GENERAL INFORMATION
About Your Unit: Fusion WiFi DAC Transport
The Fusion WiFi DAC Transport combines the proven sound quality of vacuum tubes and the
convenience of the digital format. Our design objectives are 1) Sound quality, 2) High standards of
build quality and sound quality at a value price, and 3) a high level of reliability and long life. Our
engineering design encompasses several important aspects. In terms of function, the WiFi DAC
Transport can operate as a stand-alone DAC with USB, Toslink and Wifi inputs.
Parts quality is the best currently available, and the overall circuit layout is maximized for sonic purity.
The basic electronic design is a true balanced circuit/dual-mono for signal purity. Discrete operating
units are compartmentalized using steel panels to reduce interference (such as separating the power
board from the signal board). The transport is the top-of-the-line Phillips transport. The main output is
a true tube gain stage, after the digital to analog conversion; the signal processing is done with a
vacuum tube and not solid state.
Construction and Testing
Like every Black Ice Audio product, your WiFi DAC Transport has been designed and carefully hand-
crafted, using precision mechanical parts. The chassis is an all-aluminum construction. Electronic
components and assembly procedures are similar to those used in the manufacture of scientific
equipment and musical instruments. To assure consistent performance standards, each unit is
visually inspected at several assembly points, test run for a minimum of 48 hrs, electronically tested,
and sonically evaluated prior to shipment.
This time-consuming perfectionist approach to the design and manufacture of audio equipment is
intended to provide you with the best in musical satisfaction and lasting value.
Vacuum Tubes
The WiFi DAC Transport comes with 6 vacuum tubes - 2x12AX7A, 2x 12AT7 and 2x 12AU7. These
tubes give the player its distinct smoothness and resolution. Although you will not have to handle the
vacuum tubes since they are installed at the factory, it may be helpful to have a perspective of how to
handle vacuum tubes. Many individuals may think that they lack any experience with vacuum tubes.
However, handling incandescent light bulbs is similar to dealing with vacuum tubes. As with light
bulbs, you should not touch a light bulb when it is operating since you can burn yourself. A light bulb
dropped on a hard surface will most likely lead to breakage. If you replace a light bulb you should
make certain the lamp is disconnected from the AC outlet and make certain the light bulb has cooled
down. Never force a light bulb into a socket. You should treat the light bulb gently when holding or
replacing them. Taking the commonsense precautions usually associated with light bulbs will give you
a general idea of how to handle a vacuum tube.
The tubes installed in the unit will last for at least 20,000 hours before the need for replacement. The
reason for long life is due to the low voltage required to power the tube. In this regard, the tube will
not run hot, thus eliminating the main factor for tube wear. In reality, most people change the tubes
before they wear out in order to experiment with different sounds.
Packaging
Save all the packaging in a dry place. Your unit is a precision electronic instrument and should be
properly packaged any time shipment is made. Because of its weight (28 pounds), 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 some other situation that
requires the shipment of your unit. Should it prove necessary to ship it, the original packaging may
save your investment from unnecessary damage, delay and expense.
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