iFi Audio Zen Air Phono

Overview

A phono stage applies RIAA equalization and gain to a turntable cartridge's tiny signal so it can feed a normal line input. This unit accepts moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, adds a subsonic filter and is powered by a USB cable.

Choose it to add a phono input to a system that lacks one, with filtering aimed at hiss and low rumble. The limit is data, since gain settings, loading options, connectors and power requirements are not given, so match them to the turntable and amp first.

Who it's for

A turntable owner connecting to powered speakers or an amplifier without a phono input will use the equalization and the subsonic filter. Anyone who wants adjustable cartridge loading or full specifications before buying should check the maker's sheet.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

A phono stage restores the bass and treble balance that records are cut with, then lifts a tiny cartridge signal to line level. Matching gain to the cartridge type avoids noise or distortion, and the subsonic stage removes low-frequency rumble that wastes amplifier power. Clean power matters because the signal is so small.

Where it stands among phono preamps

• #3 most-searched brand and model of the 5 phono preamps lines we track (by search demand, not sales).

From the specs of the 8 phono preamps we list; not a test result.

Specifications