SPL PHONITOR SE

Pre owned. In excellent conditions. No visible signs of wear. Comes with original packaging and manual.

The Phonitor se is the entry point into the world of VOLTAiR headphone amplifiers, focusing on essentials without compromising on sound quality. Although it is the base model, it shares the same audio signal amplification as higher-end models like the Phonitor x and Phonitor xe. Thanks to VOLTAiR technology, it delivers outstanding sound quality. Volume is adjusted using a large, machined aluminum rotary knob equipped with an Alps RK27 "Big Blue" potentiometer, which ensures a smooth and pleasant rotation — like "a spoon through honey."

The Phonitor se includes the revolutionary Phonitor Matrix, an analog circuit designed to correct the natural discrepancy between headphone listening and speaker listening. Headphones lack the natural crossfeed between left and right channels that occurs with speakers, often resulting in an unnaturally wide stereo image and inaccurate localization of sound — a phenomenon known as the “super stereo effect,” which can be fatiguing over time. The Phonitor Matrix eliminates this auditory fatigue by recreating a speaker-like soundstage. In the Phonitor se, the “Angle” parameter is fixed at 30°, while the “Crossfeed” can be adjusted to two levels to achieve the most natural and relaxed stereo image possible.

To make the listening experience even more realistic, the Phonitor Matrix also reduces the center level of the soundstage by 1 dB, ensuring both accurate spatial positioning and balanced volume across the stereo field. The Phonitor se features gold-plated RCA analog inputs and can be expanded with the optional DAC768xs, which adds three digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical). It supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. The DAC uses the AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ chip, known for its ability to reproduce even the finest sound details with exceptional clarity.

At the heart of the Professional Fidelity series, the VOLTAiR technology operates at an internal voltage of 120 volts (±60 V), far higher than the typical 15 V used in conventional devices. This allows for greater headroom, preventing overload and distortion even in the most dynamic musical passages. The result is a rich, detailed sound with a natural and relaxed listening experience — one that doesn’t tire the ears, even after long sessions.

Combining advanced technology with simplicity of use, the Phonitor se offers a precise, natural, and enjoyable headphone listening experience — perfect for those who demand high quality without unnecessary complexity.

Technical Specifications:

• Analog RCA inputs: unbalanced; input impedance 20 kΩ; max input level +32.5 dBu
• Digital inputs (with optional DAC768xs): Coaxial SPDIF (RCA); PCM sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz; Optical TOSLINK (F06); PCM sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz; with optical fiber <1 m: 176.4, 192 kHz; USB (type B); PCM sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768 kHz; USB (type B); DSD over PCM (DoP): 2.8 MHz (DSD64), 5.6 MHz (DSD128), 11.2 MHz (DSD256)
• Standard headphone output (front): 6.35 mm TRS connector; Pinout: tip = left; ring = right; sleeve = GND; Output impedance: 0.18 Ω; Damping factor (40 Ω): 180; Frequency response (-3 dB): 10 Hz – 300 kHz; Crosstalk (1 kHz): -90 dB; THD+N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 0 dBu): 0.00091%; Noise (A-weighted): -103 dB; Output power (1 kHz, 1% THD): 2 x 2.7 W at 600 Ω; 2 x 5 W at 300 Ω; 2 x 1 W at 32 Ω; Dynamic range: 135.5 dB
• Internal operating voltages: analog audio: ±60 V; relays and LEDs: 12 V; DAC768xs: +7 V, +3.3 V
• Power supply: switchable mains voltage 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: 230 V: T 315 mA; 115 V: T 630 mA
• Power consumption: max 30 VA; standby: 0.3 W
• Dimensions (incl. feet): 278 x 57 x 330 mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 2.8 kg (6.17 lbs)