IFi micro iPhono3

For the record

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.

• What is a phono stage?

A phono stage, also called a phono pre-amp, provides the connection between the record cartridge/pickup (stylus) and the amplifier.

Turntables cartridges output a very small signal. This signal needs amplifying up to several hundred times the original size before it is loud enough for your amplifier. A phono stage increases the signal level from millivolts to volts.

When vinyl was the standard for audio recording, the phono stage was built-in to receivers and amps, allowing direct connection of a turntable. These days most receivers and amps do not contain a phono stage so a separate unit is needed.

The iPhono3 Black Label sounds stellar. Hear into your LP.

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.

• Computer-matched for max performance

Computer-matched complementary planar high gain bi-polar input transistor pairs.

Sound complicated? Basically, it’s a labour-intensive process which lowers input noise by 6dB. The measured noise floor (as per Stereophile) is 85dB on MC/MM which is quite phenomenal and means the iPhono3 Black Label can go toe-to-toe with other far costlier phono stages.

So, by using this computer matching method we get max performance out of our phono stage

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.

• Equalisation or EQ Curve

An EQ curve simply works by allowing the user or LP manufacturer to boost or cut particular frequencies as they wish, and therefore ‘shape’ the character of the sound/tracks they are applying it to.

The AMR PH-77, the 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.

• Most popular EQ curves

At the introduction of the Long Play record (LP) in 1948, most record companies implemented their own particular equalisation curves and continued to experiment with equalisation in order to extract the best performance from the new medium. This led to a baffling array of different and incompatible equalisation curves being applied worldwide.

The most popular are RIAA, Columbia, and DECCA.

See our Tech Note for more on the story on 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.