iFi Audio ZEN Phono MM / MC

iFi Audio ZEN MM & MC Phonostage 

iFi ZEN Phono is a wonderful enhancement to your vinyl setup that will optimise every MM/MC cartridge. Packed with AMR/iFi trickle-down technology, iFi Zen Phono lets you rediscover your treasured LP collection. Flagship phono amplifiers create their own power supply off the mains like a mains regenerator. This is fundamental to a well-designed phono stage. Without this, it will struggle to amplify the signal without added noise. This is why phono stages sometimes ‘hiss’ Unusually, the ZEN Phono has its own high-tech clean power supply.

It creates a 1.2MHz power supply (20k x mains frequency of 60Hz). In this circuit, a 10uF filtering capacitor is equal to 200,000uF at lower, audible frequencies. With serious levels of noise filtration, it performs at the level of classic LC filtering circuits as found in classic tube amplifiers. On its own ‘island’ PCB, it is isolated so there is no noise pollution of the analogue stage. Just super clean +/- 12V DC. Measured EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) is -151dBV. It is 20dBV quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phonos which are -131dBV.

The EQ circuit uses multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel. This is for the best stability and the least distortion. They beat polystyrene capacitors and are close to Teflon. Already using the lowest tolerance capacitors combined with multiples in parallel, tolerance is exponentially improved by the square root of the number of capacitors. This is quite a natty circuit design. The RIAA EQ tolerance level (+/- 0.15dB) is impressive as it is on par with hand-selected capacitors.

Who is iFi Audio?

iFi was launched in 2012 and is an award-winning company that creates products to improve sound quality, eradicate noise distortion and hiss from your headphones, speakers, portable audio devices, phones and TVs. A nice little quote from the company themselves state "With our vast catalogue of devices, you can bring the live experience into your home. Or if you prefer your music on-the-go, we deliver every cymbal crash and pluck of a string in clear isolation straight to your ears."

iFi has a very good oversight on the design, development and manufacturing process of over 30 products from their headquarters in Southport, UK.

iFi products and their packaging are made from recyclable materials, including Aluminium, Paper and Recycled plastics. There are no hazardous toxins in their components, and they ensure every product released meets environmental standards.