! Great review. I have the Yamaha 2200 integrated amp...which set of tubes sounds like that yamaha? Would you choose the Black Ice over that amp? I have them paired with cornwall IVs.

[@Newrecordday2013]

6550s would be the closest but still not as precise/analytical as your Yamaha. Yes, I would take the F35 over your Yamaha if I was pairing it with Klipsch.

[@Firebottleman]

I owned the 2200. The Fusion amps are on another level altogether. I'm not even kidding. No elevated upper midrange, just really balanced top to bottom. The sub-bass isn't as taut out of the F-35, but that's where quality subs come into the equation.

[@benyHiFi]

Thanks for another amazing video. Do you think this amp can pair well with Dynaudio Contour 20i?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Yes, absolutely

[@pjono77]

They have now added a upgrade to Stereo(Dual) Subwoofer Output.

[@MrRonnmaui]

Great review! How would F35 drive the Thiel CS2.3's? Which upgrade are really absolutes?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Good question! Not familiar with the thiels and never had a chance to spend time with that brand.

[@xstensl8823]

how would it compare to the Belles Aria? how about a few Classical tracks please?

[@robh9079]

OK OK, the audio descriptor prize is yours. 1st place to Ron, for the creative use of 'Matlock'.

[@mahasidha9]

I just discovered someone in a forum declaring that Black Ice is formerly Jolida. Is this accurate? That they have moved most of the manufacturing to the US; not a smear or knock on Jolida in any way; I appreciate transparency & did not like the surprise of discovering Black Ice formerly known as Jolida. Am I missing something?

[@mauriciomucino1015]

They are transparent about that, even offer service on Jolida products

[@mahasidha9]

@@mauriciomucino1015 Thanks; so is all the manufacturing done here in the states now?

[@raymondtaveras9371]

I have two f35 and I use kt170 and I live this amps my speakers are Martin Logan monolith 3

[@mauriciomucino1015]

@@mahasidha9 think so

[@mahasidha9]

@@raymondtaveras9371 thanks but the f35 are integrated amps; you are using them as mono blocs?

[@yippie6862]

Does anyone know what was done in the Version 2 of this amp? What sound differences?

[@Johnnytrades101]

Great review! Nice piece, well done. I have a beast class A amp I really like, keeping it because at 61, I can't get it out of the basement lol. I was looking at the Black Ice Preamp. Am wondering if that can give a hint of the F35 Amplifier signature? and it has stereo sub outs!

[@nekky_7r]

Also wondering about adding a tube preamp to my SS chain… 🧐

[@dilbyjones]

@@nekky_7r yes buy remember to match the output/imput impedence ect

[@briancampbell7712]

can this amp drive my Rubicon 6 BE speakers @ 88.5 % efficiency...also what was the problem with you not being able to put the 6550 tubes back i after using KT88

[@mindhead1]

Is Maryland becoming a high end tube amplifier capital? Both Black Ice and LTA are located in Maryland near DC. They are located about 20 miles from each other?

[@jos5067]

Will it match with my Revel F208 speakers is the question? Who knows?

[@williamrobert4306]

Who sang the version of Amazing Grace?

[@jerryrich3816]

Can you review the nx-studio’s

[@Gpray75]

WOW, I was just on their website and they stated that your upgraded unit cost was $5500-$7500. JFC. With all due respect you could have stated the monumental price jump leading into this RAVE review. These prices are out of reach/control for 99.9 percent of people. A $3k unit with additional $5k-$7k upgrade absolutely better "significantly improve" the performance!! I really appreciate your reviews but this one is B.S. In my opinion you should have just reviewed the base model or the difference between a base model and the absolutely max'd out one you just did. This definitely has me triggered LOL

[@jackfalco5351]

How does compared to the Williston amps?

[@DJ_BROBOT]

Ron, you may hafta redo the comparo. Because the Gallion is about $3k too like the upgraded Black Ice F35 is also

[@Newrecordday2013]

What?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks Ron !

