Black Ice Audio Fusion Balanced Tube DAC Transport/DSD/WIFI Streamer
The Fusion pairs a richly textured tube stage with impressive clarity, full bass, and a deeply layered presentation. Old Guy Hifi found its balanced dual-mono architecture especially convincing with vivid voices and crystalline piano, while USB, optical, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and DSD support broaden its reach. Substantial all-metal construction completes an unusually compelling digital hub.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
92/100
Features Usability
83/100
Value for Money
91/100
Pros
Exceptionally detailed yet warm CD playback, with rich vocal texture, clear piano, full bass, and convincing depth.
Substantial all-metal, 25-pound construction and carefully engineered internal layout inspire confidence.
Versatile connectivity includes balanced XLR and RCA outputs, USB and optical inputs, digital outputs, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and DSD128 support.
Cons
Input selection must be changed from the front panel rather than the remote.
Wi-Fi setup requires companion software, and USB playback on Windows requires a dedicated driver.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
The review finds the Fusion an exceptionally accomplished CD source, combining tube warmth and midrange richness with unusually clear, revealing detail. It was praised for textured voices, crystalline piano, a full bass foundation, deep front-to-back staging, and convincing shifts from delicate passages to more energetic material.
Overall Sound
95/100
Old Guy Hifi calls its CD performance “exemplary” and says it sounded “magnificent,” with detailed, revealing presentation rather than a soft or obscured tube sound. Vocals were described as rich, textured, and beautiful, while piano came through crystal clear; the reviewer also heard full bass, warm lyrical touch, and a deep soundstage.
Digital Signal Integrity
87/100
The reviewer highlights a fully balanced dual-mono circuit with no op-amps in the signal path, describing the result as a very clean signal. The Fusion also supports 32-bit/384 kHz playback and DSD128, but the review does not provide direct measurements or detailed listening comparisons specifically addressing jitter, clocking, or transport read accuracy.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 83/100
The Fusion is flexible for a combined CD player, DAC, and Wi-Fi streamer, with balanced tube output and a useful selection of digital inputs and outputs. The review concentrates on listening and connectivity rather than app quality, setup, display operation, or long-term streaming stability.
Streaming Software
80/100
Wi-Fi streaming, AirPlay, and DLNA support are confirmed, but the reviewer offers little information on setup, control-app design, library handling, metadata, or reliability over time. Disc playback is the main focus of the review, with no substantial criticism of day-to-day operation.
Features Connectivity
90/100
Connectivity is unusually comprehensive for this type of component: balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs, coaxial and optical digital outputs, plus USB and optical inputs. Wi-Fi, AirPlay, DLNA, 32-bit/384 kHz capability, and DSD128 support make it adaptable both as an all-in-one digital front end and as part of a larger DAC-based system.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
The Fusion is described as magnificently constructed, with all-metal construction, substantial mass, and a notably stable feel in use. At 25 pounds, it impressed the reviewer as a luxury component built “like a monster,” with the fit and solidity associated with more ambitious high-end hardware.
Value for Money
91/100
At $3,250, the reviewer acknowledges that the Fusion is a luxury purchase rather than an inexpensive one, but considers its construction and performance commensurate with that positioning. In direct terms, the reviewer says it substantially outperformed a Rotel alternative and argues that bringing the Rotel to a similar sonic level would require the added cost of a worthwhile external DAC.
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Specifications
- Frequency Response
- 20-20KHz ± 0.5dB + 0.5dB
- Bandwidth
- 20Hz to 100kHz + 1dB
- Distortion THD
- ≤0.02% (Balanced signal 1KHz)
- Channel Separation
- > 96dB (1KHz)
- Analog Output Signal
- Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA
- SNR
- > 98dB
- Tube Complement
- 2 x 12AX7 2 x 12AT7 2 x 12AU7
- Power Consumption
- 30 watts
- Power Requirements
- 110V-120 VAC 60Hz or 220-240 VAC 50Hz
- Dimensions
- 17 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 3.5 inches high
- Weight
- 25 pounds (11.3 Kg) net, approximately 29 pounds (13.2 Kg) packaged
- Warranty
- 5 Year limited parts and labor. 1 Year or 1000 hours whichever comes first on Black Ice tubes.
- Fuse
- 110 - 120 VAC, 1 Amp Slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, .5 Amp Slow Blow, Size 5mm X 20mm
Manufacturer's Description — Black Ice Audio
The DAC Transport/DSD WIFI is a vibrant digital audio solution that combines tube warmth with various digital sources. This fusion enhances your listening experience, captivating audiophiles and casual listeners. Its design and versatility create an immersive sound journey, allowing every note to resonate with clarity and emotion. Enjoy a symphony of sonic excellence that enriches your music.
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