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iFi Zen Phono 3 Preamplifier Review

Rate this phono stage:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 5 4.1%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 32 26.0%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther

    Votes: 80 65.0%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 6 4.9%

  • Total voters
    123
The problem with Rega (in my opinion) is the price / performance ratio. I mean, the Zen is (as least) as good as the Rega, but with a much lesser price tag.

The classic western brands are having so much trouble to justify their prices when you go straight to real performance. An awful truth.
The MK5 is 50 euros more than the Zen phono 3
 
The problem with Rega (in my opinion) is the price / performance ratio. I mean, the Zen is (as least) as good as the Rega, but with a much lesser price tag.

The classic western brands are having so much trouble to justify their prices when you go straight to real performance. An awful truth.
There is still a common belief that "measurements aren't everything" when it comes to SQ, and brand loyalty also comes into it: if you have a Rega TT, you might also be inclined to buy a Rega phono amp.
 
I am thinking about the Zen 3 vs Rega MK5 to use with Technics SL1500C and AT-VM95ML, wich one would you guys recommend?
I realise that this is a Zen Phono review thread, but I don't think I'd be choosing between those two options (old joke about directions ... 'I wouldn't start from here').
Fosi has a new phono amp, just reviewed, or the two stalwarts; Cambridge Duo or Schiit Mani 2 all seem better
 
The MK5 is 50 euros more than the Zen phono 3

Wow! It wasn't the situation ... the MK2 was close to 500 USD. I remember the phono mini, that was cheaper.
 
There is still a common belief that "measurements aren't everything" when it comes to SQ, and brand loyalty also comes into it: if you have a Rega TT, you might also be inclined to buy a Rega phono amp.

Sure, i think the important is to take informed decisions. Sometimes performance isn't the major goal and you decide on esthetics, whatever ... but not thinking you have "the best" ... when it isn't.
Some guys will take the Rega after a dealer talk and thinking "I have the best".
 
There is still a common belief that "measurements aren't everything" when it comes to SQ, and brand loyalty also comes into it: if you have a Rega TT, you might also be inclined to buy a Rega phono amp.
Let's put beliefs aside for the moment and focus on measurements. If 2 different components measure differently yet both measurements are below the threshold of an individuals hearing ability, then we have to consider other variables to justify the purchase. Cost, appearance, functionality, reliability, service after the sale, country of origin, etc can enter into the equation. Just better numbers in this example mean nothing in a practical sense. One could make the case that number chasing past the point of significance is an alternative form of "snake oil" to entice buyers. If glowing subjective reviews are one form of "snake oil" then meaningless better numbers below perception is another form of "snake oil".
 
Spend a minimum on vinyl is the basis (AT LP 120 is enough).
 
Spend a minimum on vinyl is the basis (AT LP 120 is enough).

A strong statement ... maybe is your opinion.
I don't think you need a 5k turntable, it's ok, ... but it's a mechanical device (not a motherboard with chips), you need a decent turntable to use a better cartridge, extract the best from the grooves, etc.

If you don't want to progress with analog, maybe I agree ... but if you want to get the best from analog, you need to invest a little more than the LP120.
 
Spend a minimum on vinyl is the basis (AT LP 120 is enough).
The <0.2% wow and flutter number for their direct drive tables is of concern. Their best table is the servo control belt drive is below at <0.08% wow and flutter for $849.
 
The <0.2% wow and flutter number for their direct drive tables is of concern. Their best table is the servo control belt drive is below at <0.08% wow and flutter for $849.
0.2% is huge and really bad (especially since I imagine that it's not 2sigma but rms etc) and hard to understand even more for dd
 
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Don't think it's audible, otherwise there are others at this price.
 
Don't think it's audible, otherwise there are others at this price.
on the contrary in these values it is perfectly audible and can even make listening unbearable...typically on the piano etc... even half is already too much
(if you want to do it easily.. invite you to listen to one of these tracks 3 / 3k15 of test disc.. think to be listened not measured)
 
Don't think it's audible, otherwise there are others at this price.
The equation- ranked by importance is: Turntable - Arm - Cartridge - Phono Preamplifier. It all starts with the table, you screw that up and nothing downstream will recover.
 

Ohh ... It's proved since decades ago my friend ... wow and flutter and resonances / vibration control are key factors.

Something "easy" to check for? If I do little finger beats in the plinth of my Technics I hear nothing/nada in the speakers. If I do the same on the lp120 of a friend you hear a "thump" sound. So, believe in what you want, some folks believes in a flat earth and they're happy anyway.

But, with bad shape records and a wasted conical stylus, surely everything sounds the same.
 
So we have to take your word for it. And they got together as a group of three to bring what they call "evidence"! You're all so funny!
 
Ohh ... It's proved since decades ago my friend ... wow and flutter and resonances / vibration control are key factors.

Something "easy" to check for? If I do little finger beats in the plinth of my Technics I hear nothing/nada in the speakers. If I do the same on the lp120 of a friend you hear a "thump" sound. So, believe in what you want, some folks believes in a flat earth and they're happy anyway.

But, with bad shape records and a wasted conical stylus, surely everything sounds the same.
the basic dd's from the 80s were less than 0.03rms... do you understand what flutter is wow? the pitch-frequency variation?

"and do not confuse pitch and flutter/wow"
modele standart de 1972...




(the French expression is probably more explicit "pleurage" ... seem "crying" (?))
 
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So we have to take your word for it. And they got together as a group of three to bring what they call "evidence"! You're all so funny!

i repeat, you can think whatever you like ... i'm a vinyl listener for more than 40 years who owned many turntables and cartridges.
i only try to say to other people that maybe is reading the thread that turntable quality is important, more on a totally mechanical device, and who wants to search for more documentation about it, is pretty publicly available.
That's all, closed discussion for me.
 
the basic dd's from the 80s were less than 0.03rms... do you understand what flutter is wow? the pitch-frequency variation?

"and do not confuse pitch and flutter/wow"
modele standart de 1972...




(the French expression is probably more explicit "pleurage" ... seem "crying" (?))

excuse me, but i didn't understand what you said, english is not muy mother language, maybe is something with me.
do you suggest that i confused wow & flutter with vibration control or that i don't know about 80s DD (my first Technics was a mk2 in 1982) ?
 
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