Description
iFi Audio iPhono3 Black Label
The iFi Audio iPhono3 Black Label is matt polished black. Super quiet noise floor.
Our phono stage circuitry uses only the best audiophile components. Computer matched op-amps, high-gain bi-polar output transistors to Nichicon audio-grade capacitors. And much more.
The iPhono3 Black Label sounds stellar. Hear into your LP.
View Owners Manual >> View Tech Lowdown >> View iFi Audio Products >>
Features
- Brand new power supply tech to power the iPhono3 Black Label. iPower X. What’s not to love?
- Nichion audio-grade capacitors, Panasonic OSCON/ECPU capacitors, MELF resistors, TDK C0G capacitors…the list goes on. The iPhono3 Black Label is jam-packed.
- In the iPhono3 Black Label the unique DC-Infinity circuit boosts the circuits DC gain to approach infinity (it is approximately 1 trillion one million times one million; 1012). Once the feedback loop is closed, this near-infinite DC gain cancels all offset voltages to deliver a direct-coupled output with 0V DC offset. The key to the DC-Infinity circuit is that it only changes the gain below approx. 0.01Hz, while leaving the AC behaviour of the circuit at higher frequencies unchanged, injecting neither noise nor distortion into the audio signal. Any noise and distortion of the DC-Infinity circuit happens at the same signal level as the output signal and is by design around 100 times less than the noise and distortion of the actual amplifier circuit, so compared to the actual phono stage noise and distortion it effectively disappears.
- Look, mum. No output coupling capacitor. Direct Drive Servoless® is an important element of the audiophile experience, which is not visible in measurements but is quite audible. Unlike a standard phono stage design, the iPhono3 Black Label continues the special design tradition of being direct coupled (i.e. no coupling capacitor) from cartridge to output and it does so without requiring a conventional DC servo.
- Precisely match up LP equalisation! Listen to vinyl recordings in the original and correct way. When so much is invested in an audio system, to leave out the final few percent of correctly matching the equalisation to the LP is almost sacrilege. Our list of LP recommendations with their precise EQ curve will show you how using the correct EQ curve makes one heck of a difference! We reckon you probably have some of our picks in your collection.
- The ‘magic’ of tubes from solid-state. The Class A TubeState® technology is the result of nearly four decades of research of our Chief Designer, Thorsten Loesch, on tube and transistor gear. The key is not to add distortion, but to avoid certain types of distortion. Once it is understood that specific distortions are endemic to solid-state circuitry and are pernicious with respect to subjective sound quality, we eliminate these from solid-state circuitry, without adding on tube-like distortion and noise.
Silent nights in
With a stunning, super-low 85dB noise floor (per Stereophile standard) the iPhono3 Black Label is out there. One of the quietest phono stages. Period.
Like any good phono stage, it amplifies the signal, not the noise. The whisper-quiet noise floor is there for any home audio system to discern. Take it for a test drive from the comfort of your favourite listening chair.
Exacting equalisation
Precise EQ curve and explosive 108dB dynamic range. Your listening room becomes a concert hall. The AMR PH-77, the $12,000 larger sibling with 23 equalisation curves, remains the vinyl benchmark to this day. Trickle-down tech used in the iPhono3 Black Label means it features the 6 most popular stereo EQ curves.
Try the infamous 1812 Overture ‘torture test’. Won’t be the same again. The iPhono3 Black Label will have you trying ‘just one more LP’ into the wee, small hours.
Set and forget
Your pickup (stylus) has been lovingly crafted. Whether it’s MM or MC, no two cartridges are identical in performance. The iPhono3 Black Label, like the AMR PH-77 from which it descends, enables you to set the precise load/gain for the cartridge you have. Squeeze every last drop of performance out of your precious pickup.
Spec’d to thrill
Beneath the modest footprint of the iPhono 3 Black Label are Class A TubeState and DirectDrive Servoless technologies. Specially developed by AMR for iFi audio.
All underpinned by some quite special audiophile components from Burr-Brown, TDK and Nichicon. To name but a few. With such dedicated circuitry and devoted components, it has a whisper-quiet noise floor and measured THD of an incredible <0.005%.
X-Men
The iPhono3 Black Label is special. It should be powered by something special. It comes with the iPower X, the very latest in power supply technology.
iPhono3 Black Label + iPower X = Super Duo.
Specifications
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 100KHz (±0.3dB) 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.2dB) |
| Dynamic Range | MM (36dB): > 108dB (A-weighted) MC (60dB): > 106dB (A-weighted) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | MM (36dB): > 85dB (A-weighted re. 5mV) MC (60dB): > 85dB (A-weighted re. 0.5mV) |
| Overload Margin | MM (36dB): > 26dB (re. 5mV, @ 1% THD) MC (60dB): > 22dB (re 0.5mV, @ 1% THD) |
| Crosstalk | <-71dB (1KHz) |
| Maximum undistorted output | 7V (Load >= 600 Ohm, THD <=1%) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.005% (MM 36dB 1V out 600R Load) |
| Output Impedance | <100Ω |
| Input Voltage | AC 100 – 240V, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | < 5W. Use with iPower X (15v) do NOT use any other power supply. |
| Dimensions | 6.2′ x 2.3′ x 1.1′ / 158 x 58 x 28 mm |
| Weight | 0.58 lbs / 265 g |