[@AmazonasBiotop]

"you want to put as God quality of parts that you can afford" One reason for this is that they have a huge effect on the end result. When they are so important or more precise have that huge degradation on the sound quality so actually we want to make less and so little damage on the signal as possible. A crossover between the poweamp and the driver is most probably the worst place to place a crossover! But is in that position in the system ONLY there of one reason. And that is spelled convince. If we put the crossover on the low level side before the Poweramp. Then we can do better crossovers with smaller components that don't need to be as huge when we are in low voltage domain. The poweramplifier is directly connected to the drivers voice coil and it's power factor can control it easier and more precise plus a heap of other advantages. The down side with a so called active system is that a amp to each driver and the crossover needs to be designed and used before the power amplifier if you do it yourself but you have so many more advanced options at no cost compared to passive systems. But it is only for those that cant stand sound quality compromises and can do it by themselves. 👍

[@longislandhillbilly4780]

Thanks!

[@АлександрПопов-и8з2м]

Inner photo?

[@xstensl8823]

how about a Beethoven piano trio? or his 9th?

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Maybe just add a minidsp onto the mono sub out, then you can add more subs. Problem solved.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I’m not super familiar with the latest minidsp. I’m wondering if that would simply duplicate the mono signal or if that would somehow create a stereo signal?

[@PaoloCaminiti]

Link is broken, may be case sensitive

[@markhershberger9477]

In all fairness Ron I believe it would have been appropriate to divulge that the F35 you used in your review is $7500, ONLY $3K more than base. This is in no way questioning that the base F35 isn’t a great amp, but simply a fact that seems pertinent to any intended objectivity and transparency as a declaration in the review process. Yes, you made clear the upgrade is unequivocally different (and quite possibly better depending on listener preferences) but it seems that a stated price difference relative to your review sample should go hand and hand with your observations, especially considering the upgrade is nearly twice the price. Why don’t you just say the price can go to $7500 and respect your listener’s judgement about the prospective worth of that. It comes off to me as though you don’t want to put that out there so as not to ruffle Black Ice, as though that information would put off some customers. Nonetheless thank you for your excellent review, astute observations, and hard work you put into New Record Day.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I think that’s a fair criticism and I agree. The truth is I asked for the price breakdown from black ice earlier in the process and never got it. They don’t have the information of level 6 on the site so maybe they are running behind - I’m not sure. I got the information after asking again and it was unfortunately a day late. I’ll add the info they sent me to the description and take this as a growing opportunity. Thanks!

[@markhershberger9477]

@@Newrecordday2013 Ron, thank you very much for your response to my comments related to the price differences between the base and upgraded F35. Your acknowledgement of my constructively intended criticism related to the pricing disclosure is appreciated and respected. I think all in all you try to be objective and fair and helpful and indeed you are! I can understand completely how this transpired. The issue raises attention on the process by which components are submitted to reviewers by manufacturers as well, and in principle they should hold themselves to equal levels of transparency and objectivity as those imposed on you, an objective reviewer with a conscious. With due respect to Black Ice they clearly reveal the $7500 upgraded amp price used by you…it is how I realized the same. Thanks Ron!

[@TheDanEdwards]

"The Tube Amplifier for Music Lovers " - Are not all tube amps for music lovers?

[@assafrutenberg]

Why did you trim the beard?!

[@ivarniblon]

Why did you trim your homeless person beard? You should have let it grow down to the floor.

[@jondonnelly3]

What's with the edgy name, black ice causes hundreds of fatalities a year. Why would anyone want to name an amplifier after that ? Tone deaf name.

[@don7680]

The trimmed beard looks much better than the crawled out of the ditch bum look. I think you could go even shorter. Now about that outfit...

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey Don, you sure do spend a lot of time critiquing hifi reviewers on KZbin. I don’t know what we would do without your meaningful input and guidance.