The Ifi Audio Zen Phono 3 is the latest phono stage following in the footsteps of its very highly regarded predecessors.
It is a well specified unit, and is unusual in that it works with a wide range of cartridge outputs, there's settings for standard MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) as well as settings for optimising the results from HOMC (High Output Moving Coil) and LOMC (Low Output Moving Coil). This is a range of 32db to 72dB of gain!
There's an 'intelligent' sub sonic (rumble) filter, that is claimed to only remove rumble with no negative impact on bass performance or phase response.
The design uses multiple capacitors in the EQ network to deliver a very accurate RIAA frequency response (+/- 0.15dB).
It is a very low noise design, adding minimal hiss, and features both single ended RCA outputs and a balanced connection.
Specifications
-Gain settings: LOMC 72dB (+/- 1dB), MC 60dB (+/- 1dB), MC 48dB (+/- 1dB), HOMC 36dB (+/- 1dB)
-Max Output Voltage (RMS) 20v RMS bal output into 100k (< 1% THD & N) 13.5V RMS bal output into 600R (< 1% THD & N)
-Output Impedance: BAL SE 200 Ohm resistive 100 Ohm resistive
-Input impedance MM: 47K Ohms (Load: 100/200pF) MC High: 47K Ohms, MC Low: 1K /400/100Ohms MC V Low: 1K /400/100Ohms
-Harmonic Distortion: < -110dB / 0.0003% MM re 2V BAL/1V UNBAL < -80dB / 0.01% MC lo re 2V BAL/1V UNBAL < -86dB / 0.005% MC vlo re 2V BAL/1V UNBAL
-Dimensions 158(l) x 115(w) x 35(h) mm
-Power Supply: DC 5V / 500mA
-Net weight: 456g
