I’d appreciate a direct comparison with the previous iFi Zen Phono. There’s just not a lot of information out there yet about the new ‘3’ mode yet - like how it sounds or what improvements have been made other than the external cosmetic updates. Thanks!
I wish I still had them to be able to do a side by side comparison for you, but I am only able to keep them for a couple of weeks. I have never used the Zen Phono 1, but I did reviews on the 2 and 3. Both are great preamps, both very detailed. The 3 was just as detailed but warmer. It has an almost tube amp like sound. I’d say it’s personal preference but I liked the sound of the 3 better. I know that’s not exactly what you are looking for, but I hope that helps.
@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Im betting 3 is like 1 then as Ive heard similar comparisons between the Zen Phono and Air Zen phono. The odd part is the RIAA frequency response should be identical. So it comes down to further isolation and mains power filters on the Zen phono, Zen phono 3 and their balanced out vs the plastic housing and consumer ouput.
I just got this a week ago and it sounds very good with moving coil. I did have one weird issue when it would not turn on the third time I went tot use it. I tried a different outlet but that wasn't it and everything else worked normally. I was going to return it but after about a half hour I plugged it back in and it worked perfectly. Hopefully that doesn't happen again because I do like it, and unlike another commenter I like the looks. It reminds me of something from a 1950s luxury car, lol. Edit: I just posted this a half hour ago and when I went to spin some vinyl that damn thing did it again. Well looks like it's going back and that's the last of my experiences with iFi Audio. I'm going to spend more and get the Pro-Ject DS3B that I had in mind before this one.
I hate that you’ve had such trouble out of it. Their customer service was pretty good to me, you might see if they will get you a new one. The Pro-Ject is a good too. You might also try the Schiit Skoll. I did a review on one and loved it.
@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Thanks for the response. After checking the Skoll I think I will go with it at half the price of the Pro-Ject but with the same features. I watched your two videos on it and made a comment that I hope was helpful for people not familiar with all of the different hifi components. Have a great week.
the subsonic steps off at 18k. You won't hear that essentially but will hear and your woofers will be affected by subsonic rumble. The signal is already tainted by the warp rumble.
If I’m remembering the original correctly I don’t believe it has the load adjustment on the front and doesn’t have as wide of a range of cartridge settings. The build quality also seems a bit better. That being said, yes, it’s an upgrade, but I don’t know that it will make a huge difference in sound. If your original is still going strong I would probably consider upgrading or adding another component. I would add a DAC, Streamer, or something else before I spend money duplicating components that I already own. I just don’t think the difference is really that earth shattering.
Honestly, I haven’t tried any of those others out. I have tried the Fosi Box X4 and I’m getting things from Schiit now so I can try to get the Mani at some point. The Zen Phono is more detailed than the Box X4, but the Box X4 is warmer and more open sounding.
I was really skeptical of it at first but it’s been really solid. It’s my go to preamp now. It’s not the best I’m sure. I would say the Schiit and iFi are higher quality without question, but for the money, it’s a great little preamp. I love tube preamps and you won’t find a better one for under $300.
I felt the Zen phono held its own when i compared it to a Pro-Ject Tubebox S2. I kinda preferred the Zen as adds less color to the signal & had a comparable soundstage. For a solid state it is a very flat accurate responding phono pre. The Tubebox has a commonly reported channel imbalance to boot. It definitely shows.
I’d appreciate a direct comparison with the previous iFi Zen Phono. There’s just not a lot of information out there yet about the new ‘3’ mode yet - like how it sounds or what improvements have been made other than the external cosmetic updates. Thanks!
I wish I still had them to be able to do a side by side comparison for you, but I am only able to keep them for a couple of weeks. I have never used the Zen Phono 1, but I did reviews on the 2 and 3. Both are great preamps, both very detailed. The 3 was just as detailed but warmer. It has an almost tube amp like sound. I’d say it’s personal preference but I liked the sound of the 3 better. I know that’s not exactly what you are looking for, but I hope that helps.
@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Im betting 3 is like 1 then as Ive heard similar comparisons between the Zen Phono and Air Zen phono. The odd part is the RIAA frequency response should be identical. So it comes down to further isolation and mains power filters on the Zen phono, Zen phono 3 and their balanced out vs the plastic housing and consumer ouput.
I just got this a week ago and it sounds very good with moving coil. I did have one weird issue when it would not turn on the third time I went tot use it. I tried a different outlet but that wasn't it and everything else worked normally. I was going to return it but after about a half hour I plugged it back in and it worked perfectly. Hopefully that doesn't happen again because I do like it, and unlike another commenter I like the looks. It reminds me of something from a 1950s luxury car, lol.
Edit: I just posted this a half hour ago and when I went to spin some vinyl that damn thing did it again. Well looks like it's going back and that's the last of my experiences with iFi Audio. I'm going to spend more and get the Pro-Ject DS3B that I had in mind before this one.
I hate that you’ve had such trouble out of it. Their customer service was pretty good to me, you might see if they will get you a new one. The Pro-Ject is a good too. You might also try the Schiit Skoll. I did a review on one and loved it.
@@NoFrillsHi-Fi
Thanks for the response. After checking the Skoll I think I will go with it at half the price of the Pro-Ject but with the same features. I watched your two videos on it and made a comment that I hope was helpful for people not familiar with all of the different hifi components. Have a great week.
Awesome! Thanks so much for the help and I’m glad I was able to help as well!
the subsonic steps off at 18k. You won't hear that essentially but will hear and your woofers will be affected by subsonic rumble. The signal is already tainted by the warp rumble.
Yeah, it’s really not a feature I’m expecting to blow me away at that price point for sure.
I have the zen phono is this in upgrade what do you think
If I’m remembering the original correctly I don’t believe it has the load adjustment on the front and doesn’t have as wide of a range of cartridge settings. The build quality also seems a bit better. That being said, yes, it’s an upgrade, but I don’t know that it will make a huge difference in sound. If your original is still going strong I would probably consider upgrading or adding another component. I would add a DAC, Streamer, or something else before I spend money duplicating components that I already own. I just don’t think the difference is really that earth shattering.
Thanks I appreciate your help
Anytime
Hw does this compare with other phono preamps in this price range like the Schiit Mani 2, Project Phono Box S2, Hagerman Bugle MC, etc.
Honestly, I haven’t tried any of those others out. I have tried the Fosi Box X4 and I’m getting things from Schiit now so I can try to get the Mani at some point. The Zen Phono is more detailed than the Box X4, but the Box X4 is warmer and more open sounding.
@@NoFrillsHi-Fi thanks i never considered the Fosi because I wasn’t sure what quality it had.
I was really skeptical of it at first but it’s been really solid. It’s my go to preamp now. It’s not the best I’m sure. I would say the Schiit and iFi are higher quality without question, but for the money, it’s a great little preamp. I love tube preamps and you won’t find a better one for under $300.
I felt the Zen phono held its own when i compared it to a Pro-Ject Tubebox S2. I kinda preferred the Zen as adds less color to the signal & had a comparable soundstage. For a solid state it is a very flat accurate responding phono pre. The Tubebox has a commonly reported channel imbalance to boot. It definitely shows.
I am sure it sounds outstanding, but GOD DAMM do their products look silly. What an awful looking design.
I admit that at first I thought it was odd, but they’ve really grown on me.
I really want one but it's so ugly 😭