iFi ZEN Phono 3

The iFi ZEN Phono 3 is a high-performance MM/MC phono preamplifier designed to accommodate a wide range of turntables and cartridges. Four selectable gain levels from 36dB to 72dB and independently adjustable loading allow the phono stage to be matched more precisely to moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Its intelligent subsonic filter is designed to identify and reduce low-frequency energy caused by record warps without removing the musical bass information that conventional subsonic filters can affect. Precision RIAA equalization maintains accuracy within ±0.15dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. With a measured equivalent input noise of -151dBV, the ZEN Phono 3 is engineered for an exceptionally quiet background, allowing low-level detail from vinyl records to come through clearly. Balanced 4.4mm and RCA outputs provide flexible integration with compatible amplifiers, preamplifiers, and audio systems. Flexible MM & MC Cartridge Matching The ZEN Phono 3 provides four gain settings—36dB, 48dB, 60dB, and 72dB—to accommodate MM and MC cartridges with widely varying output levels. Independent loading adjustment provides 100pF or 200pF capacitance for MM/MC High settings and 100Ω, 400Ω, or 1kΩ impedance options for lower-output MC cartridges. Intelligent Subsonic Filtering iFi's intelligent subsonic filter is designed to distinguish unwanted low-frequency energy caused by warped records from musical bass information, reducing warp-related rumble without applying the broad bass roll-off associated with conventional subsonic filters. Ultra-Low Noise Performance With a measured equivalent input noise of -151dBV, the ZEN Phono 3 is designed to preserve low-level musical detail while minimizing noise—particularly important when amplifying the very low output of moving coil cartridges. Precision RIAA Equalization The RIAA equalization stage uses multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel for stability and low distortion, achieving an RIAA playback accuracy of ±0.15dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. Key Features MM & MC Cartridge Support — Accommodates moving magnet and moving coil cartridges across a wide range of output levels. 36–72dB Adjustable Gain — Four selectable gain settings provide 36dB, 48dB, 60dB, and 72dB. Independent Cartridge Loading — Adjustable capacitance and impedance provide more precise matching with compatible cartridges. Intelligent Subsonic Filter — Reduces low-frequency energy caused by record warps while preserving musical bass. -151dBV Equivalent Input Noise — Provides an exceptionally low-noise foundation for vinyl playback. Precision RIAA Equalization — Maintains RIAA accuracy within ±0.15dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. 4.4mm Balanced Output — Provides balanced analogue connectivity to compatible downstream equipment. RCA Input & Output — Provides conventional single-ended connectivity for turntables and audio systems. 1.2MHz Power Supply — Uses a high-frequency clean power-supply design to help minimize power-related noise. Connectivity & Compatibility Analogue Input RCA Left/Right Ground connection Analogue Outputs 4.4mm Balanced RCA Left/Right Gain Settings MM — 36dB MC High — 48dB MC Low — 60dB MC Very Low — 72dB Cartridge Loading MM / MC High — 47kΩ with 100pF or 200pF MC Low / MC Very Low — 100Ω, 400Ω, or 1kΩ Compatible Cartridges Moving Magnet (MM) High-output Moving Coil Low-output Moving Coil Very-low-output Moving Coil Power 5V DC / 0.5A Centre-positive Compatible with optional iPower2 5V or iPower X 5V power supplies