Zen Phono 3 - MM and MC Phono preamplifier - Precise RIAA with balanced output - four MC/MM gain selections from 36dB to 72dB - Internal high-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply

I’m fortunate enough to run two hi fi systems: a main setup in the living room and a smaller, vinyl focused system elsewhere in the house. Until recently, the secondary system relied on the built in phono stage of the Audiolab 6000A, fed by a Pro Ject Debut Carbon Evo. I was perfectly content with the sound, but I also knew it sat a few rungs below the performance of my main system. I’d often considered giving it a lift with a dedicated phono stage, and after reading several positive reviews of the iFi Zen Phono 3, I finally decided to try it. I’m naturally sceptical of claims that any piece of equipment performs miracles, and I won’t make those claims here. Does it make a difference? Yes. Is it a dramatic, night and day transformation? No. But the improvement is real and worthwhile. The best way I can describe it is this: it’s like looking at a scene through a window, then opening the window to get a clearer, more immediate view. Everything is still there, but more alive, more focused, and more detailed. Drums have a little extra snap, instruments separate more cleanly, and recordings feel clearer and more engaging. I’m using it with a moving magnet cartridge, so I can’t comment on its moving coil performance, though it’s reassuring to have those loading options at this price point. It’s not a boutique piece of kit, but in a sensibly matched system it does exactly what it should—complement and enhance the sound. Overall, I’m very happy with the Zen Phono 3 and glad I added it to the system.

Damn! It’s too good for this 40 year old vinyl 😂

I had a Pro-ject Tube Box S2, but the power button was abit finicky and finally gave up the ghost so as I was torn between that and this ifI ZEN Phono 3 before. I decided this was a chance to give this ago, and I am not disappointed. There's more punch to the bass and the cymbals have more of a ring to them. And the sound stage is the best I've heard so far.

Much improved over the built in phono stage I was using. Like it. Thought it was meant to power off after some time not being used, but stays on. Would but again and recommend.

Small but perfectly formed, it improved on the phono stage built in to my amplifier

Not for me, horrible 50hz hum through the speakers not present in other phono preamps I have used in the same system. Not too keen on the sound either, a little bit thin for my liking.

Reçu cette après-midi ce préampli phono Zen Phono 3 Aux premières écoutes, la qualité de celui ci est vraiment impressionnante... stéréo remarquable et son vraiment détaillé Bon à savoir pour tous les amateurs de vinyles : j'avais lors de l'écoute de certain disque voilé ou déformé une très désagréable expérience d'écoute. Certain vinyles ne sont disponible qu'en occasion et la qualité de conservation diffère vraiment d'un disque à l'autre. Dans les conventions on ne peut pas toujours voir avec précision ces déformations. J'avais un Project record box usb dont j'étais très satisfait jusqu'à peu mais après l'achat de disque avec une toute petite déformation (défaut de pressage) j'ai commencé a tendre l'oreille et je me suis aperçu que ce n'était pas le seul disque dans ce cas !!! Ces petit PLOPs accompagnés de distorsion sont particulièrement incommodants et gâche totalement l'écoute... Cet appareil dispose d'un filtre dis subsonique efficace mais ne fait pas totalement le job dans les cas extrêmes. celui intégré à ma table de mixage est beaucoup plus efficace mais n'est pas désactivable et le preampli est de loin de plus mauvaise qualité. je retrouve tout mon plaisir d'écoute

To nie mój profil dźwięku, za dużo analogu w analogu, zbyt basowy, mało szczegółowy, nie moja bajka. (Kupiłem Pro-ject phono S2 ultra i nagrania ożyły)

Fungerar perfekt med uppgradering av strömförsörjningen med Ifi ipower2. Spelar detaljerat, musikaliskt med perfekt timing och balans

Sono contento dell'acquisto, molti più dettagli e separazione degli strumenti, nessun rumore di fondo anche alzando il volume senza riproduzione Consigliato

Ich habe ein low Output MC System. Der Phono 3 verstärkt das Signal perfekt ohne zu rauschen oder zu brummen. Und ein überragendes Preis-Leistungsverhältnis