iFi Audio ZEN Phono V3 Desktop Phono Stage

iFi Audio ZEN Phono V3 Desktop Phono Stage

 

If you are a music lover and appreciate the warm, nostalgic sound of vinyl, then the iFi Audio ZEN Phono V3 Desktop Phono Stage is a must-have addition to your setup. This innovative and sleek device offers futuristic features that will enhance your listening experience and bring you closer to the music that you love.

One of the standout features of the ZEN Phono V3 is its ability to amplify the subtle whispers of your cartridge, making your vinyl's magic compatible with headphones, amps, receivers, and speakers. With a gain range of 36-72dB and independent loading adjustment, you have complete control over the sound and can customise it to your preferences. This means you can finally hear your beloved LPs as if they were new, and fully experiment with your system setup to achieve the perfect sound.

The intelligent subsonic filter is also a game-changer. Unlike standard subsonic filters that can filter out the bass of the song along with the bass rumble from warped records, iFi's filter is smart enough to only filter out the warp and leave the song completely intact. This ensures a more accurate and enjoyable listening experience without added group delay.

Moreover, the ZEN Phono V3 boasts a precise RIAA curve with balanced output, allowing you to hear your records with an accuracy that rivals more costly phono stages. With multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel, the RIAA EQ circuitry ensures a +/- 0.15dB tolerance from 20-20kHz, revealing the true magic of your vinyl collection.

But what truly sets the ZEN Phono V3 apart from the rest is its superior noise performance. With a noise floor of -151dBV, it is 20dBV quieter than some highly-regarded phonos in the market. This is thanks to its high-tech clean power supply, isolated on its own "island" within the device, away from the rest of the board. To further enhance the noise performance, it is recommended to use the iFi iPower2 ultra-quiet and ultra-clean power supply, which features Active Noise Cancellation II technology.

 

Features

• MM/MC with 36-72dB gain range
• Independent loading adjustment
• Super-silent -151dBV noise floor
• Precise RIAA with balanced output
• Intelligent subsonic filter
• High-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply

 

Futuristic Features. Nostalgic Feeling.

In a world where modern technology is ever-evolving, simplicity and connection are what we crave most. Nothing demonstrates this quite like 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.

If this is the type of connection you crave, then a well-designed phono stage is integral for your vinyl setup. It takes the subtle whispers of your cartridge and amplifies them hundreds of times, making your vinyl’s magic compatible with headphones, amps, receivers and speakers. The ZEN Phono 3 opens the door to that analogue world with style and substance. With an intelligent warp filter and versatile loading options, you will be able to hear your over-loved LPs as new and fully experiment with your system setup.

Packed with trickle-down technology from our prestigious history with sister company AMR, the ZEN Phono 3 is a noise-free upgrade that will allow you to slip seamlessly back into the blissful world of vinyl.

 

Super Smart. Super Subsonic.

Standard subsonic filters aren’t intelligent and are typically loathed by audiophiles. They filter not only the bass rumble from warped records but also the bass of the song.

Our intelligent subsonic filter knows the difference between the two and only filters the warp, leaving the song completely intact, and without adding group delay.

 

Your Cartridge. Your Rules.

The ZEN Phono 3 supports four MM/MC gain selections from 36 to 72dB and four input impedance settings.

Mix and match gain and loading settings independently of each other with the all-new loading button, ensuring optimum compatibility with a wide range of cartridges and allowing you to get the sound ‘just right’.

 

Exacting Equalisation.

At the vinyl mastering stage, records are pressed with an inverse RIAA equalisation curve applied. This needs to be undone on playback by the phono stage to reveal the magic of the music.

ZEN Phono 3’s RIAA EQ circuitry uses multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel. This is for best stability and the least distortion.

This allows for ZEN Phono 3’s RIAA playback equalisation curve to be within +/- 0.15dB tolerance from 20-20kHz, allowing you to hear your records more accurately than ever before.

Its RIAA accuracy is on-par with more costly phono stages that use hand-selected capacitors.

 

Shockingly Silent.

ZEN Phono 3 has a high-tech clean power supply built directly into it, isolated on its own “island” and away from the rest of the board.

The power supply’s isolation mitigates noise pollution of the analogue stage – ensuring that only the audio is amplified and allowing for the noise-floor to remain whisper quiet.

ZEN Phono 3’s Equivalent Input Noise measures at -151dBV, which is 20dBV quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phonos. *

For optimal noise performance, ensure that you are providing the cleanest power to your Phono 3.

