Black Ice Audio Fusion F159 Tube Phono Preamplifier

Quiet passages remained notably free of tube rush or a gauzy overlay, with the review describing a black backdrop behind instruments. Fremer also praised the F159's detail resolution and said it integrated into his system without calling attention to notable shortcomings.

The input tubes add a pleasing kiss of warmth through the midrange and upper octaves without making the low end soft or overly warm. With the supplied Tung-Sol tubes, Fremer felt it was difficult to identify an obvious tube character, while cymbals retained bright, well-defined metallic precision.

Bass transients were described as snappy, articulate and clean, while strong attack and detailed stick work posed a transient test the F159 easily passed. It conveyed the trio's punch effectively, though Fremer noted that it gave up a little ultimate slam to far more expensive reference equipment.

Engaging the XT-R crosstalk-reduction circuit brought a wider, more coherent soundstage, greater depth, and more three-dimensional images. On piano, Fremer heard additional space behind the instrument, along with improved attack coherence and fuller image body.

The 39dB and 59dB gain settings accommodate MM, high-output MC, and low-output MC cartridges rated at roughly 0.5mV or above. Adjustable input resistance from 10 ohms to 1k ohms, plus 30k and 47k options, provides useful MC loading latitude, although very low-output MCs may need more gain.

The F159 uses a heli-arc welded chassis, tube input stages, and MOSFET outputs, with a substantial ground lug and clearly laid-out front-panel adjustment facilities. Fremer kept it in his system for many months and found it reliable, while Black Ice backs the unit with a five-year limited parts-and-labor warranty.

At $1,875, Fremer considered the results uncommonly good even when the F159 was partnered with a $15,000 turntable/arm combination and a $4,495 cartridge. He called it a strong contender among under-$2,000 phono preamps, citing its quiet operation, tube-rolling potential, XT-R system, resolution, and feature set.