BLACK ICE Fusion 9 MK III Phonograph Stage Tube Pre-Amplifier Owner’s Manual

BLACK ICE Fusion 9 MK III Phonograph Stage Tube Pre-Amplifier

Dear Customer:

We at Black Ice Audio want to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing the Fusion 9 MK III Phono Stage. The company that stands behind your phono pre-amplifier draws on two decades of tube design and manufacturing experience. In addition to our engineering knowledge, Black Ice Audio is committed to providing its customers with the highest level of quality sound at an affordable price. Black Ice Audio has achieved this goal through modern design, quality parts, expert craftsmanship, and strict attention to efficient purchasing and production. We are confident that your Fusion 9 MK III will provide you with years of listening pleasure. Before using this unit, please take the time to carefully read and understand the safety instructions and operating procedures before you install or attempt to operate your Fusion 9 MK III phono pre-amplifier. Becoming familiar with important facts about your Fusion 9 MK III and its correct operation will help assure safe usage, maximum musical satisfaction, and reliable operation. Take special care to follow the warnings indicated on the unit itself as well as the safety suggestions found in the owner’s manual. The effort you invest now will be well rewarded as time goes by.

Important

Please check your unit’s bottom panel and record in the space below:

• Model Number: Fusion 9 MK III
• Serial Number:

Please fill out the warranty card enclosed with this package. If the warranty card is not sent in, the warranty time will be reduced to one year. Keep your owner’s manual and receipt in a safe place for future reference.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

1. Read the Safety Instructions in the Owner’s Manual – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
2. Retain the Owner’s Manual – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the product and its operations should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Power Sources – This product should be operated using only the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.
6. Grounding – This product is equipped with a three-prong plug. Always use an electrical outlet that is grounded. If you do not know whether the outlet is grounded, consult your electrician or local power company.
7. Power Cord Protection – Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles and where they exit from the product.
8. Fuses – For continued protection against fire hazards, replace fuses with the same type and rating of the fuses specified. When changing fuses, completely remove the AC cord from the wall outlet.
9. Tubes During Operation – While operating your amplifier, do not touch the glowing tubes since this may result in a severe burn.
10. Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles to avoid the risk of a fire or an electric shock.
11. Lightning – For added protection for this product during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet.

INSTALLATION

ENVIRONMENT

1. Water and Moisture – Do not use this product near water – i.e., near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool or the like. Damp basements should be avoided.
2. Heat – The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other appliances that produce heat. Also avoid putting the unit in the direct rays of the sun.
3. For indoor use only.

PLACEMENT

1. Ventilation – This product should not be placed in a built-in installation or rack unless proper ventilation is provided, or the manufacturer’s instructions have been followed.
2. Foreign Material – Care should be taken to prevent objects from falling into and liquids from spilling into the unit. Do not subject this unit to excessive smoke, dust, mechanical vibration, or shock.
3. Surface – Place the unit on a flat level surface.
4. Accessories – Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the product. Use only with carts, stands, trips, brackets or tables recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Carts – A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and the cart combination to overturn.
6. Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning  Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzene.

SERVICE

1. Object and Liquid Entry – Never push anything through the openings of this product which could touch dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
2. Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
   • personnel under the following conditions:
   • When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
   • If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen in the product.
   • If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
   • If the product does not operate normally when following the operating instructions, adjust only those controls that are covered by these instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage that will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
   • If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
   • When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance – this indicates the need for servicing.
   • When the unit needs broken tubes to be replaced.
3. Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or parts with the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
4. Tube Replacement – Should it become necessary to replace your tubes, carefully follow the instructions in your Owner’s Manual. When replacing your tubes, remove the AC power plug from the wall and allow thirty minutes for the high voltage capacitors to discharge.

