Black Ice f35 intergrated amp reviews?

[Dr Morbius]

Anyone have a Black Ice F35 intergrated amp and if so how would you rate it and what are your favorite power tubes you’re using?

 

[Michaels HiFi]

Anyone have a Black Ice F35 intergrated amp and if so how would you rate it and what are your favorite power tubes you’re using?

I've spent considerable time with Black Ice integrateds (sorry - I don't recall the numbers). In all instances I found them to be a big glassy and flat (lack of dimension) sounding.

Very possible I never had them in their ideal setting, however I've never thought of them as anything beyond "meh".

 

[Mr Peabody]

Black Ice is what used to be called Jolida. I have no hands on however my impression is mid-fi. Still a value proposition like NAD.

With that being said a quick look shows as all things audio prices went up with Black Ice. The F35 is said to be a tube amp with the slam and control of SS. I didn't read them I did see one discussion and review on Steve Hoffman FWIW.

 

[Mechnutt]

I almost bought a fully upgraded F22. You really need to do all the upgrades to get the best sound from these amps. I talked with one of the engineers and he said the cap and resistor upgrades are worth it. From what I have read from people that have done it, they agree.

I did not buy one as I went SS and got a Levinson 5805 integrated with an very excellent DAC.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

I almost bought a fully upgraded F22. You really need to do all the upgrades to get the best sound from these amps. I talked with one of the engineers and he said the cap and resistor upgrades are worth it. From what I have read from people that have done it, they agree.

I did not buy one as I went SS and got a Levinson 5805 integrated with an very excellent DAC.

Interesting feedback. Thanks for sharing. Very possible the ones I head did not have these upgrades.