A couple decades ago I would have said 2k was the point where diminishing returns really kicked in. But now between this and the SMSL VMV A1 I would put the point at 600. The SMSL VMV A1 gets me about 90% is what my Audio Matiere Majuscule does. Amazing really
Thanks for this musical review............that's what it's all about for some of us , the beauty of music and not the endless pursuit of ( perfect) audio witch means pure sounds .........
I’ve owned the FX10 for about 4 years. It is in my 2nd system and sounds really nice! I did upgrade the preamp tubes and picked up some nice improvements as a result.
Solid state amps started gaining popularity in the mid 60s and had pretty much replaced tube amps by the 70s. Tube designs are inherently clean and musical, not necessarily warm. I think a lot of people see tubes glowing orange, evoking technology from a bygone era and assume that this is what they will hear - a warm, "vintage" sound. In my experience with hi-fi, pro-audio, and guitar amps, tube amps sacrifice some punch for cleanliness and purity of sound, not necessarily warmth. That's not to say that I haven't heard tube amps sound warm but I think it has more to do with the overall circuit design, output transformers, etc.. than the actual tubes. FWIW I love tube amps and have been using them to power my speakers for years.
Thanks for bringing Black Ice to my attention! It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the F35 when you review it, in comparison to this FX10 and the Gallion which I believe you have also heard. Many thanks
The F35 has more power, has a nicer enclosure, has a glass touch panel and uses Kt88, EL34, KT120's, KT77, etc. It's not auto bias but very easy bias and has more sizzle up top and bass down below. The mids are not the same but sound beautiful. The F35 is a little more refined but better for harder to drive speakers. With my Diablos the F35 sounds gorgeous.
Subscribed! Tube Amp Fan. You mentioned your subwoofer, are you running an active subwoofer with your speaker outputs into your Sub with a hi-pass Filter? I don't find the need for a sub with this unit running two newly designed Klipsch RP-8000F III's Towers that house 2 inch woofers. The sound pressure This little guys creates matched with the Klipsch is astonishing to say the most, and lets not be fooled by "Watts", alot of marketing going on their. Remember, it only takes 10 watt to produce about 90 db, a bulldozer produces about 85 db, that's loud and clear enough for most people.
I understand this model is discontinued with a replacement on the way with back orders. Sigh. Meanwhile I have been looking for the Black Ice Fx10 used or new. Not much luck. I have Heresy IVs.
In the late 90's I heard a couple of Jolida amps, but I'm not a tube guy. At the same time period, I had a friend with a Conrad-Johnson MV-55 - which to this day - has been the most syrupy sounding amp I've ever listened to. Conversely, another friend had a (I forget the model) Audio Research amp that sounded dry and shrill. Lousy system matching, my best guess.
Tubes are not for me. I am a big wattage guy because I love blueray rock concerts turned up loud. I want to feel like I am at the concert. Unfortunately , my current speakers are not up to the task. I am trying to get the courage to buy a couple La Scalas.
I always enjoy your insight and reviews. If you had to choose between the FX10 or Decware integrated using a high efficiency (100db+) speaker which one would you choose? Having said that, I understand that taste, room and treatments make a big difference. Anyway any insight or recommendation would be appreciated.
Also if you notice a lot of modern tube amps do not use tube rectification, they use solid state. That way the amp will have a little bit more bass to it.
Would you recommend the Willsenton R300 over Black ice fx10 for a more holographic sound ? Also like to see you do a review on the Bouyrange A50 . Big fan of all your review s. Thank you
The FX10 is just as holographic if not more so. The R300 is much warmer still and sound great if you like that big fat warm sound. But this amp does things very well. Also, it uses EL84 tubes not EL34. EL84 are better than 34 for vocals, which is why this one sounds so nice. Thanks.
again, I wished Black Ice made this to look like their other units. I feel like I am getting cheated buying this unless I upgraded, Reminds me of other Chinese brands like Cayin, Line Magnetic, Mingda and others that make beautiful kits up the chain, but their lower end or budget offerings look like cheap off-brand units not part of the same brand family. For $700, I can get units that look better aesthetically and sound just as good.
This is no way feels or looks cheap in person. In fact. I thought the opposite when I unboxed it. Was VERY surprised. I am even contemplating something crazy...more on that soon.
At 15:02, "these amps are not made in the United States, but they are assembled and tested by Black Ice in the United States". Doesn't make any sense. Don't you mean designed in the US and built in China like most everything else?
I sold my LaScalas months ago as I no longer had space for them. I cannot keep everything and only sell off when I find something I like better. I much preferred the Fleetwood Devilles to the LaScala for size, build quality and sound. So the LaScalas were sold to a viewer who drove a LONG way. to pick them up from me.