Getting Started

About Your Fusion 9, MK III Black Ice Audio’s Fusion 9 MK III Phonograph Stage Tube Pre-Amplifier is an example of state-of-the-art vacuum-tube technology as it exists today. This product was designed to provide: 1) a Phono Stage that would deliver musical accuracy 2) a significant value based on high performance to price ratio and 3) a vacuum tube unit that would exceed the reliability of solid-state units.
The Fusion 9 MK III is housed in a Heli-arc welded chassis and uses 2 pieces of 12AX7 tubes. Parts quality is the best currently available, and the overall circuit layout is maximized for sonic purity.
Construction and Testing Like every Black Ice Audio product, your Fusion 9 MK III has been carefully hand-crafted, using precision mechanical parts. Electronic components and assembly procedures are similar to those used in the manufacture of scientific equipment and musical instruments. To assure consistent performance, each Fusion 9 MK III is visually inspected at several assembly points, tested, and electronically profiled prior to shipment.
This time-consuming perfectionist approach in the design and manufacture of audio equipment is intended to provide the best in musical satisfaction with lasting value.
Handling Vacuum Tubes Many may not have had experience handling vacuum tubes. However, most people have handled incandescent light bulbs which are very similar to dealing with vacuum tubes. As with light bulbs, you should not touch a vacuum tube when it is on since you can burn yourself. Similarly, if a tube is dropped on a hard surface the tube will break. When you replace a tube, you should make certain the unit is disconnected from the AC outlet and that the tube has cooled down. Never force a tube into a socket. You should treat the tube gently when holding or replacing it. The precautions needed when handling a light bulb will give you a good guide on how to handle a vacuum tube.
Packaging Save all the packaging in a dry place. Your Black Ice Audio phono pre-amplifier is a precision electronic instrument and should be properly packaged any time shipment is made. It is highly probable that the unit will be damaged during shipment if repackaged in a box and packing other than that designed for the unit. You may have occasion to return the unit to the factory for service or shipment of the unit may be required for some other situation. Should shipment prove necessary, the original packaging may save your investment from unnecessary damage, delay, and expense

Accessories

1. AC Power Cord
2. Cleaning chamois
3. Cloth Cover
4.  Handling gloves
5. Allen wrench for the lid screws

Operating and Adjustment Procedure

1. Make sure you have read and complied with the CONTROL AND CONNECTION instructions prior to attempting to operate your unit.
2. Make sure your Fusion 9 MK III is properly connected to a high-current power receptacle via the attached power cord (see Connections).

Controls and their Functions: Front Panel

1. INDICATOR light and POWER switch, turn the unit on by touching the BI on the glass panel.

CONNECTIONS: Rear Panel

1. GROUND post: If needed, this post can be used to ground other equipment in your system.
2. INPUT jacks: Attach the right/left RCA jacks from the turntable.
3. COVER: Cover panel for adjustable din switches. To remove, unscrew the two nuts and remove the panel. See the next section for instructions on setting the din switches.
4. RCA connection out: @ 2V output. XLR connection out: @ 2V output.
5. AC power connection: Master on/off switch. The Fusion 9 MK III must be connected to a wall AC power receptacle, or a similar heavy-duty source. Avoid the use of extension cords. If they must be used on a temporary basis, use 14-gauge or heavier cords. The power cord on your Fusion 9 MK III has a standard three-prong plug to provide maximum safety when it is connected to a wall receptacle. If there is any question regarding the safety of grounding procedures, be certain to seek competent help with the installation. For the built-in fuse, the value is 110/120 VAC .5 amp Fast Blow and for 220/240 VAC .25 amp Fast Blow. When replacing the fuse, make sure that your FUSION 9 MK III is unplugged from the wall. The fuse is located in the lower part of the AC receptacle in your preamplifier. Remove the lower half of the receptacle by pulling the cover out as if it were a tray. You may have to use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the tray out. Remove the blown fuse and replace it with the spare provided.

Phonograph Preamplifier Din Adjustment Instructions

The phono-preamplifier can operate with most phonograph cartridges including moving magnet (mm) and moving coil (mc). Prior to use, it is necessary to adjust the settings on the phono-preamplifier to the operating parameters of your cartridge.

1. With the phono pre-amplifier, you can access the set switches by removing the screws holding the stainless-steel plate on the back of the pre-amplifier.
2. With the stainless-steel plate removed, the set switches will be exposed. The switches are divided into two major groups:
   • The three-position voltage gain switches,
   • The eight-position impedance switches.
   • Please note that the switches have a right and left channel component and when a right channel switch is activated, the corresponding left channel switch of the same setting needs to be activated.
   •  The switch is activated when it is in the up position and off in the down position.
3. The three-position gain switch. Following the chart and the voltage gain requirements of your cartridge set one of the three position switches. We recommend first using the medium gain output/mc high for the first initial startup setting. The gain switch can be subsequently adjusted after initial listening tests.
4. The eight-position switch is to match the impedance and capacitance of your cartridge. The chart below lists the impedance that you can set to. Please consult your cartridge manual for the impedance. Again, after an initial hearing tests, you can adjust the impedance to your preferred listening position.

