iFi AUDIO Zen Phono 3 Balanced MM/MC Desktop Phono Stage Preamplifier

While the gentle hum of a vinyl record spins into the immersive soundscapes of your cherished albums, the Zen Phono 3 Balanced MM/MC Desktop Phono Stage Preamplifier serves as your gateway to a world of rich, authentic audio. This high-performance phono preamplifier seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with a nostalgic listening experience, making it an indispensable component for any vinyl enthusiast's setup. The Zen Phono 3 amplifies the delicate whispers of your cartridge by hundreds of times, ensuring your vinyl's enchanting sounds are compatible with headphones, amplifiers, receivers, and speakers.

Equipped with an intelligent warp filter and versatile loading options, this preamplifier invites you to rediscover your beloved LPs and experiment with your system configuration. Drawing on advanced technology from our esteemed history with sister company AMR, the Zen Phono 3 offers a noise-free upgrade that transports you back into the captivating world of vinyl.

This preamplifier boasts a range of advanced features, including MM/MC compatibility with a 36-72dB gain range, independent loading adjustment, a super-silent -151dBV noise floor, precise RIAA equalization with balanced output, an intelligent subsonic filter, and a high-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply. Unlike standard subsonic filters, our intelligent subsonic filter distinguishes between bass rumble from warped records and the bass of the song, filtering only the warp and preserving the song's integrity.

The Zen Phono 3 supports four MM/MC gain selections from 36 to 72dB and four input impedance settings, allowing you to optimize compatibility with a wide range of cartridges and fine-tune your sound. Its RIAA EQ circuitry employs multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel for optimal stability and minimal distortion. The RIAA playback equalization curve maintains a +/- 0.15dB tolerance from 20-20kHz, delivering an accurate listening experience that rivals more expensive phono stages.

Featuring a high-tech clean power supply built directly into the unit and isolated from the rest of the board, the Zen Phono 3 minimizes noise pollution of the analogue stage, ensuring that only the audio is amplified and maintaining a whisper-quiet noise floor. Its Equivalent Input Noise measures at -151dBV, significantly quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phonos. The inclusion of a custom OV Series operational-amplifier contributes to its extremely low noise, low distortion (0.0001%), and wide bandwidth.

High-quality TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high stability and low losses, reducing capacitor-induced distortion to nearly zero. Texas Instruments low-noise ICs provide excellent unity-gain bandwidth, very low noise and distortion, high output drive capability, and high slew rates. Designed to evolve with your vinyl system, the Zen Phono 3 handles any cartridge from 36dB up to 72dB. Its balanced circuit design, rare at this price point, reduces noise and crosstalk for clearer sound. The inclusion of muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors further enhances its noise suppression capabilities.

Experience the tranquility and connection of vinyl with the Zen Phono 3 Balanced MM/MC Desktop Phono Stage Preamplifier, a perfect blend of innovation and tradition for the discerning audiophile.