Black Ice Audio FOZ SS-X User manual

Owner's Manual
BLACK ICE AUDIO
FOZ SS-X
Sound Stage Expander
Black Ice Audio
21310 Ridgecroft Drive, Brookeville, MD 20833
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail] Web: www.blackiceaudio.com

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Dear Customer:
We at Black Ice Audio want to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing the Foz SS-X. The SS-
X represents a distinctive electronic approach to solving multiple issues of buffering the signal/volt,
controlling bass presentation and focus or expand your soundstage. To some degree, it operates as a
room control unit. We have placed the name Foz in honor of the SS-X’s designer, Jim Fosgate. Foz’s
electronic design experience and excellence spans decades and coupled with Black Ice Audio’s
decades of manufacturing experience, results in a unit which can provide our customers with a distinct
improvement in turntable sound reproduction at an affordable price. We have achieved this goal through
a unique modern design, quality parts, strict attention to efficient purchasing and production. We are
confident that your Foz SS-X 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 Foz SS-X. Becoming familiar with
important factsabout your SS-X 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.
Sincerely
Black Ice Audio
Table of Contents Page No.
Safety Precautions 3-4
Getting Started 5-6
Controls and Their Functions 6-7
Connections 7-8
Servicing 8
Warranty and Conditions 9
Technical Specifications 10
Important
Please check your unit's bottom panel and record in the space below:
Model Number: Foz SS-X
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 three months. Keep your owner's
manual and receipt in a safe place for future reference.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY ALL THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS THAT ARE APPLICABLE TO YOUR EQUIPMENT.
_________________________________________________________________________
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SAFETY
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 notsure of thetype 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
hazard, 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
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of un-insulated “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.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CONTINUED
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. Never place anything on top your
amplifier that could obstructthe airflow andcause the
electron tubes to overheat and damage the amplifier.
Do not place your amplifier in a closed bookcase;
overheating could result.
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, 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 recommend
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:
a) When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen in the product.
c) If the product has been exposed to rain or
water.
d) 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.
e) If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way.
f) When the product exhibits a distinct
change in performance - this indicates the
need for servicing.
g) 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 tube, 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.

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Getting Started
About Your Foz SS-X: This unit was designed and built to resolve issues that can occur in musical
reproduction. A system that is too edgy in the upper frequencies, a lack of extended bass in monitor speakers, a
soundstage that is too focused and lacks a three-dimensional effect are some of the concerns that are addressed
by the SS-X. These issues can be found with stereo systems, sound bars, headphones and gaming equipment.
Jim Fosgate, the author of the Foz SS-X unit, has designed an elegant electronic circuit to compensate for
stunted soundstage, bass and smoothness. The SS-X represents a useful tool since most remedies can require
expensive physical adjustments as room treatment, moving the system or even the change of equipment whereas
the SS-X represents a electronic compensation.
The Foz SS-X has a single loop design with three major design components.
1. Initially, the signal passes thru the tube which buffers and cleans the signal.
2. The bass equalizer circuit is designed to increase up to 9dB low bass impact without bass boom.
Conversely, in the event of boomy bass, the bass equalizer can reduce the boom up to 9 dB. (based on
Fosgate US patent 3,883,832).
3. The dimensionality circuit adds a greater sense of depth, space and helps pull the soundstage outside of
your head. It is part of a Jim Fosgate US patent (number 5,307,415) originally used in surround
processors. It was called a “panorama control”. It cross feeds signals between the channels so each
channel has a signal from the other which is out of phase. Negative feedback is applied around this stage
in a single loop. Output offset is controlled with DC servos allowing the video buffers to directly drive the
signal path with no output capacitors. There is only one coupling capacitor per channel in the signal path,
and it is enclosed within the feedback loop, thus capacitor colorations are eliminated. Separate, oversized
storage capacitors on utilized on each channel to provide a rock-solid supply voltage without voltage
regulators to affect the signal. The circuit is configured so that audio signals from the one channel cannot
couple to the other, preserving soundstage width and depth.
Distortion and noise are below the threshold of hearing. The bandwidth is very wide allowing audio signals to pass
through without colorations. Bandwidth is an amazing “ten times” threshold of human hearing 2 Hz to 200KHz at -
3Db.
Another benefit SS-X is that is can be used to test the phase of a recording and also can test to see if your
system if is in or out of phase. The logic display on the top of the SS-X gives you visual confirmation of your
system phasing.
Foz’s (Jim Fosgate) designing credentials span decades of patented circuits both in digital and analog. Countless
man-hours of working with every possible major circuit approach to car stereo, surround processors, tube
amplifiers, preamplifiers, phono preamplifiers and other accessories was not just explored, but designed, built,
and auditioned by Foz himself. The SS-X design is based on his patent in the areas of surround sound and phase
control engineering.
Construction and Testing: Like every Black Ice Audio product, your SS-X 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, your SS-X is
visually inspected at several assembly points, test run, electronically tested and sound evaluated 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.
Packaging: Save all the packaging in a dry place. Your Foz SS-X is a precision electronic instrument and
should be properly packaged any time shipment is made. 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. The original packaging may save
your investment from unnecessary damage, delay and expense.