The iFi iPower2 is an ultra-quiet, ultra-clean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise. You’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.

 

	Since the very first iPhono launched in 2012, we have used our own in-house Subsonic Filter. As there is only minimal vertical modulation remaining at very low frequencies with an actual cut LP that is playable, we know that “vertical modulation” at low frequencies must be warp. By understanding fully how LP’s are cut and replayed, it is possible to filter record warp strongly without at the same time attenuating low bass or adding group delay.
	As with many other iFi audio products, we’ve incorporated a custom OV Series operational-amplifier. This top-notch component contributes to the extremely low noise, low distortion (0.0001%) and wide bandwidth.
	TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications. Getting ever closer to the theoretical ideal of pure, frequency-constant capacitance, these capacitors reduce capacitor-induced distortion to vanishingly low levels.
	Texas Instruments low-noise ICs offer great unity-gain bandwidth, very low noise and distortion, high output drive capability, Common-mode and Power Supply Rejection Ratios of over 100 dB, wide maximum-output-swing bandwidths and high slew rates.
	muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors. The ‘ESR control’ aspect of the Murata is something special. Their noise suppression abilities are impressive.
	Balanced circuit design. Just not seen at this price point it is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound.

 

Specification

Gain Settings

• MM: 36dB
• MC High: 48dB
• MC Low: 60dB
• MC V-Low: 72dB

Max Output Voltage (RMS)

• Bal:
• 100kΩ: ≥19.98V (THD+N <1%)
• 600Ω: ≥12.75V (THD+N <1%)
• SE:
• 100kΩ: ≥10.07V (THD+N <1%)
• 600Ω: 7.94V (THD+N <1%)

Output Impedance

• BAL: 200Ω
• SE: 100Ω

Input Impedance

• MM: 47KΩ (100/200pF)
• MC High: 47kΩ (100/200pF)
• MC Low: 1k/400/100Ω
• MC V-Low: 1k/400/100Ω
• SNR: MM 91dB(A)/82dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)

(2V Balanced, 1V Single-Ended)

• MC High: 81dB(A)/72dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)
• MC Low: 89.6dB(A)/80dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)
• MC V-Low: 78.6dB(A)/69dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)
• Harmonic Distortion: MM <-91dB/0.0027%

(2V Balanced, 1V Single-Ended @ 600Ω)

• MC High: <-80dB/0.0095%
• MC Low: <-70dB/0.031%
• MC V-Low: <-73dB/0.022%
• Channel Separation: >75dB (1kHz all modes)

Frequency Response

• BAL: 20Hz-80kHz (-3dB)
• SE: 20Hz-20kHz (-0.15dB)

 

• Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”)
• Net Weight: 456g
• Power Supply Requirement: DC 5V/0.5A (centre positive)
• Power Consumption: No Signal ~1.5W; Max Signal ~1.8W
• Limited Warranty: 12 Months

 

About iFi Audio 

iFi Audio is an award-winning audio tech company dedicated to enhancing your music enjoyment. With a mission to improve sound quality and eliminate noise, distortion, and hiss, iFi Audio offers a wide range of products that cater to headphones, speakers, portable audio devices, phones, and TVs. By doing so, they aim to deliver studio-quality audio that allows you to experience music as the artists intended.

Since its establishment in 2012, iFi Audio has been driven by the love of music and a commitment to making a difference in people's lives. With over 50 meticulously designed and manufactured products, they ensure every detail meets their high standards. Sourcing parts from around the world, including Germany, the USA, and Japan, they bring together global expertise to create exceptional audio devices.

At the heart of iFi Audio's business are its customers. They prioritise delivering the highest quality audio wherever you are, whether in the comfort of your home or on the go. Their distribution centre in the USA serves renowned retailers such as B&H and etailz, expanding their global network and reaching more music enthusiasts.

iFi Audio takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, using recyclable materials like aluminium, paper, and recycled plastics for its products and packaging. They strictly adhere to environmental standards, ensuring their components are hazardous toxins-free.

With a focus on Class A analogue circuitry and maintaining the audio signal's integrity, iFi Audio's products offer exceptional performance without compromising environmental sustainability. They believe that how a product looks, performs, and impacts the environment all matter, and they strive to deliver audio solutions that meet these criteria.

Experience the difference of high-quality audio with iFi Audio and immerse yourself in the joy of music.