Great review, simple language that doesn't confuse people and a very well recorded demo. Your system looks and sounds superb by the way. Many thanks and,.....you have a new subscriber! 😉
The standout for me in this review is not the iFi, but the Evie Sands Women In Prison LP. I had no idea this was ever released on vinyl! Brilliant choice.
I’m strongly considering the iFi Zen phono preamp for my soon-to-purchase Fluance RT85 turntable. And the reason is that it has great reviews across the board, plus I plan to use the 4.4mm balanced output to connect via XLR to a pair of Edifier S3000 Pro powered audiophile bookshelf speakers. I will be using the RCA outs from a Sony 400-disc CD/DVD/SACD player, so the XLR outs on the Zen will come in very handy.
Did you get the RT85 and the Zen Phono? - I am also connecting through the XLR\4.4mm plug and man what dynamics! - The Zen Phono definitely benefits from the extra gain (and quietness) of the XLR connection... Oh ya, I also bought the iFi "Quiet power adaptor" - Amazing combo of accessories. - Hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. :)
@@rlwings - Well, life happened and we sold our house recently and are in the process of settling in to our new surroundings. But I appreciate your very positive report.
Got this last December and love it, their was a tiny bit of buzz when I picked up the headshell of my Thorens TD160 but I got the IFI ipower and that's is gone now, would recommend this upgrade.
In my system I found it slightly lacked detail and sounded veiled and so sent it back .The internal phono on my vintage Sony str 6055 sounded noticeably better. Great build quality though and sounds decent enough.
I really enjoy your channel. It has been very helpful to me. As other commenters have said, you are honest and fair (and I like your taste!) I'm writing to let you know that ifi is out of stock in this item less that a year after they had so many reviewers post reviews of their equipment. Kindly please be careful about reviewing for manufactures that have difficulty keeping these items in stock. (two years later, but some of these ifi phono zen reviews are three months old!) This video is sill coming up on the youtube "recommended" algorithm. This makes reviewers look bad. If you review it and we can't even think about purchasing it, what's the point? If reviewers declined reviews for manufactures that have a track record of running out of stock (as Amazon states: "currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock") Just tell the companies like ifi "no" please!
Thanks for your comment, I share my experience with the products I tried in my system but please be aware “I have no control over (or any reviewers) what they have in stock or how long will they have in stock and any changes in price and specs”. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Of course you don't. I never suggested that. I do think the next time Ifi offer you product, you have a responsibility to your viewers to express your concern that your viewers were not able to get the product from the last ifi product you reviewed.
Great review. The Zen phono preamp sounds better than the one in my Macintosh ma252 in my opinion. It's more detailed and the bass is better defined. I love how it sounds. plus I used ifi dc filter
I just got this in sunday and I didn’t do an ab comparison but I really like what I hear - I am using 48db gain on my Stock lp120xusb cartridge and it sure it quiet. I was using the phono stage on my Yamaha 803 I think I like the external zen phono preamp better.
Good review and good combo. Vinyl records can warp forming small ripples or in case of eccentric center hole. During the reading phase, these undulations can be transduced by the magnetic head and amplified, causing undesirable oscillations of the membrane of the other speakers intended for the reproduction of low frequencies (woofers) which, at high listening volumes, could introduce distortions due to exceeding the maximum excursion. of the membrane and, in the worst case, be damaged. To overcome this inconvenience, it may be useful to use a subsonic filter, or a high-pass filter with the task of strongly attenuating the subsonic frequencies (below 20 Hz), without however acting on the frequencies in the audio band. Obviously these frequencies being "subsonic" are not audible to the human ear.
Thank you for the review of the phono amp. Finally -) Saying honestly, phono preamps can use one set of batteries for weeks. This is a good case for a good toroidal transformer. I believe that "improved" PSU is linear type.
The schiit mani $160 shipped is just as good if not better. I just got one and it blew away my project phono s2 tube for $450. Great video keep up the great work.
I agree with everything you have observed on this phono pre. I just got one and I like it. What I like know is if this phono pre will outperform other models in the $500 range too?
You are not supposed to hear anything with a subsonic filter. The idea is to eliminate subsonic frequencies produced by warped records which will negativly affect performance.
I'm using an MM cartridge. With this the sound of the Zen is disappointing, all treble and bass with recessed mids. My cheap Chinese tube phono amp bought on ebay sounds much better. What is the point of a balanced output unless you have long cable runs?
I wonder why my turntable has a hum when using this particular preamp. If I disconnect the ground wire, the hum disappears. All other preamps (Schiit Mani, Parasound zphono) are tried are ok, no hum. Is anyone else having similar issue? Is it ok to leave the ground disconnected?
