The iFi Audio ZEN Air Phono 2 is a low-noise MM/MC phono preamplifier with precise RIAA equalisation, an intelligent subsonic filter and a compact design for clear, natural vinyl playback. Read more.
The iFi Audio ZEN Air Phono 2 is a compact phono preamplifier for music lovers who want to retrieve greater detail, clarity and natural musical balance from their turntable. This accessible phono stage supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, making it a versatile upgrade for a wide variety of vinyl systems.
The ZEN Air Phono 2 is particularly useful when an amplifier or pair of active speakers does not have a suitable phono input. It can also provide a meaningful upgrade over a basic built-in phono stage. Explore the complete iFi Audio range or compare our other phono preamplifiers.
The iFi Audio ZEN Air Phono 2 supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges. A selector on the rear panel allows the correct gain setting to be chosen for the connected cartridge. This flexibility means that the phono stage can remain part of the system if the turntable cartridge is upgraded or replaced later.
The MM setting provides 40 dB of gain, while the MC setting provides 64 dB. This raises the very small signal produced by the cartridge to a suitable level for a normal line input on an amplifier, receiver or pair of active speakers.
Records are cut with an inverse RIAA curve. During playback, this curve must be accurately restored to recover the intended tonal balance. The ZEN Air Phono 2 applies RIAA equalisation with a tolerance of ±0.15 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
This precise equalisation supports controlled bass, natural midrange reproduction and refined high-frequency detail. Voices, instruments and subtle spatial information can therefore be reproduced with greater balance and accuracy.
Warped or slightly uneven records can generate very low frequencies that are not part of the music. These movements may place unnecessary demands on loudspeaker woofers and use valuable amplifier power. iFi Audio’s intelligent subsonic filter is designed to reduce this low-frequency disturbance without unnecessarily attenuating musical bass.
The filter takes account of the way musical information and record warp are stored in a stereo groove. Unwanted rumble can therefore be reduced while preserving the depth and impact of the original bass performance.
A turntable cartridge produces an extremely small electrical signal. A phono preamplifier must amplify this signal considerably without adding clearly audible noise of its own. The ZEN Air Phono 2 has been designed for a very low noise level, helping subtle textures, ambience, spatial information and small dynamic changes remain audible.
Its symmetrical channel layout helps reduce noise and distortion while supporting good channel separation. This carefully developed circuit topology is unusual at this price point and makes the ZEN Air Phono 2 suitable for new vinyl listeners as well as experienced hi-fi enthusiasts.
Place the ZEN Air Phono 2 between the turntable and a free line input on an amplifier, receiver or pair of active speakers. Use a suitable analogue audio cable for the connection. Do not connect the output of the ZEN Air Phono 2 to another phono input, as this would amplify and equalise the signal twice.
For a reliable, low-noise connection, explore the selection of phono cables available from Hi-Stands. A wide range of turntable cartridges is also available when upgrading or replacing a cartridge.
The ZEN Air Phono 2 is the accessible choice in the current iFi Audio range for listeners who need a compact MM/MC phono preamplifier with accurate RIAA equalisation.
For a more extensively adjustable model, consider the iFi Audio ZEN Phono 3. It provides an alternative for systems that require additional cartridge matching and adjustment options.
| Brand | iFi Audio |
| Model | ZEN Air Phono 2 |
| Product type | MM/MC phono preamplifier |
| Supported cartridges | Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) |
| MM gain | 40 dB ±1 dB |
| MC gain | 64 dB ±1 dB |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.15 dB |
| Maximum output voltage | 6.5 V RMS |
| MM signal-to-noise ratio | 86 dB, A-weighted, referenced to 1 V |
| MC signal-to-noise ratio | 40 dB, A-weighted, referenced to 1 V |
| MM equivalent input noise | 6.5 nV/√Hz unweighted; -126 dBV A-weighted |
| MC equivalent input noise | 0.6 nV/√Hz unweighted; -146 dBV A-weighted |
| MM THD+N | < -90 dB / 0.005% at 1 V |
| MC THD+N | < -80 dB / 0.036% at 1 V |
| Subsonic filter | Intelligent subsonic filter |
| Circuit layout | Symmetrical channel layout |
| Power consumption | Less than 1.8 W |
| Dimensions | 158 × 117 × 35 mm |
| Weight | 323 g |
| Warranty | 24 months within the European Union |
Can the ZEN Air Phono 2 be used with both MM and MC cartridges?
Yes. The selector on the rear panel provides the correct gain setting for either a Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridge.
Can I use the ZEN Air Phono 2 if my amplifier has no phono input?
Yes. The ZEN Air Phono 2 amplifies and equalises the turntable signal, after which its output is connected to a normal line input on the amplifier or receiver.
Does the subsonic filter remove musical bass?
The intelligent filter is designed to reduce low-frequency movement caused by warped records without unnecessarily attenuating the intended musical bass.
Can the ZEN Air Phono 2 be connected to active speakers?
Yes, provided that the active speakers have a suitable analogue line input and their own volume control.
Which power cable is included?
A USB-to-DC cable is included and can be connected to a suitable USB power source.
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