Zen Phono 3 - Audiophile MM/MC Turntable Pre-Amplifier with Adjustable Loading and Intelligent Subsonic Filter

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.

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.

The media could not be loaded. Very good construction and great appearance to start. I tried a cheaper unit first as I like good music but don’t have a $20k setup. This was for my old turntable from the early 80’s. The other brand that started with a “P” sounded so bad I couldn’t take it. So back to Amazon it goes. I ordered my new unit immediately and received it all sealed up from factory. Hooked it up in 5 minutes and gave it a try. WOW for a mid priced unit this thing sounds great playing my old mistreated “ELO” LP that was purchased back in early 80’s. I saw some post for this that said it’s even better with their upgraded power supply. No need for me I’m totally impressed with it so far. Well next give it the time test.

Great amp for the price!

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.

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).

Not real expensive, works Excellent

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.