Not sure how it works exactly but apparently this a common thing. The general consensus from what I've read in audiophile forums is to do whatever brings less hum. If leaving the wire off is best then leave the ground wire off. - I know this seems unsatisfying, but it works. Lol
You could use a battery power bank to drive it have you tried being 5 volts Depends what cartridge you are using what are you using... supposed to work well with moving coil and you can adjust it. What is that thing you put on your record player! some sort of cleaner! you should get yourself a demagnetiser for your records doesn't have to be expensive couple £100 for mains plug in transform demagnetizing tools just fix a spindle like a pencil with a bit of blu tack and a skateboard bearing and spin the record. Might be worth changing the impedance loading of the cartridge looked on the internet Denon DL 103 it's 40 ohms I'm assuming that's what you got set on the phono stage ? I did a quick calculation and bringing it down to 39.09 ohms will lower the top end making it not so bright! you'll need a 1730kohms resistor. get a Y connector x2 a rca plug x2 solder the resistor between the positive and negative terminals inside the plug to give you parallel resistance with the phono stage selector at 40 ohms plug the turntable cable into the Y connectors. Don't forget your resistance will be higher than 40 ohms at the phono stage because of the cable length, you could try 1550kohms be about 38 ohms at the phono stage, maybe you should try half a metre cable I'm assuming you've got a metre, and vice-a-versa if you want it brighter have a metre and a half or 2 m cable
@@Tharbamar ok its a demagnetizer any good ? have you tried to demagnetize a screwdriver to see if it works! normally need a high powerful electrical field not sure if it's powerful enough it's electromagnet of batteries. i left you some comment on making the cartridge sound less bright with the phone stage by dropping slightly the internal resistance don't forget the 40 ohm loading resistance you have to add the cables into that can you set it for 60 ohms on the phono stage
Normally I look askance at someone like this, trying to impress everyone on the net with his expertise. But this John guy (if that is his real name and not just some bot) actually speaks truth to word. You gotta do some math if you wanna play records. Or at least some arithmetic.
I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but for the benefit of others I offer this: Push the power button once, wait 10-15 seconds for light on the front to stop flashing. The unit is now live! - There is a "Warm-up" period. It's not an 'instant on' device.
Currently here in 2022, it is going for $199. Curious, what more do I get if I went with a $600 Moon LP110 v2? Would I hear any difference if my system is modest with the source being say a $600 U-Turn Orbit turntable and an Ortofon 2m Blue? Thanks. I'm trying to decide if the iFi Zen Phono will be "good enough".
Ifi zen phono very good to purchase for me. Just bring it over one week ago and they quit burn in and the sound was very nutral balance. One tning didn’t like about zen phono ie the switchs in front like power switch and subsonic filter. Its not work all time during its on. Is that my product faulty or not dnt know? What yours? During the playback when i want to off the phono on off bottom then it not working in one press and another press of bottom then it will work. Do u face this kind of issue??
I thought I had same issue as you have with those buttons but I learned how they respond, quick press and release works all the time with them, great buy for the money. Thanks
@@Tharbamar there is nothing due the quick click..... "The Zen Phono MCU is designed to switch out of the signal path after a few seconds to improve the sound quality. This means when turning the Zen Phono off we need to press the on/off button twice . First time to wake the MCU, then wait a few seconds and press a second time to turn the unit off."
I love your reviews. Always honest and fair. Hope this channel goes on for a long long time
Great review, simple language that doesn't confuse people and a very well recorded demo.
Your system looks and sounds superb by the way. Many thanks and,.....you have a new subscriber! 😉
The standout for me in this review is not the iFi, but the Evie Sands Women In Prison LP. I had no idea this was ever released on vinyl! Brilliant choice.
I’m strongly considering the iFi Zen phono preamp for my soon-to-purchase Fluance RT85 turntable. And the reason is that it has great reviews across the board, plus I plan to use the 4.4mm balanced output to connect via XLR to a pair of Edifier S3000 Pro powered audiophile bookshelf speakers. I will be using the RCA outs from a Sony 400-disc CD/DVD/SACD player, so the XLR outs on the Zen will come in very handy.
Did you get the RT85 and the Zen Phono? - I am also connecting through the XLR\4.4mm plug and man what dynamics! - The Zen Phono definitely benefits from the extra gain (and quietness) of the XLR connection... Oh ya, I also bought the iFi "Quiet power adaptor" - Amazing combo of accessories. - Hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. :)
@@rlwings - Well, life happened and we sold our house recently and are in the process of settling in to our new surroundings. But I appreciate your very positive report.
Got this last December and love it, their was a tiny bit of buzz when I picked up the headshell of my Thorens TD160 but I got the IFI ipower and that's is gone now, would recommend this upgrade.
