Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional construction quality with premium components are used
- The amplifier provides a warm and detailed tone that is a hit with many listeners
- Easy to bias the tubes, thanks to the built-in meter and included screwdriver
- The amplifier's sound signature is sweetness and 'easy-does-it' personality, which means it's easy to listen to for long periods of time without fatigue
- Headphone output is very decent
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the lights on the front panel distracting when the amp is in standby mode and wish they were defeatable
- Volume change per button click on the remote control was rather coarse
- The amp's slight spotlight on the upper midrange to lower treble can emphasize problems in recordings that already have issues in that frequency range
- Because the amp is also a speaker amp, the volume control for the headphone out is not quite tuned for headphone use
- It is not auto-bias
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs First Watt F8 solid-state amplifier with Pass Labs XP30, the solid-state combo sounds more powerful with better bass impact, but the F11 has an ease to the presentation and is more comfortable to listen to
Takeaway: The Black Ice Audio Fusion F11 is a well-made tube amplifier that sounds good with both speakers and headphones. Its sweet sound and easy-to-use features make it a great choice for music lovers.
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Fusion F11
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Maximum Power Output: 23 W per channel at 8 ohms, 25Hz to 60KHz with EL84 Tubes / 25 W per channel at 8 ohms, 25Hz to 60KHz with 7189 Tubes
- Continuous Rated Output Power: 18.5 W per channel at 8 ohms, 25Hz to 60KHz with EL84 Tubes / 20.5 W per channel at 8 ohms, 25Hz to 60KHz with 7189 Tubes
- Frequency Response: 8Hz to 130KHz + 1dB (at 1 watt into 8 ohms)
- Bandwidth: 15Hz to 80KHz + 3dB; 0dB 19W 1KHz
- Distortion THD: Less than 1% at 20 V output, 28Hz to 15KHz
- Circuit Type: Fully Balanced differential push-pull
- Inputs: 4x RCA
- Input Impedance: 100Kohms
- Input Sensitivity: 1V at 1KHz for 19 watt output
- Output Impedance: 4 ohms and 8 ohms
- Negative Feedback: Less than 4.5 dB
- Noise and Hum: 95dB below rated output
- Tube Complement: 4 x EL84 power output; 4 x 12AX7A/ECC83
- Power Requirements: 110V-120 VAC 60Hz 6 watts-standby, 350 watts maximum (220 VAC 50Hz option)
- Dimensions: 14.5 inches (37cm) wide by 11.5 inches (29cm) deep by 7.5 inches (19cm) high
- Weight: 32 pounds (14.5 Kg) net, approximately 43 pounds (19.5 Kg) packaged
- Warranty: 5 year limited parts and labor. 1 year or 1000 hours whichever comes first on Black Ice Audio Tubes
- Bias Settings: 30 milliamps + 3 mA for EL84 / 6BQ5
- Fuse: 110 - 120 VAC, 6.3 Amp Slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, 3.15 Amp Slow Blow Size 5mm X 20mm
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
Black Ice FX10 Integrated
- Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in the Black Ice lineup.
- Description: Offers a compact design with a 3D soundstage, making it ideal for small rooms or desktop setups. Features a self-biasing circuit and a headphone output, which are not available in the more powerful F11 and F35 models, making it a great choice for those who prioritize convenience and simplicity over raw power.
Black Ice Fusion F11 Integrated
- Positioning: A mid-range integrated amplifier, offering more power and features than the FX10.
- Description: Stands out with its Odyssey Circuit, providing a balance of transparency and musicality, which is a step up from the FX10's simpler design. Includes a subwoofer output and multiple RCA inputs, offering more connectivity options than the FX10.
Black Ice Fusion F35 Integrated
- Positioning: A high-end integrated amplifier, offering significant power and advanced features.
- Description: Features a dual-phase V-drive circuit and supports a variety of power tubes, providing flexibility and superior sound quality compared to the F11. Its ability to drive inefficient speakers with ease makes it suitable for larger rooms.
Black Ice Fusion F100 Monoblock
- Positioning: The flagship monoblock power amplifier, designed for maximum power and performance.
- Description: The F100's groundbreaking Odyssey Circuit and high power output make it capable of driving any speaker with authority, surpassing the integrated models in sheer power. Its bridgable design and XLR inputs offer exceptional flexibility and scalability.
