Turn On, Tranquillity
In a world where modern technology is ever-evolving, simplicity and connection are what we crave most.
The familiar act of picking your favourite LP, hearing the soft crackle before it starts and sharing a story or two with friends as you listen together.
The ZEN Phono 3 allows you to slip seamlessly back into this blissful world of vinyl, and with its enhanced features and intelligent warp filter, you can break out your over-loved LPs and hear them as new.
Best-in-class phono stage for those who want to get the most out of their record collection.
A Perfect Match
Supports four MM/MC gain selections from 36-72dB and four input impedance settings, ensuring optimum compatibility with a wide range of cartridges.
Combat Warped Records
Features an intelligent subsonic filter designed to effectively remove ultra-low frequencies caused by warps, unlike typical bass-reducing filters.
Rivals $1,000 Phono Amps
Boasting a super-silent noise floor with an EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) of -151dBV, ZEN Phono 3 surpasses some Class A+ models by 20dBV.
Super Subsonic
The intelligent subsonic filter high passes the vertical (side) information much more heavily than the lateral (mid), as LP bass is invariably mono due to elliptic equalising during vinyl mastering.
This way it only filters record warp, without attenuating low bass or adding group delay.
Subsonic Filter Frequency Response
Normal subsonic filters arent intelligent.
Theyre typically hated by audiophiles because they filter out the rumble from warped records but also filter out the bass.
The intelligent subsonic filter knows the difference between the two, and only filters the warp, leaving the song intact.
Noise Floor Comparison Chart
The noise floor of a typical phono stage is noticeable. This is because it sits above the level of the low-level textures and detail of the music.
It gets in the way of the song.
The ZEN Phono 3 is distinctly different.
Hear your music as it was meant to be heard;- without the noise you associate with vinyl records.
Hear Your Record Properly
Most records are recorded with an Inverse RIAA (Recording) Equalisation that needs to be undone on playback.
ZEN Phono 3s RIAA playback equalisation curve is within a staggering +/- 0.15dB tolerance allowing for truthful, accurate music playback.
Max Out Every Cartridge
All new front button for adjusting input capacitance and load impedance settings, independently of gain settings.
- MM/MC-High: 47k, 100/200pF.
- MC-Low/V-Low: 100/400/1k.
Minimise Crosstalk
ZEN Phono 3 is the only phono stage in its class to feature a 4.4mm balanced output.
Connect to active speakers, amplifiers or receivers with balanced inputs, and experience reduced crosstalk and noise.
Shockingly Silent
ZEN Phono 3 boasts an Equivalent Input Noise figure of -151dBV, which is -20dB quieter than some Stereophile Class A+ phonos which are -131dBV.
The ZEN Phono 3 has its own high-tech 1.2MHz power supply on its own island so isolated, it does not pollute noise into the amplification stage.
USPs
- Intelligent Subsonic Filter for warped LPs.
- Precise RIAA with balanced output.
Features and Functionality
- Four MC/MM gain selections from 36-72dB.
- Front button for load adjustment.
- -151dBV Equivalent Input Noise.
- Internal high-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply.
Physical characteristics
| Weight | 456 g |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 158 x 113 x 35 mm |
Specifications
| Frequency Response | 20-80kHz (-3dB) BAL; 20-20kHz (-0.15dB) UnBAL |
| Output Impedance | <200 BAL; <100 UnBAL |
| S/N | MM 91dB(A); MC High 71dB(A); MC Low 89.6dB(A); MC V Low 78.6dB(A) |