In my system I found it slightly lacked detail and sounded veiled and so sent it back .The internal phono on my vintage Sony str 6055 sounded noticeably better. Great build quality though and sounds decent enough.
I really enjoy your channel. It has been very helpful to me. As other commenters have said, you are honest and fair (and I like your taste!) I'm writing to let you know that ifi is out of stock in this item less that a year after they had so many reviewers post reviews of their equipment. Kindly please be careful about reviewing for manufactures that have difficulty keeping these items in stock. (two years later, but some of these ifi phono zen reviews are three months old!) This video is sill coming up on the youtube "recommended" algorithm. This makes reviewers look bad. If you review it and we can't even think about purchasing it, what's the point? If reviewers declined reviews for manufactures that have a track record of running out of stock (as Amazon states: "currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock") Just tell the companies like ifi "no" please!
Thanks for your comment, I share my experience with the products I tried in my system but please be aware “I have no control over (or any reviewers) what they have in stock or how long will they have in stock and any changes in price and specs”. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Of course you don't. I never suggested that. I do think the next time Ifi offer you product, you have a responsibility to your viewers to express your concern that your viewers were not able to get the product from the last ifi product you reviewed.
在中国不缺货还经常打折出售大概980元人民币
@@mattharwood4413在中国zen phono不缺货zen phono air缺货 当然ifi是一家纯正的中国公司 只是他们把自己包装成英国公司而已 这样外国人就喜欢购买
Great review. The Zen phono preamp sounds better than the one in my Macintosh ma252 in my opinion. It's more detailed and the bass is better defined. I love how it sounds. plus I used ifi dc filter
I just got this in sunday and I didn’t do an ab comparison but I really like what I hear - I am using 48db gain on my Stock lp120xusb cartridge and it sure it quiet. I was using the phono stage on my Yamaha 803 I think I like the external zen phono preamp better.
Very good preamp. Using with Denon dp-47f and dl -103 cart and is nice .
Good review and good combo.
Vinyl records can warp forming small ripples or in case of eccentric center hole. During the reading phase, these undulations can be transduced by the magnetic head and amplified, causing undesirable oscillations of the membrane of the other speakers intended for the reproduction of low frequencies (woofers) which, at high listening volumes, could introduce distortions due to exceeding the maximum excursion. of the membrane and, in the worst case, be damaged. To overcome this inconvenience, it may be useful to use a subsonic filter, or a high-pass filter with the task of strongly attenuating the subsonic frequencies (below 20 Hz), without however acting on the frequencies in the audio band.
Obviously these frequencies being "subsonic" are not audible to the human ear.
Thank you for the review of the phono amp. Finally -) Saying honestly, phono preamps can use one set of batteries for weeks. This is a good case for a good toroidal transformer. I believe that "improved" PSU is linear type.
Great sound, theirs nothing like vinyl, the music was very real sounding, unlike cd which is so flat and lifeless. Big Thumbs up
Wow what a nice preamp with a mc stage for 150$ thanks for the review! 👍👍😎😎🤘
What you using Brian
The schiit mani $160 shipped is just as good if not better. I just got one and it blew away my project phono s2 tube for $450. Great video keep up the great work.
You say the Shit is better than the Zen? I need choose one.
Ifi blew away Schiit in few reviews...
Wow! Sounds great! Great punch! Thanks for a real Demo // A womans voice and instrumentals. Awesome!
What is that electronic record cleaner that you use in the video?!
I agree with everything you have observed on this phono pre. I just got one and I like it.
What I like know is if this phono pre will outperform other models in the $500 range too?
You are not supposed to hear anything with a subsonic filter. The idea is to eliminate subsonic frequencies produced by warped records which will negativly affect performance.
Well yes, subsonic filter is for using a subwoofer or your speakers extend really low but some of them are not so good at their purpose.
@@Tharbamar Yes, I agree. Some of them interfere with the sound which is not good. Nice video. Cheers
nice review again. How would you compare or recommend : CSS Criton 1Td vs KEF R300? You had a review 3 years ago. I can buy R300 at 800. Thx
R300 build quality is better, sound stage is wider and better sensitivity but personally I like 1TDX sound more than R300. Thanks
i have the ifi zen phono and a denon dp59l on teufel amplifier and fishhead audio resolution 1.6...great equipment....✌
I'm using an MM cartridge. With this the sound of the Zen is disappointing, all treble and bass with recessed mids. My cheap Chinese tube phono amp bought on ebay sounds much better. What is the point of a balanced output unless you have long cable runs?
