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(Jolida) Black Ice Audio Foz SS-X Sound Enhancement

I could find only a few reviews of this device and a few forum entries here. They were all favorable. I sorely needed the bass enhancement circuit for my Maggie 3.7s. I have a Marchand X.26 crossover handling them and the sub but the integration was not ideal. The pre and amps are Cary Audio Class A mono blocs. The source is transparent and very revealing. I did not want anything to upset the glorious sound of the tubes. I also needed something to offset my small-ish listening room. The Maggies ’stand watch’ but I can’t get the distance I need for them to bloom. The SS-X seemed to fit the bill - tube driven, clean specs and a solid designer pedigree. I respect Jim Fosgate.

I ordered the SS-X on the strength of his engineering expertise, particularly in tubes, viz-a-viz Jolida. Not having heard the device it could be considered a leap of faith or a plunge into disappointment. I held my breath.

Straight to the chase: Maggies now have a sweet bottom end, the sub has been dialed back and has disappeared and the top to bottom synergy is spot on and very satisfying.

But wait, there’s more...

The spatial imaging adjustment: Well, I listened to several of my favorite studio recordings. Clean, thankfully. I then put on a nightclub recording of the late Ben Webster live in Amsterdam. I nearly fell out of my chair. The speakers disappeared and I was looking around for the cocktail waitress. The drum kit, the piano, the double bass were all present in the venue with all of its ambiance and Mr. Webster was doing what he did so incredibly well: swinging the audience ala Ellington with that big smooth sax. You could hear everyone present as if you were sitting there.

I’m still waiting for the cocktail server. Incredible device and worth every penny and the anticipation.





128x128keesue
keesue's avatar
keesue OP
42 posts
 
I think you will be pleased.  The enhancement for less than ideal speaker placement is a real life saver.  The bass enhancement is subtle but satisfying.  Personally, I like the enhancement circuit on it own merit, speaker placement not withstanding.  

There isn’t a day that goes by that I have regrets about buying the SS-X.  As a fan of Jim Fosgate designs, I took the plunge.  My system is revealing and extremely musical to me and I would never consider a gismo - period - would have tossed it immediately.  In point of fact, I have only grown to like it more.  There are no compromises and no tradeoffs.  It is worth every penny.  These Maggies put you right in the venue.  

I have never (or rarely if ever) posted since joining this site a few years back but I felt compelled to share this.  Enjoy and please post your impressions.
keesue's avatar
keesue OP
42 posts
 
Correction (again): “....a day goes by that I have ‘no’ regrets...”. Damned fat fingers. 😎
bogbeat
46 posts
 
Hi everyone, just following up. Has anyone rolled in different tubes? If so any favorites?

Happy weekend.
sgordon1
429 posts
 
I tried the SS-X in my headphone system, between the
amp and cd player.  The result is so good that it will have to stay there.
Nice improvement in all aspects of the sound, with no perceived drawbacks!

So I had to order a second unit for the main system!  It will have the upgraded
resistors and output capacitors.  And a new SR Orange fuse!

It is just amazing what this unit can do...
bjesien
1,302 posts
 
I tried one of these and found it took away a bit of transparency being an added link to the chain. It did do what it said but the transparency piece was ultimately more important to me. It fun that these exists and worth a try if needed. I bought it with the 60 day return so in cost me $50 and sent it back on day 15.
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