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Unpacking: The Foz SS-X is packed within a impact absorbing foam wrap that holds the unit in place.
Because of the unit weight and because it is a precision electronic instrument, reasonable care should be taken
when unpacking the unit and preparing it for use. The carton should be set upright in the center of the work area
and outer carton's top flaps can be lifted up. Lift out the foam on top of the SS-X. The SS-X can be lifted out of the
box and the plastic wrap removed.
Accessories: 1 AC Power Cord
Operating and Adjustment Procedure
1. Make sure you have read and followed with the CONTROL AND CONNECTION instructions prior to attempting
to operate your unit.
2. Make sure your SS-X is properly connected to a high-current power receptacle via the attached power cord (see
Connections).
3. The SS-X is designed to be connected between the output of the sources such as a CD Player, DAC or phono
preamplifier to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Another way to hook the unit up is to put it in between the
output of your preamplifier to input of the power amplifier.
Controls and Their Functions
Front Panel
POWER switch: Three-way power switch:
Press the switch up to turn the power on. In this position, the logic display will be activated. Press the switch down
to the middle position to turn the unit off. Press the switch to the down position to turn the unit on. In this position
the display will be off.
SELECTOR switch:
Used to select the audio source to be heard. There are three selection positions that can be chosen moving the
switch up and down selecting the position 1, 2, 3.

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BASS eq: Used to increase or decrease the bass or low frequency performance. In the 12:00 position, the
EQ is in the null position or there is no effect. Turning the eq clockwise can increase the bass up to 9 db. Turning
the eq from the null position counterclockwise will reduce the bass up to 5 dB.
Dimension control: This is the business end of the unit. In the 12:00 position, the Dimension effect is in the
null position or there is no effect. Turning the Dimension control clockwise from the null position will increase the
panorama effect or give a wider dispersion of the sound. Turning the Dimension control from the null position
counterclockwise will reduce the panorama effect or focus the image. Set the dimension control to the position you
prefer.
Logic Display: The purpose of the logic display is to give a visual perspective of the phasing in your system.
Standing in front of the unit, we will assume that the lights Going clockwise from the top are in a north, west, south
and east perspective. The east and west lights represent the right and left speaker respectively. When the
dimension control is in the narrow mode, the north light represents the in-phase mode. When the dimension control
is in the wide mode, the south light represents the out of phase mode. Please note that even when the dimension
control is in the wide mode, the north light will still be activated since there will still be sound that is in phase or
focused. However, the intensity of the north light will be diminished. In turn, this will be similar when the dimension
control is in the focused position, the south light will still flicker since there will be sound that is out of phase in the
recording.
Vacuum Tube = One 12AU7. When replacing the tube make sure the unit is turned off. When putting the
tube in, make certain that the pins line up with the socket holes. Push the tube in straight with a gentle force. In
removing the tube pull the tube out of the socket straight up with a gentle force.
CONNECTIONS
Rear Panel