This would be amazing with Corns. I am even contemplating going BACK to CW4's (or going with these Alexandiras, as they sound lovely as well with this amp) with just this amp. Going to be scaling down my system instead of up. When I hear things like this, makes me feel nuts to have gear that cost 30X as much. With the right speakers these sound lovely, with the wrong speakers it will sound not so lovely!
The Aavik U150 is the best integrated among I have ever heard, period. I just sold it to try new things though since that is what I do here. It's amazing and drove everything I tried with it to the best they could be. With Focal it was AMAZING. With that said, the $20k retail when it was launched was insane as are the prices of their new gear. Was greta to be able to listen to it but I knew it would be sold a few months after I bought it. These days I sell for what I pay so no loss taken. Allows me to try new things and talk about them here as well! Thanks.
What if you upgraded your tubes? I have a Sophia Aqua 274B with a pair of Shuguang Black Treasure 12AU7 for my amp. I find my nirvana with this combo of tubes.
I do not think I will review any more preamps. I can only do so much here as believe it or not, I make no money doing this. I am starting to figure out if I can even keep doing audio reviews past this year. Spending 50 hours on a review (listening, packing, unpacking, phone calls, shipping, listening, writing, filming and editing) to make $50 in google ad revenue is not a good business plan : )
See my shorts on the channel, or the members area. Sound demos are fun, but still no way to tell what they really sound like. I do enjoy doing them for some reason though, lol.
That is a con of tubes for sure. When I own tube amps I always want to have spares on hand. I guess it depends on if you can live without they tube sound. Most can, some can not.
Yeah, shame about the 'Black Ice' name, just sounds,,,,,,cheap,,,,,...Light show s beautiful?? I say soooo tacky, yuck...... Id like to hear comparison with Reisong el34 at half this price and totally is awesome. Id love to see the components inside this.
Why is there copper showing on your banana plugs going g to your speaker wire?! That's a BIG NO! Trim it down to the jacket or put some heat shrink over them.
Never had one issue with them and never will. It's how they came and I am well aware of what you are talking about but these are 100% fine. No issues here.
Not at all. I do not think you ever heard one, sorry as they are fantastic, The F35 may be the finest tube integrated I have heard. So no, nothing cheap here.
@@HiFiHuff well I don’t think you thought that comment through. What are the odds that someone who made such a bold statement hasn’t actually heard one? I’ve heard them four times. Each time I had the same impression.
Thanks for this review. Great product with great sound at a very affordable price. This could be the solution for my modest vinyl corner.
Sounds excellent with my turntable. It's affordable but in no way "cheap".
A couple decades ago I would have said 2k was the point where diminishing returns really kicked in. But now between this and the SMSL VMV A1 I would put the point at 600.
The SMSL VMV A1 gets me about 90% is what my Audio Matiere Majuscule does. Amazing really
Thanks for this musical review............that's what it's all about for some of us , the beauty of music and not the endless pursuit of ( perfect) audio witch means pure sounds .........
EL84 tubes are some favorites of mine
I have a few amps with the ssme line up. Older gear can be great to listen and learn from.
I’ve owned the FX10 for about 4 years. It is in my 2nd system and sounds really nice! I did upgrade the preamp tubes and picked up some nice improvements as a result.
What tubes would you recommend ?
@@johnellard Genalex Gold Lion. Matched and balanced.
@@davekennington8305Thanks for the reply, they were top of my list along with psvane art series or sophia electric for the 12ax7 tubes.
Awesome review, nice to see Black Ice getting some screen time!
Any chance you’ll be reviewing their new Aries?
No idea. I have the F35 here and that will be coming up soon. It's' a fine integrated as well,. More power and punch as well as treble energy.
A very interesting review. You have lots of nice gear, so I believe you when you recommend this amp.
It's WELL worth the cost and then some if you have speaker it can drive. Some (lots) of HiFi is WAY overpriced. I know this as I hear it all.
Solid state amps started gaining popularity in the mid 60s and had pretty much replaced tube amps by the 70s. Tube designs are inherently clean and musical, not necessarily warm. I think a lot of people see tubes glowing orange, evoking technology from a bygone era and assume that this is what they will hear - a warm, "vintage" sound. In my experience with hi-fi, pro-audio, and guitar amps, tube amps sacrifice some punch for cleanliness and purity of sound, not necessarily warmth. That's not to say that I haven't heard tube amps sound warm but I think it has more to do with the overall circuit design, output transformers, etc.. than the actual tubes. FWIW I love tube amps and have been using them to power my speakers for years.
Do them as mono blocks and make a pre-amp to match. Im interested as I’m close to ordering some 96db speakers
Not as affordable, but something that once you listen to it, you can never forget: Absolare Integrated hybrid amplifier 😊
So a Jolida FX 10 with a remote and autobias for considerably more. That amp's been around for a long time.