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Black Ice
What if you spend more?
The LM-845IA is a quality upgrade of the old LM-518 amplifier. It delivers twenty-two watts per channel. Single ended design, Pure Class A, Integrated Stereo Amplifier with 845 output power tubes. The rear-illuminated front panel meter is used to adjust the polarization of the tubes. The use of high quality components (Realcap capacitors, ALPS potentiometer) wired in the air for the most part is the guarantee of exemplary reliability. Its transformers output are of EI type, specially disigned for power supply.
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Product Strengths
- Pellucid sound, rich tone, and textural detail are characteristic of a well-designed single-ended triode (SET) amplifier.
- Forceful and tuneful bass defies the stereotype of slow or puffy bass in SET amps.
- Expansive soundstage allows instruments and voices to float free of speakers.
- High build quality includes point-to-point wiring and quality components, such as an ALPS potentiometer and RealCap capacitors.
- Dynamic slam and a physically involving sound
Product Considerations
- The 845 tubes operate at high temperatures, potentially causing burns if touched and significantly increasing room temperature.
- No balance control
- Some found the stock tubes to impart an aggressive or steely tone that could be improved with tube rolling.
- Careful matching with speakers is required, one reviewer noted inexplicably harsh sound when paired with certain speakers.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The LM-845IA has changes to internal components and redesigned output transformers, compared to the LM-518IA.
- The LM-845IA has a lighter touch and more refinement, while the Gold Note PA-10 monoblocks sound more solid in the bass.
- The LM-845iA offers a more powerful punch, while the Kora TB140 sounds lighter on its feet and faster.
- The Ayre EX-8 edges out the LM-845iA in clarity and detail.
- The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ sounds similar, but can't quite match the realism or the directness of the Line Magnetic.
Takeaway: The Line Magnetic LM-845IA is a powerful tube amplifier that offers a unique and engaging listening experience. It's a good choice for audiophiles who want a robust and resolving sound with dynamic contrasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The R-800i series uses two 300B tubes to drive various vacuum tubes for single-ended class A amplification. It comprises a dual triode ECC83S and two 6SN7 signal amplification and driving tubes. The pre-stage part employs a 274B tube for rectification, allowing each channel to achieve an output power of 15W/30W/50W.
R800i – 211
The R-800i – 211 uses two 300B tubes to drive 211 vacuum tubes for single-ended class A amplification. It comprises a dual triode ECC83S and two 6SN7 signal amplification and driving tubes. The pre-stage part employs a 274B tube for rectification, allowing each channel to achieve an output power of 15W.
R800i – 845
The R-800i – 845 uses two 300B tubes to drive 845 vacuum tubes for single-ended class A amplification. It comprises a dual triode ECC83S and two 6SN7 signal amplification and driving tubes. The pre-stage part employs a 274B tube for rectification, allowing each channel to achieve an output power of 30W.
R800i – 805
The R-800i – 805 uses two 300B tubes to drive 805 vacuum tubes for single-ended class A amplification. It comprises a dual triode ECC83S and two 6SN7 signal amplification and driving tubes. The pre-stage part employs a 274B tube for rectification, allowing each channel to achieve an output power of 50W.
This series features a dual power transformer design, with the filament using an EI-type transformer and the high voltage employing a toroidal transformer design. The output transformers use two wide-frequency EI types to achieve a sweet sound. It incorporates a dual protection circuit design, an all-aluminum alloy body for the utmost refinement, handcrafted point-to-point soldering, an external, independent BIAS ADJ current monitoring meter, a 30-second mute delay function, ALPS motorized potentiometers, an all-aluminum alloy remote control, and balanced pure post-stage input functionality, allowing for independent pre-stage signal input. The body is made from aviation-grade aluminum alloy. The external independent dB level current display meter and current adjustment points. High-grade ALPS motorized potentiometers made in Japan. High-end speaker connectors are made in Germany, and CNC-machined copper terminals.
