iFi iPhono3 Black Label Phono preamp for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges

Features

Overview: The iFi Audio micro iPhono3 Black Label is a compact, Class A TubeState phono preamplifier that brings out the best in your vinyl recordings. With separate inputs for Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, micro iPhono3 amplifies the signal, but not the noise. It offers multiple gain, load, and EQ curve options to accommodate the differences in vinyl, and to make your turntable sound as good as possible. The micro iPhono3 BL comes with the separately-package iPower X power supply to block noise from your mains from entering the audio path.

MM/MC Inputs: Separate inputs are provided for MM and MC cartridges. The output voltage of the cartridge determines which input you should choose. Cartridges with an output equal to or less than 1mV should be connected to the MC input, while those greater than 1mV should be connected to the MM input. MM and MC inputs should not be connected simultaneously. A ground wire extension and an IEC grounding adapter are included for connecting the turntable's ground wire.

Gain Setting: After connecting the turntable to the appropriate input, you should determine and set the gain. The micro iPhono3 Black Label offers gain levels from 36dB (63 times) to 72dB (4000 times) for cartridges with rated outputs from 0.1mV to 10mV. The required gain is determined by the cartridge output. On the bottom of the unit are three sets of micro-switches that need to be set according to the settings below:

Load Setting: Every cartridge requires a load in order to sound its best. In many cases, the correct load value is stated in the cartridge manual. In other cases, you will need to determine an appropriate load value by listening for the setting that sounds the most natural. The micro-switches on the bottom panel are used for setting the correct load. A card with suggested gain and load values is included.

EQ Curve Selection: The micro iPhono3 BL uses some of the same equalization curve technology as its big brother, the $12,000 AMR PH-77, which has 23 EQ curves. The six most popular stereo EQ curves are featured in the micro iPhono3. Between 1954 and 1980, record labels slowly adopted a standard RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) EQ curve. If you're playing a pre-1980 record, it's possible that it was manufactured using a different EQ curve. The 3-way EQ curve switch on the front panel lets you choose between the RIAA EQ curve, or the Columbia or Decca EQ curve. It is suggested that you first listen with the RIAA EQ curve, then try the Decca or Columbia EQ to see which one delivers a truer sound. You can also fine tune the RIAA EQ curve using the micro-switches on the bottom of the unit. Choices include eRIAA (enhanced), RIAA, IEC, or eRIAA+IEC. The IEC and eRIAA+IEC settings add a sub-sonic filter to reduce low-frequency distortion caused by rumble from a warped record.

iPower X: Included with the micro iPhono3 Black Label is the iFi iPower X 15V/1.5A power supply. Using the iPower X significantly cleans the mains power, reducing the noise floor by more than 40dB. It features Active Noise Cancellation II, which actively cancels incoming noise, similar to the method used by ANC headphones. It uses an equal but opposite signal to remove noise in the low and mid frequencies. Passive insulating filters eliminate interference in the high frequencies. With a clean input signal, the annoying hiss typical of many phono preamps is gone.

Specifications: