iFi 0311019 ZEN Phono 3 Preamplifier

iFi 0311019 ZEN Phono 3 Preamplifier

The iFi ZEN Phono 3 redefines what a turntable can do. Its intelligent subsonic filter corrects warped LPs, while an ultra-quiet noise floor and adaptable loading options unlock a new level of clarity from your cartridge.

Intelligent Subsonic Filter for Warp Correction

Standard subsonic filters often cut musical bass along with warp noise. The iFi ZEN Phono 3’s in-house Subsonic Filter is designed to strongly filter record warp without attenuating low bass or adding group delay. It distinguishes between bass rumble from warped records and the bass of the song, filtering only the warp so the music remains intact.

• Filters warp without reducing musical bass
• Avoids introducing group delay
• Identifies and removes warp rumble

Flexible MM/MC Compatibility and Independent Loading

The iFi ZEN Phono 3 supports four MM/MC gain selections from 36 to 72dB and four input impedance settings. Gain and loading can be mixed and matched independently with the all-new loading button to ensure optimum compatibility across a wide range of cartridges and to get the sound “just right.”

• Supports MM and MC cartridges
• Four gain selections: 36dB, 48dB, 60dB, 72dB
• Independent loading adjustment via dedicated button

Shockingly Silent, Ultra-Low Noise Performance

An isolated high-tech clean power supply ensures only audio is amplified with a whisper-quiet noise floor. With an EIN of -151dBV, it’s 20dBV quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phonos.

• -151dBV measured Equivalent Input Noise
• High-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply
• Enhanced performance available with SilentPower iPower2 (Active Noise Cancellation II)

Exacting RIAA Equalisation

At mastering, records are pressed with an inverse RIAA curve that must be undone on playback. The iFi ZEN Phono 3’s RIAA EQ circuitry uses multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel for best stability and the least distortion, achieving a playback equalisation curve within +/- 0.15dB from 20–20kHz.

• Precise RIAA with balanced output

FAQs

1. Which cartridges does the iFi ZEN Phono 3 support? It supports both MM and MC cartridges, offering four gain selections from 36 to 72dB and four input impedance settings. Gain and loading can be adjusted independently using the loading button.
2. What does the Intelligent Subsonic Filter do? It differentiates warp-induced bass rumble from musical bass, filtering only the warp without attenuating low bass or adding group delay.
3. How quiet is the noise floor? Measured Equivalent Input Noise is -151dBV, which is 20dBV quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phono stages, aided by an isolated high-tech clean power supply.
4. How accurate is the RIAA equalisation? The RIAA playback equalisation curve is within +/- 0.15dB from 20–20kHz, using multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel to minimise distortion and maintain stability.
5. Does it offer balanced output? Yes. The iFi ZEN Phono 3 provides precise RIAA with balanced output.