Product Strengths
- Produces 48 watts of pure single-ended Class A power, suitable for low to medium sensitivity speakers
- Superbly well constructed with heavy gauge metal and no plastic; even the remote control is all metal
- Has a warm tonal balance with a full, harmonically rich midrange and no electronic glare, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue
- Delivers a huge, massive soundstage that extends way beyond the speakers left and right—with immense soundstage depth
- Tube rolling can significantly improve its performance
Product Considerations
- The amplifier is quite heavy, weighing 42 kilograms (around 100 pounds), making it difficult to move
- Generates a lot of heat due to its Class A operation, requiring good ventilation and potentially increasing electricity bills
- The remote's volume adjustment jumps too much, making fine-tuning difficult
- Willsenton is not a brand with a long history, so long-term reliability is unknown, but the unit can be serviced in the owner's country
- The signal-to-noise ratio is higher compared to some other amplifiers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Willsenton R8: The R800i is better in all regards, more refined, with more midrange clarity and nuance in the bass
- Vs Hegel H190: The R800i has a thumping bassline, a colossal soundstage, and an acoustic mass in the midrange, while the Hegel H190 has greater clarity and tighter control in the bottom end
- Vs Sugden A21 Signature: The R800i is very Sugden-esque in its sonic character, and it reminds the reviewer a lot of the A21 Signature but with more power
- Vs Exposure 21 pre and 18 super monoblocks: R800i has bigger scale, adding harmonic richness
- Vs Luxman SQN150: The R800i's soundstage is double the size of the Luxman
Takeaway: The R800i is a powerful, well-built tube amplifier that delivers a warm, engaging sound with a massive soundstage, making it great for those who love a classic tube sound. With its ability to drive most speakers and potential for tube rolling, it is an amplifier that could be enjoyed for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Sweet sounding treble and expressive, emotional midrange
- Detailed across the board, and remarkably easy to listen to
- Strong rhythm, lively sound, excellent articulation, and a very good sense of being there
- Fast dynamics and good three dimensionality
- Voices and instruments are very naturally reproduced
- Connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- Fussy about speakers, ideally speakers should have a sensitivity rating of at least 90dB
- Outputs only 14W per channel, so partnering speakers must be compatible
- May lack a little bass and absolute power
- Not necessarily going to suit everyone's needs, it still has limitations, and will probably not suit those looking for a powerhouse amplifier or for playing rock or classical music at high levels
- Can develop a trace of hardness in loud passages that seems to restrict dynamics a little
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simply Italy, the Preludio is superior and is worth the extra over the cheaper model if funds permit
Takeaway: The Preludio is a well-built amplifier that offers a classy sound with good detail and natural voice reproduction. If partnered with compatible speakers, it can provide an intimate and emotive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully constructed with a distinctly vintage look and high-quality components, offering pride of ownership
- Sweet sounding amplifier with a lovely clear presentation and great tonal character
- Provides a rich valve fluidity and charm, making music a wonderful experience from any angle
- Has a bass boost selector which gives users the option of boosting the bass response by 0, +3 or +5dB
- Point-to-point soldering
Product Considerations
- Only 15W of power, requiring careful speaker selection based on sensitivity and room size
- Does not have a phono stage built-in, so a separate phono stage is required for vinyl
- Lacks remote control
- Some audiophiles might find it 'dull', 'lacking detail', or even 'sluggish'
- Gets quite hot, so needs space around it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Leben CS600: Noticeably lacking the CS600's wide-open presence and rock solid imaging
- Compared to a similarly priced solid-state amp, instruments had a depth and sense of solidity, fullness and presence that simply made them seem more real
- Vs Unison Research amp: The Unison Research sounded faster and more open and dynamic
Takeaway: The Leben CS300XS brings valve goodness to music with its beautiful design and clear sound, making it a great starting point for a cracking system. It focuses on the music, offering a wonderful listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Joyful sound signature with detailed output
- Can power a wide range of headphones, due to Ultima technology
- Compact design, stacks perfectly with the Qutest and Huei
- Employs trickle-down Ultima technology to allow delivery of enormous peak current outputs
- Solid build quality using CNC-milled aluminum casework and good heat dissipation
- Connectivity options include headphone and speaker outputs
Product Considerations
- No gain switch for the headphone output
- Default gain level a bit high for sensitive IEMs
