Get Reference-Level Quiet, Resolution, and $150 in Extra Savings: iFi iPhono3 Black Label MM/MC Phono Preamplifier Makes Vinyl Jump to Life, Pairs Fabulously with the Bundled Hana S MkI MC Cartridge
It's virtually impossible to overstate how quiet (A-weighted noise floor of 89dB) the iFi iPhono3 Black Label MM/MC phono preamplifier is during operation. Or to exaggerate its dynamic range (out to an eye-popping 111dB A-weighted), reference-grade output impedance (20 ohm), or flexibility with all types of vinyl (five equalization curves to mate with practically any LP). And now that it can be had with an ideal mate, the Hana S MkI MC phono cartridge (select low- or high-output version from the above menu), in a bundled package that saves you an extra $150 over buying the models separately, it's basically impossible to overstate its value.
A beauty and beast, iPhono3 Black Label makes analog jump to life with incredible clarity, quickness, accuracy, and detail. You'll hear your LP collection reproduced with a more natural, lifelike sound enriched with lower distortion, increased resolution, and remarkable transient response. Factor in the supplied iPOWER X outboard power supply (less than 0.1uF noise floor) that adds 4dB to the overload margin, and you have a phonostage that fully understands the importance of black backgrounds, immeasurably low distortion, and uninterrupted quiet when spinning records.
With Decca, RIAA, Columbia, RIAA, and IEC curves at the ready, iPhono3 Black Label ensures accurate playback for all types of music and all eras of records. You will never have to worry about playing another LP with the wrong EQ and tolerate inferior sonics. iPhono3 Black Label also comes with a subsonic filter, handy when dealing with a warped track or record. To further enhance the audiophile experience, iPhono3 Black Label employs a simple Class A TubeState buffer circuit that minimizes the loading of the amplifier circuit while simultaneously biasing the output stage of the integrated circuit amplifier into single-ended Class A. The result: Sonics that combines the best of tube sound (lack of grain and edginess, organic naturalism) with the benefits of modern solid state (low distortion, low noise).
The secrets to such breathtaking performance lie with the reference-level build, engineering, and parts quality. Compatible with practically any moving-magnet or moving-coil phono cartridge, iPhono3 Black Label features hand-matched Burr-Brown Soundplus OV4627S J-FET op-amps complemented by Japan-made Panasonic ECPU film capacitors touting a vanishingly low distortion of <0.00005%. Hello, dynamics. Working in concert, computer-matched planar, high-gain, bi-polar input transistors translate to lower output noise. The planar transistor is constructed by an etching and diffusion technique in which the junction never sees exposure during processing, and the junctions reach the surface on one plane, protecting against current leakage and ensuring high gain. An audiophile-grade Nichicon 470uF/6.3v/UFW0J471MED capacitor provides lower ESR, faster speed, and deeper bass in comparison to the preceding model, while new FMMT618A transistors increase the power from 350mW to 625mW.
Employing a Direct Drive Servoless "DC Infinity" circuit that adds no noise or distortion to the signal path, the sleek, 0.44-pound iPhono3 Black Label also counts Japan-made TKD COG-type capacitors for the equalization and power-supply bypass, ELNA Japan-made Silmic capacitors for the power supplies, MELF-type think film resistors for all critical positions, and a Panasonic OSCON totaling 14,800uF for ultra-low Equivalent Series Resistance, superb noise reduction, and stellar frequency characteristics.
Factor in iPhono3 Black Label's petite 1.1 x 2.3 x 6.2-inch (HWL) footprint that allows it to sit virtually anywhere without taking up precious space, and this U.K.-designed analog instrument is a musical and ergonomic champion. Just like the bundled Hana S MkI phono cartridge.
Indeed, The Absolute Sound, Stereophile, Hi-Fi Choice, Hi-Fi World, and other audiophile press outlets agree: Hana SH and SL MC phono cartridges offer price-to-performance quality, constant musical engagement, and refined sound few (if any) other models offer at this cost. A winner of a TAS Editors Choice Award, Hana SH and SL (for high- and low-output, respectively) offer tight balances, great separation, and exceptional frequency extension. Anchored by a top-rate Shibata stylus, Hana SH and SL also feature alnico magnets and cross-shaped armatures. Once you hear this red-hot cartridge line for yourself, youll fully understand why the critics are raving about Hana. This is no small upgrade to your analog setup.
In particular, SH and SL excel at producing musical engaging experiences—the very exploits audiophiles value most and which transcend the numbers attached to any measurement. You’ll enjoy remarkable transparency, edge-free transients, even-handed linearity, and bottom-end weight that take you into the performances. The levels of soundstaging, coherency, and definition also far exceed that what should be possible at this price point. If you want a no-frills cartridge that allows you to sit back, listen, and forget about your surroundings, SH and SL more than fill the role—they define it.
"[I]f you've got $1,000 to spend on a fully adjustable, compact, MM/MC phono preamplifier, I don't see how you can possibly buy an iPhono 3 and regret your decision."
– Michael Fremer, Analog Planet
"The iPhono3 does nothing wrong. None of the tonal spectrum is exaggerated or ignored.... Within the price constraints, analog doesn't get any better than this.... [The iPhono3] is an excellent product in every way."
—TONE
"The level of transparency generated by these Shibata cartridges at this price point is something to admire."
– The Absolute Sound, Editors Choice and Product of the Year Awards
"The Hana-SL gives a really sophisticated performance, which is very involving and refined... Both (Hana-SL & Hana-SH) are superb cartridges and are strong challengers to rival big-name brands at the price."
– Neville Roberts, Hi-Fi Choice, Recommended review
"Each Hana SL played records as if it cost not hundreds but thousands of bucks."
– Herb Reichert, Stereophile, Class B Recommended Component
"Both these moving coil cartridges bring genuine advantages to any listening session at a low, low price. Terrific value for money."
– Paul Rigby, Hi-Fi World
"This is performance that any more costly cartridge should equal at a bare minimum, and that some dont."
– Andre Jennings, The Absolute Sound, Golden Ear Award (SL model)
