Jolida Foz SS-X Tube buffer & soundstage expander?

Aloha,

Just got off the phone with Black Ice Audio in regards to the SSX.  In regards to it’s tube buffering abilities, apparently it does help with impedance mismatches.  It has an input impedance of 100K, and output impedance of 100.

I asked about the frequency for the bass EQ and was told it’s a peak at 20Hz.  This gives me pause in terms of purchasing one.  Black Ice explained that the bass EQ will only effect music that actually goes down to 20Hz.  That, for instance, jazz will be unaffected because that type of music doesn’t go that low.  Heck, my Magnepan LRS only go down to 50Hz, and my REL sub only to 24.

I have a difficult time understanding how a bass EQ that only effects 20Hz can be of any use at all.  The Decware ZBox, which is an $800 tube buffer/ EQ has influence on frequencies from 1000Hz down.  The Schiit Loki, off the top of my head has knobs for 20Hz and 400Hz.

Help me here.  How does the SSX 20Hz peak affect the bass being exclusively at such a low frequency?  When you turn up the bass EQ knob, do you experience a nice bass boost?  Does it require you have ultra low going subs to hear it?

Thanks.

@namasteplenny The info that you got from Black Ice seems odd.  I have the SS-X with the Revel M106 bookshelf speakers, and the bass enhancement is clearly audible.  I find that even the neutral position, there is a slight enhancement of the bass - a very pleasing one that reminds me a bit of the loudness button that used to be found on many components.  From the reviews and comments I've read, the bass enhancement/reduction is apparent regardless of the frequency range of the speakers.  Of course, Magnepans aren't like other speakers, so you may just have to give the SS-X a try to hear it for yourself.

@mesch I'd forgotten I was going to provide my thoughts on the SS-X.  I've been too busy listening to music and enjoying it! 

I'm using it in a vinyl-only system between a solid state phono stage and a solid state integrated amp.  My speakers are bookshelf speakers.  Before putting in the SS-X, my main issues with my system w were some treble grain/glare, having too much of a front-row perspective, and some imaging problems (the latter two issues due partly to my small listening room and needing to have my rack between my speakers).

Once I put the SS-X in, those issues were eliminated - it was startling.  The perspective became much more "mid hall." The soundstage gained depth and became coherent, as if the rack were no longer there.  And the treble grain/glare was removed.  Instruments and voices sounded richer and more present.  It made several very modest solid state phono stages sound like more expensive tube gear.  I did have a tubed phono stage on hand for a while, and the combination was a bit soft and lacked dynamics, but it was surreal to listen to the vast, liquid soundstage.  Ultimately, I preferred the combination of a SS phono stage with the SS-X.  

I put in an NOS Brimar 12au7, and that made it even better.  Looking forward to trying an NOS Mullard in the near future.  The SS-X also benefits from a good power cord, upgraded fuse, and vibration control. 

I'm really glad that I gave it a shot, and it's staying in my system.  It's an entirely different listening experience with the SS-X in the chain - -engaging, relaxing, emotionally involving. My only dilemma is whether to purchase another one for my work system or as a backup if mine ever has an issue.

Happy 2021 to all,
Scott 

@smrex13 Thanks for the perspective.  I’m going to order a SSX, should be fun.  The OP had Maggie’s, which also piqued my interest. 

@smrex13  Thanks for the feedback. I have a friend that owns one and would sell it to me. Been somewhat hesitant as I have a tube DAC and tube pre feeding a SS amp which are working very well for me. I may give it a try.

Hope things are going well for you.