Thanks for bringing Black Ice to my attention! It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the F35 when you review it, in comparison to this FX10 and the Gallion which I believe you have also heard. Many thanks
The F35 has more power, has a nicer enclosure, has a glass touch panel and uses Kt88, EL34, KT120's, KT77, etc. It's not auto bias but very easy bias and has more sizzle up top and bass down below. The mids are not the same but sound beautiful. The F35 is a little more refined but better for harder to drive speakers. With my Diablos the F35 sounds gorgeous.
Hello! Can you please explain what rich midrange means?
Got my first tube integrated a couple of years ago. To think I hesitated:)
Nice review hard to believe 10 watts can run your speakers. Cannot wait for your review of the 35
They also have a hybrid dac that gets great reviews for under $1000
I have 2 or 3 watt amps that run my big efficient speakers with no problem.
Thanks for all your advice..
Would you recommend this little tube amp matched with the Eversolo A8 pre/ streamer
For my 200 sq. Ft. small room?
Subscribed! Tube Amp Fan. You mentioned your subwoofer, are you running an active subwoofer with your speaker outputs into your Sub with a hi-pass Filter? I don't find the need for a sub with this unit running two newly designed Klipsch RP-8000F III's Towers that house 2 inch woofers. The sound pressure This little guys creates matched with the Klipsch is astonishing to say the most, and lets not be fooled by "Watts", alot of marketing going on their. Remember, it only takes 10 watt to produce about 90 db, a bulldozer produces about 85 db, that's loud and clear enough for most people.
best intro ending ever😂💣
How does it compare to the Gallion? Same question for the F-35?
This is different from the Galion and the F35. The F35 review will be next :)
@@HiFiHuff Of course they are different. I believe @richarddias5285 is asking what's the difference.
I understand this model is discontinued with a replacement on the way with back orders. Sigh. Meanwhile I have been looking for the Black Ice Fx10 used or new. Not much luck. I have Heresy IVs.
Tubes are the way to go ... Tube preamp with solid state power amp ... 😉
Doge 8 and first watt f5 🎉
@@reptidanSchiit Freya+ and Pass XA25 …same idea!
In the late 90's I heard a couple of Jolida amps, but I'm not a tube guy. At the same time period, I had a friend with a Conrad-Johnson MV-55 - which to this day - has been the most syrupy sounding amp I've ever listened to. Conversely, another friend had a (I forget the model) Audio Research amp that sounded dry and shrill. Lousy system matching, my best guess.
Next time could you test their Fusion 9 MKIII Tube Phono Pre-amplifier and the Fusion F159
I believe I will be reviewing their phono stage as they are telling me it's pretty special.
@@HiFiHuff Thank you, looking forward
Thanks
Have you ever heard the Prima Luna Evo 400s? How would these compare to that?
I have not, but maybe I will be able to down the road
is this the Jolida FX10 reborn. I remember a similar amp years ago.
Same amp. Jolida is now Black Ice.
Tubes are not for me. I am a big wattage guy because I love blueray rock concerts turned up loud. I want to feel like I am at the concert. Unfortunately , my current speakers are not up to the task. I am trying to get the courage to buy a couple La Scalas.
I always enjoy your insight and reviews. If you had to choose between the FX10 or Decware integrated using a high efficiency (100db+) speaker which one would you choose? Having said that, I understand that taste, room and treatments make a big difference. Anyway any insight or recommendation would be appreciated.
I really couldn’t say unless I had both side by side :)
What a gem😎
Which amp do you feel would pair best with Klipsch Heritage Forte iv. Black Ice Fx10, Balck Ice Fx35 or the Wilsenton R300?
I can tell you I’m using it with the Cornwall IV’s and I am blown away every night. My records have never sounded so alive.
What give valve amp famous sound, it tracks impedance of load, & output transformer acts as energy dump that why they sound louder on music transients
All amps sound different. I have never heard two amps in my life that sounded the same. Never.
Also if you notice a lot of modern tube amps do not use tube rectification, they use solid state. That way the amp will have a little bit more bass to it.
Would you recommend the Willsenton R300 over Black ice fx10 for a more holographic sound ?
Also like to see you do a review on the Bouyrange A50 .
Big fan of all your review s.
Thank you
The FX10 is just as holographic if not more so. The R300 is much warmer still and sound great if you like that big fat warm sound. But this amp does things very well. Also, it uses EL84 tubes not EL34. EL84 are better than 34 for vocals, which is why this one sounds so nice. Thanks.
Thank you
again, I wished Black Ice made this to look like their other units. I feel like I am getting cheated buying this unless I upgraded, Reminds me of other Chinese brands like Cayin, Line Magnetic, Mingda and others that make beautiful kits up the chain, but their lower end or budget offerings look like cheap off-brand units not part of the same brand family. For $700, I can get units that look better aesthetically and sound just as good.
