iFi iPhono3 Black Label Phono Stage
Best phono preamp for vinyl enthusiasts seeking precise, high-fidelity sound reproduction.
Experience unparalleled vinyl playback with the iFi iPhono3 Black Label Phono Stage. This compact yet powerful device boasts a super-quiet noise floor of 85dB, allowing you to hear every nuance of your LPs without interference. It features six of the most popular stereo EQ curves, derived from its high-end sibling, the AMR PH-77, ensuring accurate reproduction of your records. The iPhono3 Black Label offers precise load and gain settings to perfectly match your MM or MC cartridge, extracting maximum performance. Its unique Class A TubeState® and DirectDrive Servoless® technologies, combined with audiophile-grade components, deliver exceptional clarity and dynamic range.
$999.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
278
/ 466
#278 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-85%
Below average
Frequency Response
101000.320200.2
/ Hz – KHz (±dB), Hz – kHz (±dB)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity detail and a silent noise floor
- Vinyl collectors using diverse moving magnet or moving coil cartridges
- Vintage record enthusiasts needing accurate playback for non-RIAA pressings
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking an affordable entry-level solution
- Beginners preferring a simple, plug-and-play audio experience
- Minimalists wanting to avoid extra cables and external power bricks
Performance breakdown
Signal Clarity
The ultra-quiet noise floor reveals hidden textures in every record.
EQ Versatility
Six distinct curves ensure authentic playback for any vintage pressing.
Cartridge Compatibility
Precise load and gain settings accommodate almost any MM or MC cartridge.
Sonic Character
TubeState technology provides rich, harmonic warmth without the maintenance of tubes.
Power Delivery
The included iPower X supply keeps electrical interference strictly at bay.
Signal Integrity
DirectDrive Servoless design eliminates capacitors for a purer, more transparent path.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
10Hz – 100KHz (±0.3dB), 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.2dB)
Dynamic Range
MM (36dB): > 108dB (A-weighted), MC (60dB): > 106dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
MM (36dB): > 85dB (A-weighted re. 5mV), MC (60dB): > 85dB (A-weighted re. 0.5mV)
Overload Margin
MM (36dB): > 26dB (re. 5mV, @ 1% THD), MC (60dB): > 22dB (re 0.5mV, @ 1% THD)
Crosstalk
<-71dB (1KHz)
Maximum undistorted output
7V (Load >= 600 Ohm, THD <=1%)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
<0.005% (MM 36dB 1V out 600R Load)
Output Impedance
<100Ω
Features
- The ‘magic’ of tubes from solid-state.
- Precisely match up LP equalisation!
- No output coupling capacitor.
- Unique DC-Infinity circuit for 0V DC offset.
- Jam-packed with audiophile components.
- Powered by the brand new iPower X power supply.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the iFi iPhono3 Black Label for its exceptional sound quality, often describing a significant upgrade in clarity, detail, and musicality. Many highlight its versatility and extensive adjustability as key features, allowing for precise matching with various cartridges. While it represents a premium investment, users frequently emphasize its remarkable value, asserting that its performance rivals much more expensive phono stages. The consensus points to a highly satisfying audio experience, making it a standout choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking sonic refinement.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is fully compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. It features precise gain and load settings to ensure you can optimize the performance for your specific cartridge type.
The Class A TubeState technology is designed to replicate the warm, harmonic richness typically associated with vacuum tubes while maintaining the reliability, low noise, and efficiency of a solid-state design.
Absolutely. The iPhono3 Black Label includes six popular stereo EQ curves, including RIAA, Columbia, Decca, NAB, and FFRR, allowing you to accurately reproduce older pressings as they were intended to sound.
The iPower X is a high-performance power supply that significantly reduces electrical noise. By providing a cleaner power source, it helps the preamp achieve its impressive 85dB signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in a quieter background and clearer audio.
The DC-Infinity circuit maintains a 0V DC offset without the need for output coupling capacitors. By removing these capacitors from the signal path, the device preserves signal purity and improves low-frequency response.
Yes, the iPhono3 Black Label is very compact, measuring just 6.2 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches. It is an excellent choice for high-end systems where space is at a premium.
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$1000