ZEN phono ZEN Phono 3 Phono Stage For Turntables User Guide

User Guide for ZEN phono models including: 246ZENPNO3, ZEN Phono 3, ZEN Phono 3 Phono Stage For Turntables, ZEN Phono 3, Phono Stage For Turntables, Stage For Turntables, Turntables

246ZENPNO3

246ZENPNO3, iFi Zen Phono 3 Phono Preamp, WWW.CRUTCHFIELD.COM

HNEWBERRY

iFi ZEN Phono 3 owner's manual

iFi ZEN Phono 3 Phono preamp for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges at Crutchfield

File Info : application/pdf, 30 Pages, 2.36MB

246ZENPNO3

Power ON/OFF

z~t-J Phono
Quick Start Guide

Subsonic filter

RCA analogue output

Grounding posts

[!I,: ;
Set-Up video DC Power SV

Gain setting LED's
0 Power

Load Switch
DCSV

4.4mm BAL analogue output

RCA analogue input

e Input

DC 5V / ~ 0.5A (centre + ve)

Press POWER button

0 POWER

RCA

Gain switch

8 Output
RCA BAL4.4mm
Q Gain
1.MM 2,MCHIGH 3.MC LOW 4.MCV-LOW

36dB 48dB 60dB 72dB

0 Load
Check the cartridge datasheet and select your closest load value

200pF O MM/MC-H
1KO · -

e 1000
/ MC-L/VL
· 4000

LOAD

200pF e
1.MM 2.MC-HIGH

e 100O
3.MC-LOW 4.MCV-LOW

C, Subsonic filter

0
SUBSONIC FILTER

Press to toggle ON/OFF

ZEN
Phono
3
User
Manual_Ver1.01
User Manuals
Thank you for purchasing the Phono from the ZEN series. The Phono 3 is a balanced MM/MC phono stage. Unleash the full potential of your favourite vinyl records with the ZEN Phono 3. It boasts an intelligent subsonic filter that transforms the sound of your warped vinyl records, a noise floor quieter than some Class A+ phono stages, providing greater dynamic range and supports four MC/MM gain selections to ensure compatibility with a wide range of cartridges. The ZEN Phono 3 creates a serene listening experience that allows every musical detail to shine through.
1 / 10

FEATURES:
· Supports four MC/MM gain selections from 36dB to 72dB and four input impedance settings, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of cartridges · Features intelligent subsonic filter to intelligently remove only the ultra-low frequencies caused by warps, not by the music, unlike typical bass-reducing filters · With an EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) of -151dBV, this phono stage surpasses some Class A+ models by 20dBV, ensuring a super-silent noise floor · Precise RIAA with balanced output, performance matches that of a $1,000 phono stage · Internal high-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply, rivalling classic tube amplifiers' LC filtering circuits
2 / 10

Contents 1. Power switch 2. 2. MM and MC gain channel display LED 3. Load Mode Selector Switch 4. SUBSONIC Filter ON/OFF 5. Balanced 4.4mm analogue line output 6. RCA analogue line output 7. Ground 8. RCA analogue line input 9. Gain channel switch 10. DC 5V Power Supply Connection
3 / 10

1. Power switch
Power switch, short press to switch on/off.
Note: If the device has been switched on for a period of time (10 min), you need to shut off the unit twice to turn it off. It only happens if the unit is on for a while. This is because the MCU will have switched out of the signal path so you get to enjoy the best sonics!
2. MM and MC gain channel display LED
The LEDs indicate the currently selected gain mode (see item 9).

LED MM HIGH LOW V-LOW

Gain mode (9) 1 MM 2 MC HIGH 3 MC LOW 4 MC V-LOW

Output
Voltage
2mV 2mV 0.5mV 0.25mV

Tips: ZEN Phono3 automatically enters the lock state after working for 10 minutes, it can not be adjusted after locking, you need to press the intelligent subsonic filter switch (4) briefly to unlock it, and it can be adjusted normally after unlocking.

4 / 10

3. Load Mode Selector Switch
This button cycles between 4 load levels:

Load
200pF (Default is 100pF) 1k/400/100

Mode MM/MC HIGH MC LOW/MC V-LOW

4. SUBSONIC Filter ON/OFF
This is the SUBSONIC filter switch.
The iFi-designed subsonic filter will intelligently detect whether a subsonic frequency is a warp or a bass note. It will eliminate the warps and let all the bass and mid-range frequencies pass through untouched. Therefore, it will not affect the sound quality.

