Black Ice(former Jolida Company)new integrated amp opinions


Hello,

Just wondering if any one has any experience with Black Ice's new integrated tube amps. In particular the F22 & F35 Jim Fosgate designs. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks


128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xsagger
@sagger ,  Hearing the new Black Ice kit designed by Jim Fosgate at shows has prompted us at AV Showrooms to review a couple of Black Ice pieces. The dimension control had an amazing effect on the soundstage, I want to hear it in my system. Later this Winter I'll be putting an F35 tube integrated and an F360 tube preamp with tone and dimension controls through their paces, and I might try the F360 with a pair of rear speakers for the full ambiance experience. The fit and finish are a notch better, the black carbon fiber top plates look gorgeous, and with final assembly and QC performed in the US, consistency is a given.
If the new models are an improvement over the Jolida branded items, they should be decent.

I had a Jolida integrated for a couple of years.  It weighed a ton, so I think they put the money in transformers and saved by using PCBs and cheap controls.

I used very good tubes in mine and I was very happy with it.  It stood toe-to-toe with my Cary Audio gear.

The only thing I didn't like was the controls felt like they were on a $100 black plastic box.
I recently purchased and Black Ice F35 integrated . Listening to it while my pass lab integrated is being looked at. I was surprised at the bass punch from this amp. It has solid state bass drive. I did change out the Tung sol power tubes for gold lion. All I can say is I do not miss my Pass lab amp. Not saying the Black amp is better, but I an enjoy is just as much as the pass. The soundstage and warmth is what really grab my attention. I am using the black ice with my Kef Lf50 metas, and the pass was using my dynaudio special 40. Really hard for a comparison. I will say the black Ice f35 is worth every penny. 
Have the Black Ice F360 hybrid preamp in my exercise room audio system.  I really like it.  It throws a big soundstage, nice spatial cues, with midrange liquidity and clarity.  A real winner piece of kit.