- More power limitations with speakers than headphones—best for smaller, efficient speakers or nearfield listening
- Runs hot, requiring good ventilation
- The volume control feels a little wobbly and might be difficult to use in a very precise way, and there is some channel imbalance at very low volumes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Qutest/Anni pairing justifies its price premium thanks to a more composed and insightful presentation that offers notably more low-end authority, dynamic punch and tonal richness
- Cyrus ONE HD is plusher, showing that Anni has strong niche appeal
- The iFi xDSD Gryphon has digital inputs and built-in DAC, while Anni can power speakers
Takeaway: The Chord Electronics Anni is a compact and well-built amplifier that delivers a joyful and detailed sound, making it a great addition to a desktop setup for headphone and nearfield speaker listening. Its use of trickle-down Ultima technology ensures high-quality performance in a small package, and its ability to stack with other Chord devices makes it a good choice for those already invested in the ecosystem.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Retains the enthusiastic sonic character of the original Nait 1, described as zippy, energetic, and likeable, with ample detail and clarity
- Has an all-new discrete transistor MM phono stage
- Has a new headphone amplifier borrowed from the NSC 222 streaming preamp
- Possesses ample grunt to drive a wide variety of speakers
- Features a retro-modern design that is charming and timeless, with solid build quality
Product Considerations
- Has no remote control
- The volume dial makes subtle volume adjustments difficult, going from quiet to loud too quickly
- Uses DIN connectors for the line-level analogue inputs, requiring adaptors for RCA connections, but no DIN cable is included
- On powering up, a thump is followed by a plop when switching in from standby
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Naim Nait XS 3: Nait 50 is punchier, cleaner, more precise, and lively
- Vs Naim Uniti Atom: NAIT 50 feels more old school Naim
Takeaway: The Naim Nait 50 offers a fun and engaging listening experience with a retro design that will fit in any listening room, either old or new. It can serve as a workhorse in a reference system and headphone rig.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity, including network streaming, CD player, phono stage, and digital inputs
- Entertaining, expressive, and punchy sound
- Easy to use, with a well-designed app and a sensible remote handset
- Good MM phono stage
- Compact and elegant design
Product Considerations
- Setting up without the app can be clumsy
- The headphone output may not be ideal
- The line-level input could sound better
Takeaway: The SA-C600 is a well-featured and easy-to-use system with great sound, so listeners can enjoy their music from many different sources. It is a compact and convenient way to enjoy high-quality audio without clutter.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very clean, transparent sound, faithfully mirroring the source material and capable of resolving micro-details
- Ample power to drive even the most demanding headphones, with refined power that allows nuances to play on the micro scale, especially with high-performance DACs
- Great soundstage size
- The noise floor has been lowered with the newest power modules resulting in more clarity
Product Considerations
- May run hotter
- High listening volumes can cause ears to ring
- Some reviewers found that the soundstage depth was limited compared to some other amplifiers
- Can reveal harshness in recordings or other equipment in the chain
- Noise may be present when used with very sensitive IEMs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Treble is more natural compared to the Old Soloist 3XGT, while bass and midrange are more textured
- The newer version has greater separation and clarity compared to the Old Soloist 3XGT, while the older version sounds a little thicker overall
- Much more clear than Exposure 21 pre and 18 super monoblocks
- It has better clarity, grip and control than Hegel H190
- It can match the Denafrips Hades Thalo in clarity
- The SP-2 upgraded Soloist goes toe-to-toe with the Enleum AMP23R
Takeaway: The Soloist recgviNbkfbno9pQR is a very capable headphone amplifier that provides a clean and powerful sound, suitable for a wide range of headphones. The lower noise and detail retrieval make it a very good choice for audiophiles seeking a high-performance listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Fezz Audio Alfa Lupi offers clarity, purity, and spice in its sound
- It creates a speaker-defying sound image that feels defined and spread out
- Nimble dynamic swings and billowy sound image make for an engaging world of sound
Product Considerations
- Any 10 Watt amp needs to be paired with speakers that come alive with little power
- Driving the Fezz Audio amp too far results in a hardening and flattening of the sound image
Takeaway: The Fezz Audio Alfa Lupi makes sweet music with the right speakers, offering delicacy, control, and delight. It is a simple and easy-to-use amp that creates an engaging world of sound.
Video review
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