This is no way feels or looks cheap in person. In fact. I thought the opposite when I unboxed it. Was VERY surprised. I am even contemplating something crazy...more on that soon.
At 15:02, "these amps are not made in the United States, but they are assembled and tested by Black Ice in the United States". Doesn't make any sense. Don't you mean designed in the US and built in China like most everything else?
Nothing is put together on USA with that company
Nice review! Looks like a headphone amp.
What is that funny blue flickering light at 4:40 minutes? Can't remember that from earlier tube amps.
Yeah they put leds under the tubes! But the flicker is probably from the camera
Hi Steve,
Were you able to try the amplifier with your klipsch la scala? It will be great to know how they sounded with the klipsch.. thanks
I sold my LaScalas months ago as I no longer had space for them. I cannot keep everything and only sell off when I find something I like better. I much preferred the Fleetwood Devilles to the LaScala for size, build quality and sound. So the LaScalas were sold to a viewer who drove a LONG way. to pick them up from me.
Thanks for the response. I very much appreciate it…
Does the headphone output provide the same nice sound say with Verum 1 ?
Maybe I should settle for the Cornwalls.
This would be amazing with Corns. I am even contemplating going BACK to CW4's (or going with these Alexandiras, as they sound lovely as well with this amp) with just this amp. Going to be scaling down my system instead of up. When I hear things like this, makes me feel nuts to have gear that cost 30X as much. With the right speakers these sound lovely, with the wrong speakers it will sound not so lovely!
genius
Gotta know. You liked the avvic int or the pass int 25?
The Aavik U150 is the best integrated among I have ever heard, period. I just sold it to try new things though since that is what I do here. It's amazing and drove everything I tried with it to the best they could be. With Focal it was AMAZING. With that said, the $20k retail when it was launched was insane as are the prices of their new gear. Was greta to be able to listen to it but I knew it would be sold a few months after I bought it. These days I sell for what I pay so no loss taken. Allows me to try new things and talk about them here as well! Thanks.
i thought it used 4 EL84 tubes not EL 34 tubes?????
They seem to use some quality EL34 tubes. What type exactly are they ?
I meant EL84, slip of the lip I guess
I find your t-shirt funny because I would worry that a lot of people don't understand the word Aural and might think it means something else 😂
What if you upgraded your tubes?
I have a Sophia Aqua 274B with a pair of Shuguang Black Treasure 12AU7 for my amp.
I find my nirvana with this combo of tubes.
It looks like they use their in-house DAC to create their signature sound for that amp.
They offer PSVane tubes which will sound awesome.
I'd like you to review their F360 preamp, it looks really neat.
I do not think I will review any more preamps. I can only do so much here as believe it or not, I make no money doing this. I am starting to figure out if I can even keep doing audio reviews past this year. Spending 50 hours on a review (listening, packing, unpacking, phone calls, shipping, listening, writing, filming and editing) to make $50 in google ad revenue is not a good business plan : )
Started off saying "four EL34 tubes".
es, slip if the lip. I love EL84 much more than 34's and this is why the vocals are so rich and lovely I think. Sorry about that.
No sound test for the audience???!!!😅
See my shorts on the channel, or the members area. Sound demos are fun, but still no way to tell what they really sound like. I do enjoy doing them for some reason though, lol.
I’m done with tube amps another tube just blew…
20+ yrs of tubes, never had a single one blow...??!!
Bad luck. I’ve only had one blow, an el-34 and it was because of a bad pot. Knock on wood
That is a con of tubes for sure. When I own tube amps I always want to have spares on hand. I guess it depends on if you can live without they tube sound. Most can, some can not.
That is the most annoying thing for sure. That's why I like amps that use cheaper tubes. Like EL84s, 6V6s and 6L6s.
Yeah, shame about the 'Black Ice' name, just sounds,,,,,,cheap,,,,,...Light show s beautiful?? I say soooo tacky, yuck...... Id like to hear comparison with Reisong el34 at half this price and totally is awesome. Id love to see the components inside this.
EL84 tubes…
I know EL34…
Why is there copper showing on your banana plugs going g to your speaker wire?! That's a BIG NO! Trim it down to the jacket or put some heat shrink over them.
Never had one issue with them and never will. It's how they came and I am well aware of what you are talking about but these are 100% fine. No issues here.
Correction, EL84 😁
Yes, slip if the lip. I love EL84 much more than 34's and this is why the vocals are so rich and lovely I think. Sorry about that.
Where are the components made?
China
P r o m o S M
👏👍🙏❤️
Black ice = sound like cheap tube guitar amp
Not at all. I do not think you ever heard one, sorry as they are fantastic, The F35 may be the finest tube integrated I have heard. So no, nothing cheap here.
@@HiFiHuff well I don’t think you thought that comment through. What are the odds that someone who made such a bold statement hasn’t actually heard one? I’ve heard them four times. Each time I had the same impression.