5 / 10

5. Balanced 4.4mm analogue line output
This is an analogue output via 4.4mm > XLR or other balanced interconnects. You can use this to connect to active speakers or amplifiers that have a volume control.
Tip: As ZEN Phono 3 is balanced, this is the recommended output.
6. RCA analogue line output
This is an analogue output via RCA > RCA or other single-ended interconnects. You can use this to connect to active speakers or amplifiers that have a volume control.
7. Ground
This is the ZEN Phono 3's ground, please connect it to the turntable's grounding wire.
8. RCA analogue line input
This is an analogue input. Connect your turntable to the ZEN Phono 3 here.
6 / 10

9. Gain channel switch
This switch switching between 4 gain levels:

Gain Channel

Corresponds Gain

1. corresponds to MM 2. corresponds to MC HIGH 3. corresponds to MC LOW 4. corresponds to MC V-LOW

(>2mV) (2mV) (0.5mV) (0.25mV)

Please adjust the gain channel switch in accordance with your preference and your turntable's specifications.

10. DC 5V Power Supply Connection
The ZEN Phono 3 is powered by a 5V supply only. Please connect the ZEN Phono 3 to the enclosed power supply.
Tip: For best performance upgrade the enclosed power supply to a super-low noise power adapter such as iPower2 5V or iPower X 5V.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Analogue Input: RCA L/R Analogue Output: Balanced 4.4mm
RCA L/R
7 / 10

Max.^ Output Voltage RMS: Balanced 19.98V RMS 100k (THD + N <1%) 12.75V RMS 600 (THD + N <1%)
Single-Ended 10.07V RMS 100k (THD + N <1%) 7.94V RMS 600 (THD + N <1%)
Output impedance: Balanced 200
Single-Ended 100 Input impedance:
MM/MC HIGH 47k 100pF or 200pF (optional) MC LOW/MC MC V-LOW 1k or 400 or 100 (optional)
Gain settings MM 36dB (±1dB)
MC HIGH 48dB (±1dB) MC LOW 60dB (±1dB) MC V-LOW 72dB (±1dB)
SNR: (All 2V Balanced/1V Single-Ended) MM 91dB (A-weighted)
82dB (unweighted 80kHz BW) MC HIGH 81dB (A-weighted)
8 / 10

71dB (unweighted 80kHz BW) MC LOW 89.6dB (A-weighted)
80dB (unweighted 80kHz BW) MC V-LOW 78.6dB (A-weighted)
69dB (unweighted 80kHz BW) Ein (equivalent input noise): (All 2V Balanced/1V Single-Ended) MM 8.9nV|/Hz (unweighted) -127dBV (A-weighted)
-118dBV (unweighted) MC HIGH 7.95nV|/Hz
-129dBV (A-weighted) (unweighted)
-119dBV (unweighted) MC LOW 0.7nV|/Hz
-149.6dBV (A-weighted) (unweighted)
-140dBV (unweighted) MC V-LOW 0.63nV|/Hz
-150.6dBV (A-weighted) (unweighted)
-141dBV (unweighted) Total Harmonic Distortion: (All 2V Balanced/1V Single-Ended @ 600)
MM <-91dB/0.0027% MC HIGH <-80dB/0.0095% MC LOW <-70dB/0.031%
9 / 10

MC V-LOW <-73dB/0.022%
Channel Separation: >75dB (1kHz all modes) Frequency Response:
Balanced 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.15dB) Single-Ended 20Hz - 80kHz (±3dB) Power supply requirement: DC 5V/0.5A (centre +ve) Power consumption:
No Signal ~1.5W Max Signal ~1.8W Dimensions: 158 x 115 x 35 mm (6.2" x 4.6" x 1.4") Net Weight: 456 g (1.0 lbs) Limited Warranty: 12 months*
*12 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws. **Specifications are subject to change without notice. ^See FAQ at ifi-audio.com for more information.
10 / 10

ZEN Phono 3 Tech Lowdown

A Perfect Match for Your Cartridges
Supports four MM/MC gain selections from 36-72dB and four input impedance settings, ensuring optimum compatibility with a wide range of cartridges.
MM/MC-High: 47k, 100/200pF MC-Low/V-Low: 100/400/1k

Combats Warped Records Intelligently
Features an intelligent subsonic filter designed to effectively remove ultra-low frequencies caused by warps, unlike typical bass-reducing filters.

