iFi Zen Air Phono Preamp for Turntables

iFi Zen Air Phono Turntable cartridges produce a minuscule signal, requiring amplification to several hundred times its original size to reach a level suitable for your amplifier. The ZEN Air Phono effortlessly boosts the signal from millivolts to volts. In the era when vinyl reigned supreme, phono stages were commonly integrated into receivers and amplifiers, simplifying the connection of turntables. However, in contemporary setups, most receivers and amplifiers lack a built-in phono stage, necessitating a separate unit like the ZEN Air Phono. This phono stage is indispensable for turntables lacking a built-in phono stage and enhances the performance of basic built-in phono stages in turntables or amplifier systems. Enhancing Purity Vinyl music resonates deeply with the soul, offering a purer listening experience compared to digital tracks. Elevate this experience further by minimizing hiss, noise, and rumble on your records with the ZEN Air Phono. Compatibility with MC and MM The ZEN Air Phono caters to both types of turntable cartridges—Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). The MM setting is ideal for cartridges with an output voltage of 2mV and higher. The MC setting is suitable for outputs less than 2mV. Switch between these settings effortlessly using the gain switch located on the rear panel. Precise RIAA Equalization This phono stage boasts precise RIAA equalization, meeting the demands of even the most discerning vinyl enthusiasts. Warp Drive Engagement Records may develop warps over time, affecting playback quality. With the ZEN Air Phono, any warps on your records are effectively addressed by our ‘subsonic filter’, eliminating rumble without compromising bass or causing phase issues. Advanced Components for Exceptional Performance Like other iFi audio products, the ZEN Air Phono features a custom OV Series operational-amplifier, ensuring exceptionally low noise, minimal distortion (0.0001%), and wide bandwidth. Additionally, TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors, renowned for their stability and low losses, reduce capacitor-induced distortion to virtually negligible levels, enhancing audio fidelity. Furthermore, Panasonic ECPU capacitors, constructed from thousands of ultra-thin dielectrics, offer class-leading Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), low impedance, frequency stability, and minimal distortion, further enriching the audio experience. iFi Zen Air Phono Specs Power Supply Requirement: DC 5V/1.0A (centre +ve) Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.15dB) Channel Separation: > 75dB (1kHz all modes) Max Output Voltage: RMS6.5V RMS 600Ω (<1% THD & N) Gain: MM: 40dB MC: 64dB Input Impedance: MM: 47kΩ MC: 1kΩ Output Impedance: 100Ω SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio): MM: 86dB (A-weighted) re 1V MC: 82dB (A-weighted) re 1V Ein (Equivalent Input Noise): MC: 0.6nV/√Hz (unweighted), -151dBV (A-weighted) MM: 6.5nV/√Hz (unweighted), -130dBV (A-weighted) Total Harmonic Distortion: MC: <-80dB / 0.01% re 1V MM: <-90dB / 0.005% re 1V Power Consumption: < 1.8W Dimensions: 158 x 117 x 35 mm (6.2″ x 4.6″ x 1.4″) Net Weight: 320g (0.71 lbs) Quick Start GuideUser Manual