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Input Audio Signal Connection Jacks:
Use these Left and Right RCA input jacks to attach the SS-X to the outputs of the sources used.
Output Audio Signal Jacks: Use these left and right output jacks to attach the SS-X to the preamplifier,
integrated amplifier, or the power amplifier if you choose to use the SS-X between the preamplifier and the power
amp.
AC power connection and fuse holder:
Always place the power on-off switch on the front panel of the SS-X in the "Off" position before connecting the
power line cord to AC power. The SS-X 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 SS-X has a standard three-prong grounding plug to provide maximum safety when
it is connected to a ground wall receptacle. If there is any question regarding the safety of grounding procedures,
be certain to seek competent help with the installation. In the upper half of the IEC is the fuse holder with an extra
fuse. When replacing the fuse, make sure that your SS-X unplugged from the wall. To replace the fuse, pry the
cover off pulling it out as if it were a tray being slid of a table. Use for 110 - 120 VAC (Household AC current) a .5
amp slow blow fuse and for 200-240 VAC use a .25 amp slow blow fuse.
Servicing
Because of its careful design and exacting standards of manufacture, your Foz SS-X should normally require only
minimal service to maintain its high level of performance.
CAUTION: The Foz SS-X 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 other qualified technician.
Questions regarding your amplifier may be referred to the Customer Service Department of Black Ice Audio: (301)
953-2014.
We hope you enjoy your musical experience.

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LIMITED WARRANTY
The Foz SS-X is warranted for the period stated from the date of the original purchase.
Chassis and Transformers one year
Vacuum Tube 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, or warranty card is
on file when warranty service is required. The warranty is not transferable if the unit is resold.
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) damage caused by accident, unreasonable use or neglect ; (2) damage occurring during shipment (claims must be
presented to the carrier); (3) damage to or deterioration of any accessory or decorative wooden surface; (4) damage resulting
from failure to follow instructions contained in your owner's manual; (5) damage resulting from the performance of repairs by
someone other than Black Ice Audio or an authorized Black Ice Audio warranty station; (6) any Black Ice Audio unit on which
the serial number has been effaced, modified or removed; (7) units used as demonstration or display models prior to
purchase by the original consumer owner; (8) units used for the 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 or you
can call us at 301 953 2014. We may direct you to an Authorized Black Ice Audio Warranty Station or ask you to send your
unit to the factory for repair. Either way, you'll need to present the original bill of sale to establish the date of purchase. Along
with the receipt of purchase, add a piece of paper with your name, address, phone number, and a description of the problem.
Please ship your Black Ice Audio unit to the Maryland address.
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.
LIMITATION ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR 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 crafts' people. It should give you many years of musical enjoyment.

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FOZ SS-X
Technical Specifications:
Frequency Response: 2Hz to 200KHz - 3dB
Distortion THD: Less than 1% at 20 V output, 28Hz to 15KHz
Tube Complement: 1 pc. 12AU7
Power Requirements: 110V-120 VAC 60Hz 180 (220 VAC 50Hz option)
Dimensions: 9.25 inches (24 cm) wide by 5,75 inches (14.5cm) deep by 2.5 inches
(6.5 cm) high
Weight: 4.75 pounds (2.1 Kg) net, approximately 6 pounds packaged
Warranty: one-year limited parts and labor. Six months or 500 hours whichever
comes first on Black Ice Audio Tube.
Fuse: 110 - 120 VAC, .5 Amp slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, .25 Amp slow Blow
Size 5mm X 20mm
Power Requirements: 110V-120 VAC 60Hz 90 watts, 240 watts maximum (220 VAC
50Hz option)
Black Ice Audio, Inc.
21310 Ridgecroft Road, Brookeville, MD 20833
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]