iFi Zen Phono 3 ($250): There are phono stages, and then there are phono stages.

Pros:

iFi quality
Superb sound, tightening the midrange noticeably
The subsonic filter really does work
The ability to change based on differing cartridges is a wonderful thing to have
Affordable
Easy to use

Cons:

Only one phono input
A remote would make this more accessible

iFi Zen Phono 3 ($250):There are phono stages, and then there are phono stages.

Zen Phono 3


Intro:

The OG Zen Phono comes with high acclaim, at an affordable price. The update to the original carries extras that it has no reason to at this price. I have not heard the OG model, but I have read enough to know it carried a lofty banner for those who still spin their vinyl. And the praise was going beyond simple audio users, to include those with systems worthy of an average-priced home.

I am a fan of iFi, owning several units over the years and testing even more. The Pro iCAN & Pro iDSD still see regular use in my desktop system beyond comparisons. Am I biased? Maybe, but I also carry with me the ability to pick apart products, that should perform better from one of my favorite companies. It is because I am so familiar with that I can and will provide valid criticism where needed. And applause where needed as well.


Specs:

Gain Settings	MM	36dB
	MC High	48dB
	MC Low	60dB
	MC V-Low	72dB
Max Output Voltage (RMS)	Bal	100kΩ: ≥19.98V (THD+N <1%)
		600Ω: ≥12.75V (THD+N <1%)
	SE	100kΩ: ≥10.07V (THD+N <1%)
		600Ω: 7.94V (THD+N <1%)
Output Impedance	BAL	200Ω
	SE	100Ω
Input Impedance		MM: 47KΩ (100/200pF)
		MC High: 47kΩ (100/200pF)
		MC Low: 1k/400/100Ω
		MC V-Low: 1k/400/100Ω
SNR	MM	91dB(A)/82dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)
(2V Balanced, 1V Single-Ended)	MC High	81dB(A)/72dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)
	MC Low	89.6dB(A)/80dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)
	MC V-Low	78.6dB(A)/69dB (unweighted 80kHz BW)
Harmonic Distortion	MM	<-91dB/0.0027%
(2V Balanced, 1V Single-Ended @ 600Ω)	MC High	<-80dB/0.0095%
	MC Low	<-70dB/0.031%
	MC V-Low	<-73dB/0.022%
Channel Separation		>75dB (1kHz all modes)
Frequency Response	BAL	20Hz-80kHz (-3dB)
	SE	20Hz-20kHz (-0.15dB)
Dimensions	(Length x Width x Height)	158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”)
Net Weight		456g
Power Supply Requirement		DC 5V/0.5A (centre positive)
Power Consumption		No Signal ~1.5W; Max Signal ~1.8W
Limited Warranty		12 Months*

In The Box:

iFi Zen Phono 3
12V power cord
Purple dual RCA cables
Owner’s Manual
Quick start guide

Gear Used/Compared:

McIntosh MA6100 Int Amp
Klipsch Forte II
Denon DP1200 (AT ML540 MC)
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Pro (Sumiko Rainier)

Cambridge Audio Alva Duo

Tech Highlights:

The Zen Phono 3 has a much better power supply over the Zen Air Phono, (not the mains adaptor but inside the unit) which gives a blacker background making it possible to hear more detail in music on your records, then, there is the option to match properly the phono stage with the phono cartridge as it has user selectable impedance (in the case of a moving coil phono cartridge) or user selectable capacitance (works for Moving Magnet phono cartridges) and also you can choose between 4 gains instead of only 2 from the Zen Air Phono.

With anywhere from 36dB-72dB of gain, the Phono3 carries enough gain for even the hardest-to-drive MC cartridge. I had no trouble running the higher-voltage Denon DL110, but I did not have a low-voltage MC cartridge on hand. The gain settings are controlled by a switch on the back, which can be in any of four settings. These settings mirror the four settings listed below for MM/MC cartridge settings.

An additional Load button controls your ability to use a variety of cartridges and match output impedance (within reason) accordingly for greater control of the synergistic response. The four settings can be used, but not across the board. On the MM and High-MC cartridge settings, only the 200pF can be used with the setting either on or off. For MC (excluding High-MC) any of the other three may be used ranging from 100ohm to 400ohm, and 1kohm; which are all for MC L/VL cartridges.

The subsonic filter provides -151dBV for the blackest background possible next to a CD or digital representation. I will note when I used the filter below in the listening segment. This filter system is intelligent enough to discern the warp sound of records vs the bass line of the music, giving that cleaner, darker background.

Unboxing:

The typically wonderful presentation of iFi products carries over to the Zen Phono 3. Protected in environmentally sustainable coarse paperboard, the Zen is protected in one part, while the accessories and power cord are in smaller cardboard boxes laden with the white “iFi” logo.

