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Super Smart. Super Subsonic.
The ZEN Phono 3 redefines what your 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.
Key Features
Intelligent Subsonic Filter
Since 2012, our in-house Subsonic Filter removes record warp without cutting low bass or adding group delay by analyzing LP cutting and playback.
Supports MM and MC Cartridges
With MM/MC and gain from 36dB to 72dB, the ZEN Phono handles nearly any cartridge, adapting as your vinyl system evolves.
36-72dB Gain Range
36-72dB gain range and load impedance adjustment button to support a range of cartridges
-151dBV Equivalent Input Noise
-151dBV measured Equivalent Input Noise. 20dBV quieter than some Stereophile Class A+
Your Cartridge. Your Rules.
The ZEN Phono 3 supports four MM/MC gain selections from 36 to 72dB and four input impedance settings. Mix and match gain and loading settings independently of each other with the all-new loading button, ensuring optimum compatibility with a wide range of cartridges and allowing you to get the sound ‘just right’.
Exacting Equalisation.
At the vinyl mastering stage, records are pressed with an inverse RIAA equalisation curve applied. This needs to be undone on playback by the phono stage to reveal the magic of the music. ZEN Phono 3’s RIAA EQ circuitry uses multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel. This is for best stability and the least distortion.
This allows for ZEN Phono 3’s RIAA playback equalisation curve to be within +/- 0.15dB tolerance from 20-20kHz, allowing you to hear your records more accurately than ever before.
Shockingly Silent.
Clean Power Supply: The ZEN Phono 3 features an isolated high-tech clean power supply, ensuring only audio is amplified with a whisper-quiet noise floor.
Ultra-Low Noise: With an EIN of -151dBV, it’s 20dBV quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phonos.
Enhanced Performance with iPower2: Pair with the SilentPower iPower2 for ultra-quiet, audiophile-grade power, thanks to Active Noise Cancellation II technology.
Superior Specification.
Zen Phono 3 boasts futuristic features unlike any other entry-level stage:
- MM/MC with 36-72dB gain range
- Independent loading adjustment
- Super-silent -151dBV noise floor & Precise RIAA with balanced output
- Intelligent subsonic filter & High-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply
Customer
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
Not real expensive, works Excellent
Mark Mroz
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
This phono pre is absolutely amazing, and not just for the price. It handles all my MM/MC carts and allows me to run almost 100 foot balanced cables with no noise. My one request is that they would move the gain switch to the front panel so that I can make all my cart selections without having to pull it out of my cabinet.
Peter Brugmann
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2025
The media could not be loaded.
Bob
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
The iFi Audio Zen Phono 3 is the latest iteration of iFi's popular entry-level phono preamplifier, aiming to bring high-fidelity vinyl playback to a wider audience. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Zen Phono 3 promises improved performance and features at an attractive price point. Does it deliver? Let's find out.Build and Features:The Zen Phono 3 retains the compact and sturdy design of the Zen series. The aluminum enclosure feels solid and well-built, giving a sense of quality that belies its price. The front panel is clean and straightforward, featuring a single power button and indicator LED. The rear panel houses the RCA inputs and outputs, a grounding post, and a gain switch offering settings for MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) cartridges, including a dedicated setting for low-output MC cartridges. This versatility is a significant plus, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of turntables and cartridges.Sound Quality:This is where the Zen Phono 3 truly shines. Compared to previous versions, the 3rd generation offers a noticeable step up in sonic performance. The sound is clean, detailed, and dynamic, with a wider soundstage and improved clarity. Bass is tight and well-defined, midrange is smooth and natural, and treble is crisp without being harsh. The noise floor is impressively low, even with sensitive MC cartridges, allowing for greater detail retrieval and a more immersive listening experience.MM Performance: With MM cartridges, the Zen Phono 3 provides a lively and engaging sound. It brings out the best in classic MM designs, offering a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.MC Performance: The dedicated MC settings, especially the low-output option, are a standout feature. The Zen Phono 3 handles the delicate signals from MC cartridges with impressive finesse, delivering a detailed and nuanced presentation.Pros:Excellent sound quality for the price.Versatile MM and MC compatibility, including low-output MC support.Solid build quality.Low noise floor.Compact and attractive design.Cons:No adjustable loading options for fine-tuning MC cartridge performance (though the provided loading generally works well).External power supply (though it's a small and unobtrusive unit).
Nc
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
Great amp for the price!
Milenco Galipienzo
Reviewed in Mexico on April 2, 2025
Un muy buen pre amp, compacto, con muy buena calidad y muy bajo ruido. le hace justicia a su reputación.
Goat
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
Very happy with this phono preamp. Incredible detail and soundstage. Using with an AT-LP8X turntable and a Hana EL moving coil cartridge and the combo is a match made in heaven. I have used many phono preamps including Cambridge Alva Duo and Schiit Skoll and I can say comfortably that the iFi Zen Phono 3 is a better performer. I really like the Cambridge, hard to beat, but the Zen manages. Dollar for dollar, it's the best you can get.
mrsteve7
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
Purchased this having read many glowing reviews, and I agree with them! This thing sounds terrific, and the price is a sheer bargain. With its adjustable load resistance and capacitance I was able to dial in my Shure V15 type 5 with S.A.S stylus.
federico cacho
Reviewed in Mexico on April 15, 2025
The media could not be loaded.
Braden
Reviewed in Canada on September 23, 2024
Bought this as my Schiit Mani wasn’t cutting it. The look isn’t my favourite, but I’ve got it hidden anyways. Sounds great, tons of settings to ensure you can use whatever cart you want.
panchiux
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2024
I liked the improvement in sound in comparison to the integrated phono amplification of my receiver. I was already liking the unit, when the phone stage started to take too long to turn off and off. After a few days, the gadget just stopped turning on. I ignore if it was an internal issue or if it was just the adapter that was failing. I decided to return the whole thing. I just ordered a replacement hoping that this second unit will work fine without power issue. I will keep my fingers crossed.
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