Sam S. Posted January 7, 2021 Share Posted January 7, 2021 Hi: First off, thanks to the members who responded to my PM's. I'm doing research to possibly add a tube integrated for 2-channel (vinyl and CD's) to my current set-up (marantz SR6012 + Forte iii). My question here is one integrated I came across that looks interesting is the Black Ice F22 (or F11, or F35 for that matter). I understand that Black Ice is the brand that is formerly known as Jolida. Also as far as I can tell, made in China with US design/specs, then tested or assembled in the US? Not sure about that one -- my major concern is build quality and product support. At any rate, the F22 looks interesting (like the silver), but I can find very very little information online, both about the amp and about the company. While it looks like the old Jolida site is still up, nothing about Black Ice from a manufacturers perspective. Just wonder if anyone has any experience with these, or additional info. that might help. I'd also welcome any tube integrated suggestions if there are any besides this one. My room is approx 12 x 20, sit about 10ft away, listen moderate levels. Carpet + drapes. Home theater bypass or line pass-thru would be a +, as my space is limited and the set-up does double duty as HT. Other thing worth noting is that any additional integrated would need to go on a shelf above the TV, which is approx 30"w x 13.5"h. The F22 is 32 lbs, which sounds good as I worry about overloading the shelf with something 50 or more lbs. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fido Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I have a Primaluna evo 400 integrated and it sounds amazing and has ht bypass but it’s pretty heavy. It is the best sounding amp I have ever heard. I have heard good things about holidays tube integrateds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Lammers Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 You may want to check this amp out. https://www.erhard-audio.com/Basie.html I have the Aretha preamp with tone controls. They are a blessing with poor recordings. It's made in USA and Holger is great to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam S. Posted January 22, 2021 Author Share Posted January 22, 2021 Thanks for the suggestion, Les. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the F22. Seems like a decent value. Have not received yet, but I can report back once it arrives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam S. Posted February 18, 2021 Author Share Posted February 18, 2021 Just a follow-up for anyone searching the archives. I ended up getting the F-22. I'm happy with it overall, noticing details that I didn't when I was running my Marantz AVR. This is my first tube amp, so I really don't have anything to compare it to. For now, I'm switching the speaker cables when going back and forth from 2-channel to movies/video games. Seems to work OK and I imagine less wear on the tubes (that's my thought anyway). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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