The outer sleeves of iFi products have always come with a plethora of information, replete with technology involved regarding the components. It may seem like overkill, but I would rather know right away what components make up the unit, than having to dig that information out.

Design:

Svelte and curvaceously angular at 158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”) and only 456g (1lb), the Zen Phono3 carries on the familial look of curved surfaces (the first Zen Phono was in 2012), which started with the first-generation Zen DAC/Amp products. The downside is that the lettering and adjusting buttons are quite small. Thankfully, the lights on the center dial/wheel clearly show what “mode” the Phono3 is in from MM to three MC settings (high, low, very low). Since the Denon DL110 is a very high voltage (1.6mV) unit, I kept the unit on the High MC setting. I did try the others, but that did not do the cartridge justice.

To the right of the center wheel, which denotes what level of cartridge you have is the subsonic filter, which kicks in a -151dBV essentially dropping any warp on an album to zero, without losing the bass response.

The back carries dual RCA connections for input and output, along with the ground stub between. To the very right is the power plug, and between the input (from the turntable) and that is the gain selector switch for MM, MC-VH, MC-L, MC-VL (1-4). While it is a bit hard to get to, I appreciate the customization of that. This aspect is handled differently than the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo compared below.

I do wish for dual TT RCA hook-ups, for those of us who are lucky enough to have two tables, but understand that most will not. Not a big deal and this certainly covers amplifiers, which do not have a phono stage. Just make sure if you do, hook the Phono3 to an AUX or spare CD/Tuner input on the amplifier.

Wired Connectivity:

Connecting the Zen Phono3 to my McIntosh MA6100 was straightforward since it comes with just about dual RCA connections for everything. Using one of the two tuner (yes two) inputs allowed me a direct comparison between the existing phono stage in the Mac and the Phono3. Mind you, I have no issues whatsoever with the Mac phono stage other than it does not automatically take MC cartridge turntables.

This led me to the purchase of the Alva Duo, and will be compared together of course.

Sound Impressions:

Impressions were made using the Denon DP-1200 turntable with the Denon DL110 High MC cartridge connected. Comparisons were made with the Pro-Ject Debut Pro using the stock Sumiko Rainier cartridge as well as the phono stages of the McIntosh MA6100 and Cambridge Audio Alva Duo. Both turntables were hooked to all three options for comparison.

The Alva Duo can handle two turntables while the Phono3 only handles one.

Summary:

From the first listen of Peewee Russell & Coleman Hawkins on Jazz Reunion, the Phono3 presented a vibrant signature, with equal emphasis down low and up high. Not to be forgotten, the midrange came across as sublime but ever present, set slightly behind the ends. I found the jazz duo came across with a tone, which was additive to the McIntosh MA6100. Granted some of that could have been the excellent Denon DL110 HOMC, but there was a definite difference.

Saxophone notes came across as piercingly accurate, without becoming grating or overbearing. That piercing sound would be similar to having been at the show in person, rather than having too much sizzle. The treble notes punctuated the air, expanding the soundstage in the height category without losing coherence. Individual instruments were allowed to play their part, and even the audience experience came across as a small venue, with a presence where you were sitting right in the middle.

Timbre:

The iFi Zen Phono3 sits on the brighter side of listening, but this can add vibrancy to what may be duller recordings. Or it could allow those from within the digital realm to experience quality vinyl similarly. The Phono3 does not come across as analytical but rather accentuates the tonality already present. I sat back to enjoy the music rather than analyze it on the micro level.

That is not to say that the micro details were shorted, but rather the Phono3 put an emphasis on the synergistic response to the whole, without singling out one part. A cohesive response was had across the spectrum. The black background using the subsonic filter did a marvelous job of isolating any unwanted rumble. But did so without losing the texture or weight while keeping clarity at very high levels.

Playing the Shoji Yokouchi Trio’s seminal Greensleeves album was indeed a treat. Guitar work was tight and vibrant. The black background shone through here allowing the quieter parts of Moanin’ to come through unencumbered. I felt the need to raise the volume level and check to see if it was indeed that black. It was. The subsonic filter may be worth it alone.

Staging & Dynamics:

The soundstage from the Phono3 was another additive, expanding the height as mentioned above, and the width a bit. I found that this was most likely due to the vibrant tonality emanating from the system together as opposed to the smoother sound coming from without. Mind you, the MA6100 varies a bit from Mac’s traditional tube-like sound since it is solid state, but the company tuning is very evident in the smooth texture coming forth. I would also add that the excellent Denon DL110 adds to that vibrant texture (without losing the heft of notes) since it is a HOMC.

Regardless, the power of the Zen Phono3 allowed me to enjoy the sound without bother. Delicate passages came across as tight and accurate, while guitar work came through like I had the guitarist in the room. That is all we can ask of our musical interpretations when played, and the Phono3 does so with aplomb.

