IFI ZEN PHONO 3

The iFi Zen Phono 3 is a phono stage designed to enhance vinyl playback through a combination of modern technology and analog sensitivity. Its purpose is to amplify the delicate signals from a turntable cartridge and make them compatible with amplifiers, headphones, receivers, and home audio systems, while preserving the integrity and musical character typical of vinyl records. The result is a device capable of delivering the full richness and warmth of analog listening with exceptional precision and clarity.

Designed for maximum versatility, this phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges and offers multiple gain settings ranging from 36 to 72 dB, allowing it to adapt to a wide variety of cartridges. Independent gain and load adjustments enable precise optimization of the interface between cartridge and preamplifier, giving the listener the ability to find the ideal combination for the most balanced and natural sound possible.

One of the most distinctive features of the design is the intelligent subsonic filter, developed to address a common issue in analog playback: very low-frequency distortions caused by slightly warped or uneven records. Unlike traditional filters, which often remove part of the musical bass as well, the system integrated into the Zen Phono 3 is engineered to distinguish between the musical signal and unwanted vibrations caused by vinyl deformation. This ensures that only spurious components are removed, preserving the full low-frequency response and avoiding any group delay.

The design quality is also reflected in the extremely quiet performance of the circuit. The equivalent input noise is exceptionally low at around -151 dBV, contributing to a clean, interference-free listening experience. The RIAA equalization is implemented with very high precision, with an extremely tight tolerance across the full 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, ensuring faithful reproduction of the signal recorded on the vinyl.

The power supply integrates high-frequency 1.2 MHz technology, designed to deliver clean and stable current, enhancing the dynamic range and transparency of the signal. High-quality components are used throughout the circuit, including custom OV-series operational amplifiers, low-noise Texas Instruments ICs, and Class 1 TDK C0G ceramic capacitors. These components are selected for their high stability, extremely low distortion, and ability to maintain a highly linear response even at the highest frequencies.

The design also benefits from the technological expertise of AMR, a brand closely linked to iFi Audio, which contributed to the development of solutions aimed at achieving high performance with minimal noise and excellent transparency. In this way, the Zen Phono 3 perfectly embodies the iFi philosophy, providing an authentic connection to the analog world while leveraging contemporary design technology.

Overall, this phono stage represents a refined and quiet upgrade for any vinyl system. It allows listeners to rediscover the charm of analog playback with exceptionally clean and detailed sound, while preserving the emotional dimension of the experience—the rituals, the subtle surface noise, and the unique feeling of placing the needle on a favorite LP and being immersed in the music.

Technical specifications:

• Cartridge support: MM; MC
• Gain settings: 36 dB; 48 dB; 60 dB; 72 dB
• Load adjustment: 200 pF; 1 kΩ; 400 Ω; 100 Ω
• Maximum output voltage: 20 V RMS @ 100 kΩ
• Output impedance: 200 Ω balanced; 100 Ω single-ended
• Input impedance: MM/MC High 47 kΩ (load 100/200 pF); MC Low 1 kΩ/400 Ω/100 Ω; MC Very Low 1 kΩ/400 Ω/100 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.15 dB)
• Equivalent input noise: -151 dB(A)
• Harmonic distortion: 0.0027% MM referenced to 2 V balanced / 1 V single-ended
• Net weight: 456 g