Experience cleaner audio quality with ZEN Air Phono. A phono preamplifier, also known as a phono preamp, acts as the intermediary between the cartridge (stylus) and the amplifier. Cartridges produce a weak signal that needs to be amplified several hundred times in order to reach a volume suitable for your amplifier.
ZEN Air Phono boosts the signal level from millivolts to volts, providing a significant increase in volume and improving overall audio quality.
In the past, receivers and amplifiers were equipped with built-in phono preamps, allowing for direct connection to turntables. However, most modern receivers and amplifiers no longer include this feature, requiring a separate unit. This is especially necessary for turntables that lack a built-in phono preamp function. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to upgrade the basic built-in preamp found in turntables or amplifiers.
Listening to music on vinyl is a soulful experience. The clean, analog sound sets it apart from listening to tracks on phones or computers. Enhance the audio quality of your system with the assistance of ZEN Air Phono, whether you have a built-in phono preamp or not.
ZEN Air Phono is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, which are the two types of cartridges commonly used in turntables. The MM setting is designed for cartridges with an output voltage of 2mV and above, while the MC setting is appropriate for outputs below 2mV. The input type can be selected using a switch located on the device's back panel. This phono preamp also offers precise RIAA equalization to satisfy even the most discerning vinyl enthusiasts.
Similar to other iFi audio products, ZEN Air Phono is built with the exceptional OV series operational amplifier. This high-quality component provides extremely low noise, minimal distortion (0.0001%), and a wide bandwidth, ensuring the highest level of audio fidelity.
One unique feature of ZEN Air Phono is its integrated subsonic filter. Unlike typical subsonic filters that can negatively impact bass quality and cause phase issues, ZEN Air Phono incorporates a proprietary AI phono subsonic filter. This filter effectively removes rumble while leaving the musical signal unchanged, preserving the integrity of the audio.
Key features:
- Compatible with both MM and MC cartridges
- Precise RIAA equalization
- Unique proprietary AI phono subsonic filtering
- Features high-quality components from Panasonic and TDK
- Gain: MM 40 dB / MC 64 dB
- Input impedance: MM 47K / MC 1K
- Output impedance: 100 ohms
- Signal-to-noise ratio: MM 86 dB / MC 82 dB
- Channel crosstalk: 75 dB
Package includes:
- Phono preamp
- Power cable
- Documentation