The resolution from the trio came across as accurate, without losing texture or weight. There was no truncation at all across the board. Sometimes this can happen when you introduce something, which adds vibrancy and an elevated volume level (considered artificial by some). Not here, the Phono3 allowed the music to come across as it should. Loud guitar solos came across as accurate, with excellent placement of notes within the soundstage. Drums were heard in their support roll and could be placed three-dimensionally with ease. I found myself listening critically for differences, but the Phono3 simply came along for the musical enjoyment.

Pairings:

Since I had a HOMC in the Denon DL100, I mounted that to the Denon DP-1200 first, which came my way via @audioloveyyc an acquaintance I have had the honor of knowing for several years. He was looking to upgrade (picked up a well-restored Thorens) and I obliged by taking the Denon “off his hands.” I do not regret that, and it pairs extremely well with the Pro-Ject Debut Pro, allowing me to mount differing cartridges when the urge hits.

The Denon/Denon combination hits very well, adding a certain vibrancy to the notes in its own right while staying true to the music. I can listen through the MA6100 phono stage, but it is not the best pairing. The Phono3 allows me to play with different settings and experimentations, tailoring the sound to my whims. The Phono3 added volume to the mix (of course), but lowered the black background to zero. Following on another review, I too raised the volume to max (with no album playing) and found nary a sound. The MA6100/Denon combo is good. The MA6100/Denon/iFi combo is fantastic.

The additional volume coming forth meant I did not have to rely upon raising the Mac to volumes, which my wife and our dog would not appreciate. This allowed me a certain level of comfort knowing I could hear all of the details from whatever I played, without bothering the household.

The Pro-Ject Debut Pro comes stock with a mid-level Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge, which exudes a certain amount of warmth to the sound. The Pro-Ject is a faster-paced sounding machine, with a bit thinner note quality to me over the Denon. The Sumiko cartridge evens the playing field out, and I have not bothered to change the cartridge. Knowing this, I was not expecting that much of a difference when plugged into the Phono3. Boy, was I wrong. Yes, that extra 36dB played its part, but with this setup, the midrange was the main beneficiary. Stronger and more forceful, without becoming shouty allowed me to hear the quieter parts without losing the overall signature. The subsonic filter again did its job, which allowed me to keep the volume at a modest level much like the Denon pairing.

Select Comparisons:

Cambridge Audio Alva Duo:

The Alva Duo was purchased ($349) due to my older Arcam integrated amplifier not having a phono stage. It receives very high marks for an affordable price. I did not want to spend an exorbitant amount, and it fit the bill. Once the MA6100 arrived though, it became shelf fodder. Pulling it out for this review has made me re-evaluate its use within the Mac system.

Technical:

With gains of 39dB for Mm and 60dB for MC cartridges, it falls a bit behind the Phono3 on the MC front, but ahead on the MM side. No matter, the volume needed was close enough to the same for both that I would call this a draw.

The Alva duo does not have a changeable load like the Phono3, staying at 100pF, which is markedly below any of the settings of the Phono3 as well. It does carry a balance knob for fine-tuning L/R issues. I have used it a small amount, but not enough to warrant its inclusion to me.

It does have better SNR at MM of >90dB and less for MC at >70dB. Hence the need to increase the volume level when using an MC cartridge I would suspect.

Design:

Similar in size to a small desktop amplifier at 48 x 215 x 159 mm (1.9 x 8.5 x 6.2″) and 0.95kg (2.1 lbs.), it is about twice the size and twice the weight of the Phono3. The Alva also carries a headphone amplifier and a 6.35mm se jack for use in its own right. There is even a separate volume knob exclusively for that purpose.

The silver looks good and would fit into most systems smoothly. I do find the lettering on the front hard to read but with minimal functionality (a button for MM/MC and the headphone amplifier volume knob). The back though is a different story. With lettering both right side up and upside down, the user can easily see what needs to be done without moving the unit. This is an excellent feature that more should take note of and incorporate.

The Alva Duo is understated and good-looking at the same time. I appreciate the small points of fitting into your system and the two-way lettering. Both are nice touches.

Performance:

The Alva Duo is a top-notch performer, that can give even more expensive systems a flush of additional clarity to the sound. A spacious yet still cohesive presentation gives a bit more holographic effect to it over the Phono3. I found the expansion of the soundstage width-wise allowed for slightly better dynamics to come across over the Phono3, too. Where the Phono3 was energetic, the Alva was more mature, without losing details.

Those dynamics also allowed for sufficient weight to the notes, such as on Bob Marley’s Uprising album on the song Could You Be Loved. The electric guitar and Bob’s effervescent vocals came through with excellent character and detail. There is a smidge more smoothness to the character as well, what we might describe as a mature signature. Dynamically speaking right up there, but without losing heft to the notes.

