SPL Phonitor XE Desktop Headphone Amplifier
Best high-fidelity amplifier for audiophiles seeking a studio-grade, immersive listening experience.
The SPL Phonitor xe is a high-fidelity headphone amplifier and DAC designed for discerning audio enthusiasts. It features the advanced DAC768 for exceptional sonic performance, supporting high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD256. The amplifier boasts a dual power amp design for balanced headphones, offering enhanced bass and transparency. Users can customize their listening experience with the optimized Phonitor Matrix, including adjustable Crossfeed and Angle settings to simulate different listening environments. It also includes a unique remote control learning function for convenient volume adjustment. The SPL Phonitor XE Headphone Amplifier is a no-compromise, standalone audio device designed for exceptional headphone listening. It features the advanced VOLTAiR technology, delivering an honest, detailed, and vivid sound experience. The amplifier offers connections for both standard stereo jack and balanced 4-pin XLR headphones, effortlessly driving all models. Its robust construction includes a massive, milled aluminum volume control for a premium tactile feel. The Phonitor XE supports multiple analog and, with an optional DAC, digital sources, ensuring broad compatibility with various audio equipment.
$2049.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
388
/ 733
#388 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+47%
Above average
DAC
76832768256
/ DAC (-bit/kHz PCM, DSD)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a natural, speaker-like listening experience
- Critical listeners demanding high-resolution, transparent audio fidelity
- Headphone collectors needing power for diverse, demanding gear
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level amplification
- Users requiring a portable or minimalist desktop setup
- Purists who prefer an uncolored, traditional headphone sound
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
VOLTAiR technology provides exceptional headroom and an incredibly vivid, honest sound.
Headphone Compatibility
Dual power amp design effortlessly drives even the most demanding headphone loads.
Soundstage Customization
Phonitor Matrix offers precise control to simulate realistic, fatigue-free speaker listening.
Build Quality
Robust aluminum construction paired with a premium, tactile milled volume control.
Digital Versatility
High-resolution DAC768 handles demanding PCM and DSD formats with ease.
Control Ergonomics
IR learning function adds convenient remote volume control to a professional setup.
Key Specs
DAC
DAC768 (32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD256)
Inputs
USB, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical, Analog
Outputs
1x 4-pin XLR Balanced, 1x 3.5mm Jack (front and rear)
Amplifier Technology
Dual Power Amp
120V-Voltair Technology for analog signal processing
Phonitor Matrix with Crossfeed and Angle adjustments
Remote Control
IR learning function for volume
Simultaneous use of headphone outputs
Features
- Ultimate standalone device for headphone enthusiasts
- Integrated Uber-DAC768 for outstanding sonic performance
- Drives balanced headphones with twice the power of standard jacks
- Switchable headphone outputs on front and back for convenience
- Optimized Phonitor Matrix for pure audio playback
- Adjustable Crossfeed and Angle for simulating room acoustics
- Learn any IR remote for volume control
- High-resolution audio conversion up to 768kHz PCM and DSD256
- VOLTAiR technology for exceptional dynamics and headroom
- Phonitor Matrix for adjustable stereo width
- Massive, milled aluminum volume control with Alps potentiometer
- Retro-look VU meter for visual feedback
- Optional DAC768v2 for extensive digital input options
- High output power to drive all headphones effortlessly
- Low distortion and wide dynamic range for detailed sound
- Robust, solid aluminum construction
- Optimized for headphone playback
- VOLTAiR technology for powerful headphone driving
- Phonitor matrix for speaker-like headphone experience
- Adjustable crossfeed and angle for realistic soundstaging
- Front and rear connections for flexible setup
- Learns any infrared remote control for volume adjustment
- Integrated DAC with AKM converter chip for high sound details
- Supports 32-Bit resolution and up to 768kHz sampling rate, DSD up to DSD256
- Phonitor matrix for fatigue-free listening
- Crossfeed and laterality control for detailed audio balancing
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the SPL Phonitor XE for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Users frequently highlight the amplifier's ability to reveal intricate details in music, creating an immersive listening experience. The design is often described as premium and durable, reflecting a high standard of craftsmanship. While it represents a significant investment, many reviewers feel the unparalleled audio performance and lasting quality justify the cost, making it a cherished centerpiece for serious audiophiles.
Know before you buy
The Phonitor Matrix simulates the acoustics of a room, allowing you to adjust crossfeed and speaker angle. This helps reduce listening fatigue and creates a more natural, speaker-like soundstage while using headphones.
Yes, the Phonitor XE supports simultaneous use of its headphone outputs, allowing you to connect two pairs of headphones at once.
VOLTAiR technology utilizes a high operating voltage of +/- 60V, which provides significantly higher dynamic range and headroom. This results in a cleaner, more detailed, and more honest reproduction of your audio.
The Phonitor XE does not include a dedicated remote, but it features a built-in IR learning function. This allows you to program any existing infrared remote control you already own to manage the volume.
Yes, the Phonitor XE is designed to drive virtually any headphone model with ease. Its dual power amp design provides substantial output power, ensuring excellent performance even with demanding, high-impedance headphones.
The integrated DAC768 supports high-resolution audio, including PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD playback up to DSD256.
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