Black Ice Audio FOZ XT-R User manual

Owner's Manual
BLACK ICE AUDIO
FOZ XT-R
Cross Talk Reduction
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 XT-R. The XT-
R represents a distinctive electronic approach to solving crosstalk caused by a turntable’s cartridge and
acoustic problems due to axial tilt. We have placed the name Foz in honor of the XT-R’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 XT-R 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 XT-R. Becoming familiar with
important facts about your XT-R 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, Inc.
Table of Contents Page No.
Safety Precautions 2-3
Getting Started 3-4
Controls and Their Functions 4
Connections 5
Operating Procedures 5-6
Servicing 6
Warranty and Conditions 7
Technical Specifications 8
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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) Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) Fuses - For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuses with the same type and rating of the fuses
specified. When changing the fuse, completely remove the AC cord from the wall outlet.
7) Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles to avoid the
risk of a fire or an electric shock.
8) 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. For
indoor use only.

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9) 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.
10)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.
11) 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.
12) Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
Getting Started
About Your Foz XT-R: To obtain high performance from a modern phonograph system, the tonearm and
pickup cartridge must be properly adjusted to within a few thousands of an inch to minimize the effect of axial tilt.
Axial tilt is when the cartridge needle of the turntable is not perpendicular to the record groove. In addition, a low
dB channel separation of the cartridge can result in crosstalk. Crosstalk is simply the stereo signal from the left
side leaking into the right side, and the stereo signal from the right side leaking into the left side. Jim Fosgate, the
author of the Foz XT-R unit, has designed an elegant electronic circuit to compensate for crosstalk and axial tilt.
The XT-R represents a breakthrough since axial tilt and crosstalk is not mitigated thru the traditional method of
physical adjustment, the compensation is electronic. The XT-R incorporates signal cancellation to reduce inter
channel crosstalk. This is the same technique that is used in high separation surround processors. The XT-R
corrects for a misaligned stylus or cantilever, misaligned generator, misaligned tone arm azimuth (axial tilt). It also
reduces crosstalk from cross coupling of the generator coils or tone arm wiring. This works with moving magnet,
moving iron, and moving coil cartridges. The XT-R will compensate for up to 7 degrees of axial tilt and can
improve channel separation to a maximum of 40dB. The result will be an improvement in stereo imaging.
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.
Construction and Testing: Like every Black Ice Audio product, your XT-R 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 XT-R 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 XT-R 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.
Unpacking: The Foz XT-R is packed within an 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 XT-R. The XT-R can be lifted out of the
box and the plastic wrap removed.
Accessories: 1 AC Power Cord

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Set Up 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 XT-R is properly connected to a high-current power receptacle via the attached power cord
(see Connections).
3. The XT-R is designed to be connected between the output of the phono preamplifier and the input of the
preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Controls and Their Functions
Front Panel
POWER switch:
Press switch up to turn the power on. Source components of an audio system should be turned on first.
Otherwise, with some equipment, the amplifier will reproduce warm-up thumps.
dB Meter: Provides the readout as you adjust your turntable for axial tilt and crosstalk.
Meter Adjustment Screw: For adjust the readout of the dB meter. See “Procedure for Crosstalk
Correction” on page six, number 7 for instruction on resetting the reading on the dB meter.
Right and Left Adjustment Knobs: Used to adjust the electronic compensation for crosstalk and axial
tilt.
➎Activation Switch: In the active position, the XTR compensation circuit is operative. In the off position, the
compensation circuit is not operating
➏Left and Right Calibration Circuit Switch: When the switch is set in the middle, both right and left
channels are operating. When the switch is set to the left, only the left channel signal is operating. When the
switch is set to the right, only the right channel signal is operating

