Black Ice Audio Fusion 9 MKIII Tube Phono Preamplifier available in Black or Silver
The Fusion 9 MKIII brings vinyl alive with startling dynamics, a wide soundstage, and finely etched instrumental texture. United States of Analog found it opened music beyond the speakers while preserving emotional pull, especially with warmer systems. Adjustable MM/MC gain and loading, balanced outputs, and a substantial tube-driven chassis make it a remarkably flexible analog centerpiece.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Cartridge Compatibility
91/100
Build Quality
89/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Delivers expansive imaging, strong stereo separation, and a soundstage that extends beyond the speakers.
Produces highly dynamic, detailed playback with palpable guitar texture, clear vocals, and defined bass.
Offers flexible cartridge matching through MM/MC support, three gain settings, and selectable loading.
Solid, full-size chassis includes both balanced and RCA outputs.
Cons
Its revealing voicing may make record surface noise slightly more noticeable on noisy or worn pressings.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The Fusion 9 MKIII is described as an unusually revealing and emotionally engaging tube phono stage, with expansive spatial presentation and notably forceful dynamic contrasts. The reviewer did hear a slight increase in record surface noise, apparently accompanying the unit's extra detail retrieval.
Transparency Noise Floor
78/100
The reviewer found substantially more information in familiar recordings, with guitar texture, string vibration, and vocal detail coming through clearly. However, they also noticed a slight increase in audible record surface noise, which tempers its otherwise open and detailed presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
Bill Withers was described as “otherworldly,” emotionally moving, and stirring through the Fusion 9 MKIII. Its sound profile particularly impressed the reviewer alongside warmer-sounding associated equipment, where it opened the presentation without losing musical involvement.
Dynamics
94/100
The unit delivered startling moments on Pink Floyd, prompting the reviewer to look up from the record sleeve, and was called “dynamic as hell.” Dire Straits also came through with strong attack, palpable guitar texture, and clearly defined bass.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
The Fusion opened the image beyond the loudspeakers and improved definition and stereo separation on jazz material. The reviewer also heard a full, wide presentation with instruments distinctly separated in space and convincing air around voices and notes.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
91/100
This is a genuinely flexible MM/MC design, with low, medium, and high gain settings covering both moving-magnet and a wide range of moving-coil outputs. Selectable resistance and capacitance loading add useful scope for matching cartridges rather than relying on a single fixed setting.
Build Quality
89/100
The reviewer describes the full-size chassis as very solid, heavy, and free from the flimsiness they would associate with lightweight casework. Balanced and RCA outputs, along with rear-panel loading access, support the impression of a thoughtfully equipped component.
Value for Money
85/100
At an asking price of roughly $899 to $1,099, the Fusion 9 MKIII combines tube operation, MM/MC support, adjustable gain and loading, and balanced outputs in a competitive package. The review is highly enthusiastic about its sound, but does not directly compare its value with competing phono stages at this price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Frequency Response
- 5Hz to 110KHz, (+/- 1 dB)
- SNR
- > 100 dB
- Distortion THD
- Less than .01%
- Input Impedance
- 100Kohms
- Output Impedance
- 600 ohms
- Phono Stage - MM
- 40 dB, 5 mV
- Phono Stage - MC High
- 55 dB, 0.5 mV – 1.5 mV
- Phono Stage - MC Low
- 70 dB, 0.1 mV – 0.5 mV
- Input Resistance
- 100 ohm, 300 Ohm, 1Kohm, 47Kohm
- Input Capacitance
- 47 PF, 100PF, 150PF, 220PF
- Tube Complement
- 2 x 12AX7
- Power Requirements
- 110V-120 VAC 60Hz or 220-240 VAC 50Hz
- Dimensions
- 17 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 3.75 inches high
- Weight
- 16 pounds (7.26 Kg) net, approximately 21 pounds (9.53 Kg) packaged
- Warranty
- 5 year limited parts and labor. 1 year or 1000 hours whichever comes first on Black Ice Audio Tubes.
- Fuse
- 110 - 120 VAC, .5 Amp Slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, .25 Amp Slow Blow, Size 5mm X 20mm
Manufacturer's Description — Black Ice Audio
The Fusion 9 MK III is a finely crafted tube phono preamp that delivers rich detail and captivating sound. It enhances the performance of any cartridge, from budget to high-end, bringing music to life with vibrancy. With the new “FOZ” XTR package discount, now is the perfect time to elevate your vinyl collection at a better price.
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