Replacing Your Tubes

1. Should you replace your tubes make certain the preamplifier is unplugged from the wall AC receptacle and make certain the unit has not been operating for at least thirty minutes. This allows the capacitors to discharge and the tubes to cool down.
2. To remove the 12AX7 vacuum tube, use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to gently grasp the vacuum tube on all sides. Hold the tube in the same manner as you would hold an incandescent light bulb. To extract the tube from the socket, gently rock the tube from side to side while pulling up on it until the tube pins have been freed from the socket. Never use excessive force.

Servicing Because of its careful design and exacting standards of manufacture, your FUSION 9 MK III should normally require only minimal service to maintain its high level of performance.
CAUTION: The FUSION 9 MK III contains sufficient levels of voltage and current to be lethal. Do not tamper with a component or part inside the unit. Even with the power turned off, a charge remains in the energy storage capacitors for some time. Refer any needed service to your authorized Black Ice Audio dealer or another qualified technician. The vacuum tubes inside the FUSION 9 MK III are high-quality 12AX7 types. Reliable, low gas tubes – such as those available from Black Ice Audio – are strongly recommended for maximum performance and longevity. Questions regarding your preamplifier may be referred to the Customer Service Department of Black Ice Audio: 301-953-2014.

We hope you enjoy your musical experience.

LIMITED WARRANTY

The Black Ice Audio Integrated Stereo Tube Amplifiers are warranted for the period stated from the date of the original purchase.

1. Chassis and Transformers:   2 years
2. Electron Tubes:   6 months

WHO IS PROTECTED BY THIS WARRANTY Your Black Ice Audio warranty protects the original owner so long as the original bill of sale is presented when warranty service is required. In addition, the warranty card included with you amplifier must be submitted within thirty days of purchase otherwise the warranty will be good for only 1 year.

WHAT IS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY

Your Black Ice Audio warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship with the following specified exceptions. These are:

1. Electron tubes are warranted for 3 months
2. damage caused by accident, unreasonable use or neglect (including the lack of reasonable and necessary maintenance);
3. modifications to the unit;
4. damage occurring during shipment (claims must be presented to the carrier);
5. damage to or deterioration of any accessory or decorative wooden surface;
6. damage resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your owner’s manual;
7. damage resulting from the performance of repairs by someone other than Black Ice Audio or an authorized Black Ice Audio warranty station;
8. any Black Ice Audio unit on which the serial number has been effaced, modified, or removed;
9. units used as demonstration or display models prior to purchase by the original consumer owner;
10. units used for purpose other than home use.

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY PERFORMANCE If your Black Ice Audio unit ever needs service, write to us at Black Ice Audio Inc., PO Box 218, Brookeville, MD 20833 (Att. Customer Relations Department). We may direct you to an Authorized Black Ice Audio Warranty Station, or ask you to send your unit to the factory for repair in which case we’ll supply a Service Return Authorization and complete shipping instructions. Either way, you’ll need to present the original bill of sale to establish the date of purchase. Please do not ship your Black Ice Audio unit to the Maryland address without our prior written authorization. If service under this warranty is not necessary, but you have questions regarding the installation or operation of your unit, please write to our Customer Relations department at the address above.
WHO PAYS FOR WHAT Black Ice Audio will be happy to pay all labor and material expenses for all repairs covered by this warranty. If necessary repairs are not covered by this warranty, or if a unit is examined which is not in need of repair, you will be charged for the repairs or examination. Although you must pay any shipping charges incurred in getting your unit to an authorized warranty station or to the factory, we will pay return shipping charges if the repairs are covered by the warranty. Please be sure to save the original shipping cartons because a nominal charge will be made for additional cartons.
LIMITATIONS ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE LENGTH OF THIS WARRANTY UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY STATE LAW.
EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES BLACK ICE AUDIO’S LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AT OUR OPTION, OF ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL COMMERCIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS AND/OR DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. We sincerely thank you for your expression of confidence in Black Ice Audio products. The amplifiers have been painstakingly assembled by highly trained craftspeople. It should give you many years of musical enjoyment.

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