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CONNECTIONS
Rear Panel
Input Audio Signal Connection Jacks:
Use these Left and Right RCA input jacks to attach the XTR to the output of the Phono preamplifier.
Output Audio Signal Jacks: Use these left and right output jacks to attach the XTR to the preamplifier or
integrated amplifier.
Power connection:
Always place the power on-off switch on the panel of the XTR in the "Off" position before connecting the power
line cord to AC power. The XTR must be connected to a wall AC power receptacle, or a similar heavy-duty
source.
Fuse: For 110 - 120 VAC (Household AC current) a 0.1amp slow blow fuse (5 mm X 20 mm size) and for
220-240 VAC use a 0.05amp slow blow fuse. IMPORTANT NOTE: When changing the fuse, completely
remove the AC cord from the wall outlet.
Operating Instructions:
Getting Ready:
Make certain the XT-R is hooked up correctly between the phono preamplifier and the preamplifier or integrated
amplifier. If the arm has azimuth adjustment set it in the center position.
In order to calibrate your Turntable with the Foz XT-R it will require a Test LP. We use the Analogue Productions
Ultimate Analogue test LP, but there are others that can be used if they have separate left and right channel 1KHz
test tone signals.
Procedure for Crosstalk Correction:
1. Turn the unit on via the power switch.
2. Flip the toggle switch upward to the active position.
3. Flip the calibration switch to the left position.

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Procedure for Crosstalk Correction Con’t
4. Play the azimuth adjustment track, left side, at a moderate volume. (The meter is now reading the right
channel). Adjust the left control knob for the lowest reading which is called the signal “null point”. The exact meter
reading is not important, just set it to the null point. You may also notice that the right channel is quieter.
5. Flip the calibration switch to the right position.
6. Then play the azimuth adjustment track, right side at a moderate volume. (The meter is now reading the left
channel). Adjust the right control knob using the same procedure as with the left test tone to the signal null point.
You may also notice that the left channel is quieter.
7. Please Note: The meter reading will vary depending on the output level of the cartridge, channel separation of
the cartridge, and gain of the phono preamp. If the meter reads off scale to the right check to be certain the
channels are not reversed. If the meter is still off scale to the right, then turn the meter adjustment screw
clockwise. If the meter is off scale towards the right, then turn the meter adjustment screw counterclockwise. The
meter has a range of 30 DB and will not usually need to be recalibrated.
8. Your correction process is completed. For the highest accuracy it is recommended you repeat the left and right
calibrations one more time.
9. To play music return the calibrate switch to the center position and keep the active/off switch in the active
position. You can use this switch to hear the difference the crosstalk reduction has made.
10. Calibration will not change unless the cartridge alignment is changed, or a new cartridge is installed. Some
cartridge suspensions may change with age. We suggest that you perform a recalibration at six-month intervals.
Please Note: Phono Cartridge crosstalk has a great effect on sound stage depth and width, as well as the
position of sounds across the stage. When the crosstalk is “in phase” on both channels the stage width and depth
will be reduced. When the crosstalk is “out of phase” on both channels the stage will be wider and deeper. When
azimuth is off the crosstalk on one channel will be “in phase” and the other will be “out of phase”. This tilts the
stage to one side or the other and effects the positioning across the sound stage.
When the calibrate controls are turned clockwise towards the + side, the unit is correcting for “in phase” crosstalk.
When the control is adjusted counterclockwise to the –side the unit is correcting for “out of phase crosstalk”.
Servicing
Because of its careful design and exacting standards of manufacture, your Foz XT-R should normally require only
minimal service to maintain its high level of performance.
CAUTION: The Foz XT-R 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 XTR is warranted for the periodstated from the date of the original purchase.
Chassis and Transformers 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 XT-R
Technical Specifications:
Gain: Unity
Input Z: = 71K
Output Z: = 400 ohms
Max. in/out V = 9VRMS
SNR: > then 90DB “A weighted”
Perfect Square wave response, no ringing or overshoot.
Frequency response DC to 200KHZ +0 -3DB
Phase inverting
Distortion THD: Less than 0.25% (1kHz)
Power Requirements: 110V-120 VAC 60Hz 90 watts, 240 watts maximum (220 VAC
50Hz option)
Dimensions: 8 inches wide by 7 inches deep by 3 inches high
Weight: 2 lbs net, approximately 3.5 lbs. Packaged
Warranty: 6-month limited parts and labor.
Fuse: 110 - 120 VAC, 0.1 Amp slow Blow; 200 - 240 VAC, 0.05 Amp Slow Blow
Size 5mm X 20mm
Black Ice Audio, Inc.
21310 Ridgecroft Road, Brookeville, MD 20833
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]