Subsonic Filter Frequency Response
Normal subsonic filters aren't intelligent.
They're typically hated by audiophiles because they filter out the rumble from warped records but also filter out the bass.
Our intelligent subsonic filter knows the difference between the two, and only filters the warp, leaving the song intact.

Rivals $1,000 Phono Amplifiers

Equivalent Input Noise

Boasting a super-silent noise floor with an EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) of -151dBV, ZEN Phono 3 surpasses some Class A+ models by 20dBV.

Noise Floor Comparison Chart
The noise floor of a typical phono stage is noticeable. This is because it sits above the level of the low-level textures and detail of the music.
It gets in the way of the song.
The ZEN Phono 3 is distinctly different.
Hear your music as it was meant to be heard;without the noise you associate with vinyl records.

Exacting RIAA Equalisation

Hear Your Record Properly
Most records are recorded with an Inverse RIAA (Recording) Equalisation that needs to be undone on playback.
ZEN Phono 3's RIAA playback equalisation curve is within a staggering +/- 0.15dB tolerance allowing for truthful, accurate music playback.

Visual explanation of RIAA EQ curves. Source: Wikipedia Commons

Intelligent subsonic filter that removes LP warp without removing low end
-151dBV measured Equivalent Input Noise. 20dBV quieter than
some Stereophile Class A+
High precision, (1.2MHz) highcurrent power supply controller

Key Features

Precise RIAA EQ with +/- 0.15dB tolerance from 20Hz-20kHz
4.4mm balanced and RCA line outputs
36-72dB gain range and load impedance adjustment button to support a range of cartridges

`Sunlit Bronze' hardware for premium
look and feel

ZEN Phono 3 vs. ZEN Phono Looks

Redesigned front panel with gain settings central

Modern two-tone design;
stands out against "black box" style competition

ZEN Phono 3 vs. ZEN Phono Comparison

Cartridge Support Gain Settings (dB) Load Adjustment Max Output Voltage Output Impedance Input Impedance
Frequency Response Equivalent Input Noise Harmonic Distortion Net Weight

ZEN Phono 3 MM, MC 36, 48, 60 72 200pF/1k/400/100 20v RMS @ 100k
200 Bal 100 SE MM/MC High: 47k (Load 100/200pF) MC Low: 1k/400/100 MC V Low: 1k/400/100 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.15dB) -151dB(A) 0.0027% MM re 2V Bal / 1V SE 456g (1.00lbs)

ZEN Phono MM, MC 36, 48, 60 72 20v RMS @ 100k
200 Bal 100 SE MM/MC High: 47k (Load 110pF) MC Low: 1k MC V Low: 110 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.15dB) -151dB(A) 0.003% MM re 2V Bal / 1V SE 515g (1.14 lbs)

Connection Guide

Box Contents

Specifications

Input

Gain Settings

MM MC High MC Low MC V Low

Line Output

Output Power (RMS)

Balanced UnBAL

SNR

MM MC High MC Low MC V Low

Equivalent Input Noise

MM MC High MC Low MC V Low

Harmonic Distortion

MM MC High MC Low MC V Low

Output Impedance

Frequency Response

Dimensions

Weight

Warranty period

RCA
36dB 48dB 60dB 72dB
BAL 4.4mm/UnBAL RCA >19.98V @ 100k (THD+N<1%) >10.07V @ 100k (THD+N<1%)
91dB(A) 71dB(A) 89.6dB(A) 78.6dB(A)
-127dBV(A) -129dBV(A) -149.6dBV(A) -150.6dBV(A) < 0.0027% @ 600 < 0.0095% @ 600 < 0.031% @ 600 < 0.022% @ 600 <200 BAL; <100 UnBAL
20-80kHz (-3dB) BAL; 20-20kHz (-0.15dB) UnBAL
158x113x35mm (6.2" x 4.4" x 1.4")
456g (1.0 lbs)
12 months

MQA.S·etu .p
( wh_e·re applicable)
For MQA computer setup, plea·se scan this QR code or type 'ifi audio' into Youla search.
You will find two·setupvideos: · MQA Decoder - eg Pro iOSO · MQA Renderer- eg nano iDSD BL Just select the correct video setup for your device.

Any queries, please search the FAQs or open a support ticket here:

https://support.ifi-a udio.com/

+t+T I D iA L

Type A Connections

...

( where applicable)

This iFi device with a USBType A male port

was designed for direct connection to mobile

devices to extract the digital signal.

