iFi ZEN Phono 3 Desktop MM/MC Phono Stage

ZEN PHONO 3

In a world where modern technology is ever-evolving, simplicity and connection are what we crave most.
The familiar act of picking your favourite LP, hearing the soft crackle before it starts and sharing a story or two with friends as you listen together.
Our ZEN Phono 3 allows you to slip seamlessly back into this blissful world of vinyl, and with its enhanced features and intelligent warp filter, you can break out your over-loved LP’s and hear them as new.

KEY FEATURES

• Intelligent subsonic filter that removes LP warp without removing low end
• -151dBV measured Equivalent Input Noise. 20dBV quieter than some Stereophile Class A+
• High precision, (1.2MHz) highcurrent power supply controller
• Precise RIAA EQ with +/- 0.15dB tolerance from 20Hz-20kHz
• 4.4mm balanced and RCA line outputs
• 36-72dB gain range and load impedance adjustment button to support a range of cartridges

A Perfect Match

Supports four MM/MC gain selections from 36-72dB and four input impedance settings, ensuring optimum compatibility with a wide range of cartridges.

Combat Warped Records

Features an intelligent subsonic filter designed to effectively remove ultra-low frequencies caused by warps, unlike typical bass-reducing filters.

Rivals $1,000 Phono Amps

Boasting a super-silent noise floor with an EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) of -151dBV, ZEN Phono 3 surpasses some Class Noise A+ models by 20dBV.

Super Subsonic

Our intelligent subsonic filter high passes the vertical (side) information much more heavily than the lateral (mid), as LP bass is invariably mono – due to elliptic equalising during vinyl mastering. This way it only filters record warp, without attenuating low bass or adding group delay.

Subsonic Filter Frequency Response

Normal subsonic filters aren’t intelligent. They’re typically hated by audiophiles because they filter out the rumble from warped records – but also filter out the bass. Our intelligent subsonic filter knows the difference between the two, and only filters the warp, leaving the song intact.

Noise Floor Comparison Chart

The noise floor of a typical phono stage is noticeable. This is because it sits above the level of the low-level textures and detail of the music. It gets in the way of the song. The ZEN Phono 3 is distinctly different. Hear your music as it was meant to be heard;- without the noise you associate with vinyl records.

Hear Your Record Properly

Most records are recorded with an Inverse RIAA (Recording) Equalisation that needs to be undone on playback.
ZEN Phono 3’s RIAA playback equalisation curve is within a staggering +/- 0.15dB tolerance – allowing for truthful, accurate music playback.

Max Out Every Cartridge

All new front button for adjusting input capacitance and load impedance settings, independently of gain settings.

• MM/MC-High: 47kΩ, 100/200pF
• MC-Low/V-Low: 100/400/1kΩ

Minimise Crosstalk

ZEN Phono 3 is the only phono stage in its class to feature a
4.4mm balanced output. Connect to active speakers, amplifiers or receivers with balanced inputs, and experience reduced crosstalk and noise.

Shockingly Silent

ZEN Phono 3 boasts an Equivalent Input Noise figure of -151dBV, which is -20dB quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phono's which are -131dBV. The ZEN Phono 3 has its own high-tech 1.2MHz
power supply on its own ‘island’ – so isolated, it does not pollute noise into the amplification stage.

IN THE BOX

• ZEN Phono 3
• RCA Cable
• Power Adapter
• Quick Start Guide
• Instruction Card

SPECIFICATIONS

• Input: RCA
• Gain Settings:
  • MM: 36dB, 48dB, 60dB, 72dB
  • MC High, MC Low, MC V Low
• Line Output: BAL 4.4mm/UnBAL RCA
• Output Power (RMS):
  • Balanced: >19.98V @ 100kΩ (THD+N<1%)
  • Unbalanced: >10.07V @ 100kΩ (THD+N<1%)
• SNR:
  • MM: 91dB(A)
  • MC High: 71dB(A)
  • MC Low: 89.6dB(A)
  • MC V Low: 78.6dB(A)
• Equivalent Input Noise:
  • MM: -127dBV(A)
  • MC High: -129dBV(A)
  • MC Low: -149.6dBV(A)
  • MC V Low: -150.6dBV(A)
• Harmonic Distortion:
  • MM: < 0.0027% @ 600Ω
  • MC High: < 0.0095% @ 600Ω
  • MC Low: < 0.031% @ 600Ω
  • MC V Low: < 0.022% @ 600Ω
• Output Impedance: <200Ω BAL; <100Ω UnBAL
• Frequency Response:
  • BAL: 20-80kHz (-3dB)
  • UnBAL: 20-20kHz (-0.15dB)
• Dimensions: 158x113x35mm (6.2” x 4.4” x 1.4”)
• Weight: 456g (1.0 lbs)
• Warranty period: 12 months