iFi Zen Phono 3 Preamplifier Review

[mike70]

Thanks, its the first preamp I get, and I don´t know anything about measurements, I will start to learn. I ordered both and I am listening to both at home, I can´t decide which one sounds better. They are different for sure, with Rega in the brighter side

That can be a difference in gain, capacitance, etc, not a REAL better sound quality.

But, if you're beginning with audio ... here in ASR we take the objective way, not the subjective. You'll have much more answers about "how it sounds" in a subjective forum. The subjective differences normally are mind tricks or configuration differences, but many people likes audio as a magic event. It's ok.

 

[FBech]

Ok, thanks, I am just not sure which one I should keep. I can't find an analitycal review of the MM MK5 either.

 

[Bob from Florida]

Thanks, its the first preamp I get, and I don´t know anything about measurements, I will start to learn. I ordered both and I am listening to both at home, I can´t decide which one sounds better. They are different for sure, with Rega in the brighter side

What cartridge are you using?

 

[mike70]

Ok, thanks, I am just not sure which one I should keep. I can't find an analitycal review of the MM MK5 either.

The Ifi preamp had good measurements, is cheaper and with more flexible configuration.

I ... I'd stay with the Ifi

 

[FBech]

What cartridge are you using?

A Ortofon 2m Red.

 

[Bob from Florida]

A Ortofon 2m Red.

That cartridge puts out 5.5 mv and will match up better to the Zen's 1st gain setting of 36 db versus the Rega's 42 db. The 100 pf setting on the Zen should be used to match the 100 pf on the Rega. The Rega might be clipping some to give the brightness perception and/or may just sound "louder" because of the extra gain. Volume matching is always suspect during listening evaluations.

 

[FBech]

Thanks a lot, I was thinking to upgrading to the AT VM95ML, would that be different?

 

[Bob from Florida]

Thanks a lot, I was thinking to upgrading to the AT VM95ML, would that be different?

I have the VM95SH and highly recommend it! The ML, in theory, is superior to the SH, however, is more sensitive to setup. Curiously, the SH version is a bit more cash than the ML and may reflect it being a higher quality diamond profile differences aside. Once you have the body aligned properly, changing needles is a snap allowing judgement calls if one is inclined.
Do you know the effective mass of your tonearm?

 

[FBech]

I have the VM95SH and highly recommend it! The ML, in theory, is superior to the SH, however, is more sensitive to setup. Curiously, the SH version is a bit more cash than the ML and may reflect it being a higher quality diamond profile differences aside. Once you have the body aligned properly, changing needles is a snap allowing judgement calls if one is inclined.
Do you know the effective mass of your tonearm?

I am using a technics SL1500 C

 

[Muddywaters]

Consider upgrading your stylus to the bronze or get an AT ML cart

 

[FBech]

Yes, I am getting a VM95ML

 

[Bob from Florida]

I am using a technics SL1500 C

Best estimate I can find is around 12 grams effective mass with stock headshell. The VM95 is a low to medium compliance cartridge and will probably work fine. If you feel the result is "bass-shy", you can use a heavier headshell to increase the effective mass some. As long as your counterweight is still sufficient.

 

[Deleted member 79552]

Just ordered one of these. Fingers crossed I like it. Hard to wrap my head around how much some of these preamps cost. I don’t listen to vinyl much so it doesn’t need to make me taste colours.

 

[Vlad Soare]

Are there any downsides to leaving the subsonic filter always on and just forgetting about it? I understand it can help with the low frequency rumble from less than perfect (i.e. slightly warped) records. But what if I play perfectly straight records? Should I turn it off then?
I'm thinking that if they have made it optional, that means there may be situations when we may want to switch it off. Otherwise they'd have just made it always on and would have saved the cost of that button. What would those situations be? When would I want not to use it, and why?

 

[Frank Dernie]

Are there any downsides to leaving the subsonic filter always on and just forgetting about it? I understand it can help with the low frequency rumble from less than perfect (i.e. slightly warped) records. But what if I play perfectly straight records? Should I turn it off then?
I'm thinking that if they have made it optional, that means there may be situations when we may want to switch it off. Otherwise they'd have just made it always on and would have saved the cost of that button. What would those situations be? When would I want not to use it, and why?

Technically it should always be on to remove the inaccurate output from the cartridge.

A seismic sensor only starts to be reasonably accurate from about 2x the Fn of the mass of the sensor on its compliance, below that it is boosted to a variable extent by the system resonance.

OTOH people who don't care about accuracy may like the extra bass you may get - and I have seen people who don't understand how seismic sensors work be against a filter due to ignorance.

 

[somebodyelse]

In IEC 60098:2020 the subsonic filter was made mandatory as detailed in another thread.

 

[Vlad Soare]

Thank you. I'll leave it always on, then.

 

[Deleted member 79552]

Are there any downsides to leaving the subsonic filter always on and just forgetting about it? I understand it can help with the low frequency rumble from less than perfect (i.e. slightly warped) records. But what if I play perfectly straight records? Should I turn it off then?
I'm thinking that if they have made it optional, that means there may be situations when we may want to switch it off. Otherwise they'd have just made it always on and would have saved the cost of that button. What would those situations be? When would I want not to use it, and why?

I don’t notice a difference so I leave it on.

 

[Deleted member 79552]

I agree: a stupid shape that has no advantages or aesthetic appeal and must add to the manufacturing cost.

Maybe it’s something like Heaven 11 does with its cases. They’re very inexpensive prefab conduits or something like that which they buy in bulk and cut into lengths to suit.

 

[AudioSceptic]

Maybe it’s something like Heaven 11 does with its cases. They’re very inexpensive prefab conduits or something like that which they buy in bulk and cut into lengths to suit.

Maybe, but wouldn't semicircular ends be more likely in that case? I can't imagine what this shape would suit.