' Type A

Phone connection via
Apple (iOS) use Apple USB to USB-C/lightning:

I_~

Android* use On-The-Go (USB-C/USB-mocro):

'·

For further support FAQs and Support Ticket System: https://support.ifi-audio.com/
·Please ensure your Android1s USB hostmode compatible

Note for Charging
( where applicable)
· If the LED is BLUE when you first switch ON the machine, it means that it is sufficiently charged. If the LED is RED, please turn OFF the machine and charge until no LED is lit.
· If you cannot power ON or if there is no LED light, please insert a USB cable with USB power 3-5 times, then the LED should be BLUE. It should stay like this for a few hours (depending upon how flat the battery is). If not, please re-insert the USB cable {with USB power) 3-5 times again, and once the LED is BLUE, leave for at least 6 hours.
· After a long period on inactivity (say 3-6 months), please fully charge the machine again. Ideally, repeat this process once every 3 months.
· If you encounter any issues, please contact our technical support department at: https://support.ifi-audio.com/

ifi-audio.com

Ver1 .2

After-Sales
3 Easy Steps...

Step 1

Access the web site

...

support.ifi-audio.com

Step 2
Complete name/system
details

...

Step 3
Provide as much system information
as possible

_ _,

Dear iFi customer: Thankyou for purchasing this iFi product.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions surrounding our products/support.

https://support.ifi-a udio.com/

i.fi

R,111<,w the IRProducrSoftty Guldt btfo,e using your IA Product. View the guld· at lfi.audlo.com/produet-guldes. Rotain documentation for future rererence.
Safety and Handling Sff "IR Product S,,fttyGU/dt" at lfi-audlo.com/product-guld···
Avoid Hearing Dam.ageTo prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen 1t high volu~ levels ror tong periods.
Always <:hed< the actUal output volUme on you, earphone. headphone.
o, loudspea~rs before ploying audio, as many music pla~ software and operating Sy>tomsdo not·PP<OP<lately apply Industrial standards gemming volvme control (e.g. US8 Oevlce Class Definijion for Hvman Interface Device). IfIn dovb!. before ploying arrt music. tum off
Cybe,Sync orany other volume synchronintlon feature on the iR
Product and bring the volume down to the lowest sotting.
J0,. WARNING: To pre"1!nt possible heiring d·magt, do not
f:!J!:::. listtn ·thigh volumt ltvtls for long ptnods.
Mtdlc.al Devic.e lnterf·rwnce ifj Product contatn.s magnets that may Interfere with me-chcal devices. Stt ~IFI Product Sakry GuJd~at lfi·audlo.com/product· guldos.
Prolonged Heat EJCpo,ure Your ifl Product may beconw very warm during normal ust-. It Is Important to kttp your lf!I Product on a hard, stable. and weU ventilated work su~ce when In use o.r charging. u~ common sense to avoid situations whe,r'e your' body ls In prolongfd cont1ct w11h I device Or' Its powtr adapter when it Is ope:r·tlng or pluggt'd into a pewer soun;e. as sust"icined cont.act with warm surfaces m·y c.1use discomfort or injury.Take special care if you have a physfciil condition that affects your abfli1y to detect heot against th· body.
Regulatory Information Regulatory certl6ation Information is available at lfi··udlo.com/product-guldes.
FCC and ISEO C.n·d· Compll·nca This device complies wtth part t 5 of the FCC Rul6 and ISW C.nada hconct exempt RSS standard (s) Optra"on Is subjtct to tht following two conditions: (1I this devie· may not caust hormlul lnterterenc·. ·nd (21 this dtviet mvst acct-pt any lntederence rece-ived. il'lcludlr,g lnttrfermce th·t may causo und61rtd oporatlon.
EU/ UK Compliance IA hereby declor·· thol this wiroleu dtvice i> In compllanct with Olfectlvt 201~/S3/EU and Radio Equipment Revul·tJons 2017. I\ copy of the Oeclaratlon of Conformity Is avall·ble at lfi.audk>.com/product·guldes. IA EU representatlvt Is Abblngdon EU BV, Mercatotweg 28 Atnhtm 6827 DC Netherlands. IFI UK reprtstntatlVi! Is Abbingilon Global Ltd, 79 Scarlsbrlc~ New Road. Southport. PR8 6U.
CE~~

UM -

(Ifoppllcable) This device Is rostncted to tndoo, we

when operating In tho 51 soto 5350MHz ITeqlJfflC)' "'nge.nus

apptl,s In: /\T, BE, 8G. CH, cY, CZ.. DE. OIi. &. ~ .. ES.Fl, FR, HR.

