The iFi Audio ZEN Phono 3 is an ultra-low-noise MM/MC phono preamplifier with four gain settings, adjustable loading, intelligent subsonic filtering, RCA and balanced 4.4mm outputs. Read more.
The iFi Audio ZEN Phono 3 is a versatile, ultra-low-noise phono preamplifier for turntables fitted with Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridges. Four gain settings, adjustable input loading and accurate RIAA equalisation allow the unit to be carefully matched to a wide range of cartridges.
The ZEN Phono 3 connects the phono output of a turntable to a standard line-level input on an amplifier, preamplifier or active speaker with volume control. Discover all iFi Audio products and our complete selection of phono preamplifiers and step-up transformers.
The iFi Audio ZEN Phono 3 provides four separate gain settings. This makes it suitable for MM cartridges, high-output MC cartridges and low-output MC cartridges with very low output voltages.
Always check the cartridge manufacturer’s recommended output level and loading before selecting the settings.
In addition to gain, the input load can be adjusted. MM and MC High cartridges can use a 47 kOhm load with either 100 or 200 pF capacitance. MC Low and MC V-Low cartridges can be set to 1 kOhm, 400 Ohm or 100 Ohm.
These options help match the electrical characteristics of the phono stage to the cartridge. Explore our selection of MM and MC turntable cartridges.
The very small electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge requires considerable amplification. A low internal noise level is therefore essential. The ZEN Phono 3 is designed for exceptionally quiet operation and achieves an Equivalent Input Noise of up to approximately -151 dBV.
RIAA equalisation is accurate to ±0.15 dB between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. This precisely corrects the RIAA curve used during record production and helps preserve the intended tonal balance of the recording.
Warped or uneven records can generate extremely low frequencies that cause unnecessary woofer movement. iFi Audio’s intelligent subsonic filter is designed to reduce these disturbances without removing normal low-frequency musical information.
The filter can be switched on or off and is especially useful when playing older or slightly warped records.
The turntable connects to the stereo RCA input. A separate ground terminal is provided for the turntable’s grounding wire. The ZEN Phono 3 offers both a standard stereo RCA output and a balanced 4.4mm output.
The balanced output can be connected to an amplifier, preamplifier or active speakers with volume control by using a suitable 4.4mm cable. The ZEN Phono 3 does not include volume control and should not be connected directly to a power amplifier without level control.
Use a properly shielded cable for the sensitive phono signal. View our range of high-quality phono cables.
Yes. Its four gain settings and multiple loading options make the ZEN Phono 3 compatible with a broad range of MM, high-output MC and low-output MC cartridges.
No. The ZEN Phono 3 provides a line-level output and must be connected to an amplifier, preamplifier or active speakers with their own volume control.
Yes, provided that the active speakers have an analogue line input and their own volume control. Use either the RCA output or balanced 4.4mm output with a suitable cable.
A balanced connection can help reduce external interference, particularly with longer cable runs and fully balanced audio systems.
Yes. A suitable 5V power adapter is supplied as standard.
Use 36 dB as a starting point for standard MM cartridges, 48 dB for high-output MC, 60 dB for low-output MC and 72 dB for very-low-output MC cartridges. Always check the cartridge specifications.
| Brand | iFi Audio |
| Model | ZEN Phono 3 |
| Product type | MM/MC phono preamplifier |
| Compatible cartridges | Moving Magnet and Moving Coil |
| Gain settings | 36 dB, 48 dB, 60 dB and 72 dB |
| MM / MC High input loading | 47 kΩ, 100 pF or 200 pF |
| MC Low / MC V-Low input loading | 1 kΩ, 400 Ω or 100 Ω |
| Analogue input | Stereo RCA |
| Analogue outputs | Stereo RCA and balanced 4.4 mm |
| RCA output impedance | Maximum 100 Ω |
| Balanced output impedance | Maximum 200 Ω |
| RIAA accuracy | ±0.15 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Equivalent Input Noise | Up to approximately -151 dBV |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | MM 91 dB(A), MC High 81 dB(A), MC Low 89.6 dB(A), MC V-Low 78.6 dB(A) |
| Total harmonic distortion | MM 0.0027%, MC High 0.0095%, MC Low 0.031%, MC V-Low 0.022% |
| Channel separation | More than 75 dB at 1 kHz |
| Subsonic filter | Intelligent, switchable |
| Ground terminal | Yes |
| Power requirement | 5 V DC / 0.5 A, centre-positive |
| Power consumption | Approximately 1.5 W without signal, maximum approximately 1.8 W |
| Dimensions | 158 x 115 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 456 g |
Discover more products from iFi Audio, compare the ZEN Phono 3 with other phono preamplifiers or combine it with a suitable MM or MC cartridge and a properly shielded phono cable.
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