Where the Phono3 presents a sparkling character overall, it loses out in soundstage to me, as well as overall note weight. This will come down to whether you want one or two phono inputs, and whether you want a dynamically presented character with verve; or one with a bit more maturity to the character. Both are excellent, but for my purposes having two phono inputs makes the decision easier.

McIntosh MA6100 Integrated Amplifier

Technical:

The MA6100 was produced from 1972-1979 (mine is from 1974) for a retail price of $699. The subsequent MA6200 retailed for $1899 with a modest increase in power and a completely new design. Call it more modern. Upon the purchase of mine, the gentleman in the Bay Area said a technician had serviced it and I have the receipts. After about a year-and-a-half of use, it developed a dropped left channel, and a weak phono 1. Taking it to my local shop, upon opening they asked if it had ever been serviced…I said yes, but you can fill in the blanks. Suffice it to say, it is good as new for a 50-year-old Mac.

At 70wpc the power comes across as underrated and I can easily drive my Klipsch Forte II’s. The phono stage on these early solid-state Macs was not the best, but I never found it lacking. With dual phono, dual tuner (aux to me), and dual tape deck RCA connections this unit tripped all the bells and whistles I could want.

With an input sensitivity and impedance of 2.5 mV at 1000 Hz, & 47,000 ohms respectively, the numbers are very close to the Phono3, hence it should (and does) work with the Denon DL110 HOMC.

Design:

There is no denying the flat-out gorgeous looks of older McIntosh units, including their “lowly” solid-state units. That glass face (expensive to replace and it can be a make or break to some on purchase) exudes sexiness when coupled with the near-patented McIntosh blue lighting. Logical in its layout of buttons and functions, the inclusion of dual tape, dual phono, dual tuner (AUX to me), and dual tape connections make it worth it.

Other than the technicals involved, there is no need to add anything in comparison.

Performance:

The MA6100 phono stages are very good but will win no awards in the sound category for some aficionados. I also have no qualms about it either. Other than the lack of an MC input, the phono stage performs admirably and I am completely satisfied with the performance.

I find the smooth warmer character of the MA6100 coming through the phono stage fits my listening style. Some have described the MA6100 sound as nearly neutral. Others have described the sound as warmer, and rich like other McIntosh items. I think this lies on the warmer side of life, but not like McIntosh’s traditional tube units. There is also sufficient detail to be had, but not class-leading.

That transfers into the phono stage, too with good clarity to the notes and a heft in the note weight, which gives your album an immersive effect. It is not the best in detailed sound, but the musical nature of the MA6100 through either the Pro-Ject or Denon (even with the Denon DL110) satisfies my needs. That said, the iFi Xen Phono3 carries with it better detail and more clarity, but without the complete immersive effect.

This hearkens back to a mature sound (like the Cambridge) of the MA6100 versus a more forthcoming, vibrancy that carries enough detail to bring your music forward.

If I did not have the Alva Duo, I could easily see the ifi Zen Phono3 as part of my McIntosh system, especially for use with MC cartridges. The synergy between the two would be positive on both accounts, especially knowing I can go back to the stock phono stage on the other phono input.

finale:

Not having heard the OG iFi Phono, I cannot say whether this one is better or not. What I can say is that the Phono3 does its job very well, allowing a multitude of cartridge options to be used with some effort involved in changing cartridges. For those who can, different head shells are a wonderful solution for switching between an MM or MC cartridge. Or two for variety.

The iFi Zen Phono3 is an excellent option for those who require an external phono stage or are not completely satisfied with the internal one (some have mentioned this). The Phono3 adds vibrancy and a level of clarity to the sound, which some units may not possess. The subsonic filter may be worth it alone for its brilliant black background, too.

The detail retrieval of the Phono3 is quite good too, but, due to the forward nature of the presentation, may move you away from an even textured presentation, pushing the upper end a bit too much on some albums. The Phono3 can also only handle one turntable at a time. Not a problem for many who have but one. But those same people may add a turntable in the future for variety and may be stuck with running one or the other on their home unit and one on the Zen Phono3. That may not be an issue for some, and worthy of a look, too. I could see the Phono3 hooked to an MC cartridge turntable, and an MM to the McIntosh filling my needs.

The iFi Zen Phono3’s positives far outweigh its negatives and should be considered as an option should you need an external phono stage. While it does not have the two-turntable option of a main competitor like the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, the iFi presents enough positives to warrant a place in your system. And that alone might well be worth it. The iFi Zen Phono3 is an extraordinary piece of kit, that is worthy of entry into many of our systems from the beginning to mid-high-fi systems.