HU, IE, IS. IT, U. LT, W, LV, MT; NL. NO, Pl. PT, RO, SE, SI, SK.TR. UA. Ul<(Nl)

i i2.4GHz (Blut1001h/WI.AN) S.1 SO·S.350/5.470-S.72SGHz S.725·5.87SGH2
STAR· Compllana

<100mW <200mW <2SmW

As 1n ENERGY STAR partner, lfl lits dtttrmlned that stond·rd configurations of this product meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.The ENERGY STAR program Is a partnership
with clectronlc equipment manufacturers to promote tnergy-effident products. Reducing energy consumption of products saves money and helps con.strve valuable resources.

Dlspont and AecycUng Information
R
The symbol above me.ans that 1cco«Hng to locill 1aws and rogulatlons yovr product and/or its battery sholl bt dlspostd of ffparately from household wast~ When this product reaches ;1s end of life, take It to a collecuon point designoted by locol
authoutlt"s. The sepa1att" collectlon and re-cycling ofyour product and/or Its batttry ·· the time of disposal wlll help conselVE' natural resources anct ensure thit it ls recyc;leCI In a manner that
protects humin heallh tnd the environment.

Battery and Ch1rgln9 Don't attempt to repta<e or remove the
batttry yourself-you moy damagt the batttry, which could caust overheating, fir'e, and injury, The buill_.n battery should be: repl·ced by IFi or an authofized service provider, and must be
recycled or disposed of seporately from household waste. Dispose of banerles according to your local environmental laws ~nd guidelines. For lnf0<mation about charging. set "iR Product Safety Guldt·at ifi·audlo.com/product"1luldes.

softwar· Uc·n.1· A.-.m·nt Use of IFI Produet constittttes acceptance of the IA and thlrd·S)lrty softwar· llcense terms found
at ffi·audlo.com.

Accauotfe, Standard and/or no tJl\dar

3rd party Kcessotlts

may bt included with the IA product. Only ,A products art

compatible with those accessories. All accessories are glve-n ·as 1.s,·

iFI offers no other 6:pllcit or lmpll~ assurances, and expressly

dlsdalms all Implied wan-antlts, including any promise of

merchantability or fi-tnf'H f0t a p~rti<Vlar purpoff.

IFI Llmlt·d WarT·ntv Summary IA warrant> tht lnclvdtd twrdware product and Kcessories i191lnst defects In materials and workmanship for one year from the d.lte of orlginal ret.all purchase
(unless otherwise provided by law). IFI does not warrant against nonnal wear and 1ear, nor damage caused by accident or abuse. To obtain service. coll IA or an IA Authorized Service Provider-
avallabte se.Mce optk>ns are: de~ndent on the country In whJch ~rvlce I$ requHted and may be tts:tri<ted to the ongin.al count')' of ,.,·. Coll ch·rgts and lnttrnational shipping charges may ·pply, depending on the location. Svbject to the full terms ·nd detalltd lnfonnation on obtaining selVice ovall,ble at lfi·audio.com, Ifyou submit a valkl claim undl'r this wananty. IA will ~ther repair, ~ace. or rtfund your ptoduet al Its own discreoon. Warranty
btnefits ' " ' In addition to nghts provided under local consu,n.,r laws. You may bo roqu1rtd to furnish proof ofpurchast deL>ils when
making a dalm undN thl$ warranty. For AustraUan consumets: Our goods comitwith guar,ntees thiiit c.annot tM txcludfd under tht' Austr1111n Consumtr L,w,You ,,. ~titted to I repla<emtnt or ,tfund for I ma;or f,Hure and for compensation for ·ny other retuonably forese-eable loss or damage. You are ,bo entitled to hive the goods repaired or replaced If the goods t.U to be of occeptable quality .and the #allure does not amount lO a major fa!lu".
0 2022 IFI /\II tights restffld IFI, tht IA logo. and IA Product.,. t··dematks ol Abblngdon llm,ted, Abbingdon Glob·I Limited., r091sttred In tht U.S. tnd otht, covntrie>. ENERGY STAR and lht ENERGY STAR marl< ore revl>tered trademarks owned by the U.S.
Environment·! Protection Agency.

References

Adobe Acrobat Pro (32-bit) 24.2.20736