Sir I wanted to buy may I know how to buy from you I am from Singapore thank you
Tharbamar, im curious what is the brand name type of the vinyl dust remover much love 💯
I’m using LoD made by Hitachi from Japan, thanks
@@Tharbamar thank you sir, this is a cool gadget 😊
I am torn between this and cambridge duo for my vinylplayer. Turntable is pro-ject esprit dc with 2m red. Thank you already.
I wonder why my turntable has a hum when using this particular preamp. If I disconnect the ground wire, the hum disappears. All other preamps (Schiit Mani, Parasound zphono) are tried are ok, no hum. Is anyone else having similar issue? Is it ok to leave the ground disconnected?
Not sure how it works exactly but apparently this a common thing. The general consensus from what I've read in audiophile forums is to do whatever brings less hum. If leaving the wire off is best then leave the ground wire off. - I know this seems unsatisfying, but it works. Lol
You could use a battery power bank to drive it have you tried being 5 volts
Depends what cartridge you are using what are you using... supposed to work well with moving coil and you can adjust it.
What is that thing you put on your record player! some sort of cleaner! you should get yourself a demagnetiser for your records doesn't have to be expensive couple £100 for mains plug in transform demagnetizing tools just fix a spindle like a pencil with a bit of blu tack and a skateboard bearing and spin the record.
Might be worth changing the impedance loading of the cartridge looked on the internet Denon DL 103 it's 40 ohms I'm assuming that's what you got set on the phono stage ? I did a quick calculation and bringing it down to 39.09 ohms will lower the top end making it not so bright! you'll need a 1730kohms resistor. get a Y connector x2 a rca plug x2 solder the resistor between the positive and negative terminals inside the plug to give you parallel resistance with the phono stage selector at 40 ohms plug the turntable cable into the Y connectors.
Don't forget your resistance will be higher than 40 ohms at the phono stage because of the cable length, you could try 1550kohms be about 38 ohms at the phono stage, maybe you should try half a metre cable I'm assuming you've got a metre, and vice-a-versa if you want it brighter have a metre and a half or 2 m cable
It’s record vacuum with demagnetizer made by Hitachi Lo-D. Thanks for the advice.
@@Tharbamar ok its a demagnetizer any good ? have you tried to demagnetize a screwdriver to see if it works! normally need a high powerful electrical field not sure if it's powerful enough it's electromagnet of batteries. i left you some comment on making the cartridge sound less bright with the phone stage by dropping slightly the internal resistance don't forget the 40 ohm loading resistance you have to add the cables into that can you set it for 60 ohms on the phono stage
Normally I look askance at someone like this, trying to impress everyone on the net with his expertise. But this John guy (if that is his real name and not just some bot) actually speaks truth to word. You gotta do some math if you wanna play records. Or at least some arithmetic.
can't get this to turn on. tried multiple ac/dc adapter. help!
I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but for the benefit of others I offer this: Push the power button once, wait 10-15 seconds for light on the front to stop flashing. The unit is now live! - There is a "Warm-up" period. It's not an 'instant on' device.
Hi
I'm very interested in the vinyl with Evie sands -women in prison but i can not find it anywhere so can you help me to find it.
Best regards
Kim
Would a usb power pack battery be the quietest way to power it?
Yes if you want to keep the unit away from line noise.
How does it compare to Mofi Studiophono? (Which is double the price at usd350)
Another reviewer said this was superior to mofi
Thanks , do you recall who that was?
@@laardvarkzilllions7955 Steve Huff
Thank you 😃
If you want some fun and shock your high end friends buy the ifi it will kick ass out of many high end names I won’t mention Leh…… and Co.
Currently here in 2022, it is going for $199. Curious, what more do I get if I went with a $600 Moon LP110 v2? Would I hear any difference if my system is modest with the source being say a $600 U-Turn Orbit turntable and an Ortofon 2m Blue? Thanks. I'm trying to decide if the iFi Zen Phono will be "good enough".
Ifi zen phono very good to purchase for me. Just bring it over one week ago and they quit burn in and the sound was very nutral balance. One tning didn’t like about zen phono ie the switchs in front like power switch and subsonic filter. Its not work all time during its on. Is that my product faulty or not dnt know? What yours? During the playback when i want to off the phono on off bottom then it not working in one press and another press of bottom then it will work. Do u face this kind of issue??
I thought I had same issue as you have with those buttons but I learned how they respond, quick press and release works all the time with them, great buy for the money. Thanks
@@Tharbamar ok. Great observation. Lets check mine also.
@@Tharbamar there is nothing due the quick click..... "The Zen Phono MCU is designed to switch out of the signal path after a few seconds to improve the sound quality. This means when turning the Zen Phono off we need to press the on/off button twice . First time to wake the MCU, then wait a few seconds and press a second time to turn the unit off."
$499 waxwing - parks audio - small miracle and finger licking good 🍒👌🍒