This is the 3rd version of iFi's compact, full-featured phono preamp, introduced in 2012. Then came the iPhono 2 in 2016.

This new iPhono 3 Black Label, contains some enhancements (but a major sonic improvement, see Fremer review later):

RRP has significantly increased (from US$399 for the iPhono 2) - US$995 / £999 / AU$1699 / NZ$1999

Gain - 36dB - 72dB
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)
Output Impedance - <100Ω
Dimensions - 6.2' x 2.3' x 1.1' / 158 x 58 x 28 mm
Weight - 0.58 lbs / 265 g


Impressive spec's & some impressively 'audiophile' technical details below:

" All-new hand-matched Burr-Brown Soundplus® J-FET type operational amplifier. The Burr Brown is complemented by Panasonic Japan-made ECPU Film Capacitors designed for audiophile applications with vanishingly low distortion of (<0.005%!), infusing the iPhono3 Black Label with dynamic range performance that is second-to-none. "

" Computer matched pair complementary planar high gain bi-polar input transistors means 6dB lower output noise...latest generation of surface-mounted components...parasitic behaviour across the board has been drastically reduced...audiophile-grade Nichicon capacitor, providing lower ESR, faster speed, and deeper bass... Complemented with the new hand-matched bi-polar transistors...packed throughout with TKD Japan made C0G type capacitors... ELNA Japan made Silmic Capacitors are used for the power supplies... Vishay MELF type thin film resistors...show
dramatically decreased noise and distortion. "

" One of the key aspects is the ability to precisely ‘correct’ the recording with the intended equalization curve. There are 6 curves on the iPhono3 Black Label that are trickledown technology from the (AMR flagship pho stage) PH-77 which had a total of 22 EQ curves! "

See - iFi iPhono webpage





(Widely adjustable settings for capacitance & impedance loading & phono EQ curves with subsonic filter.)

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Michael Fremer (Analog Planet) says that this iteration is a HUGE improvement over the iPhono 2, he was impressed even:

" (Compared to the iPhono 2...) The improvement isn’t incremental. It’s a major step forward. "

" The low noise floor alone makes it an exceptional product. Add the low distortion, the exacting transient response and the unit’s superb ability to delineate subtle microdynamic gradations, plus its impressive transparency... "

" Even with a .26mV cartridge the iPhono 3’s black background was notable. "

" The soundstage was huge on Muddy Waters Folk Singer: exceptionally wide and notably deep. "

" The iPhono 3’s bottom octave performance was equally surprising (I mean I was really surprised!). "

" ...it was as if the iPhono 3 left no identifiable “residue” of its own. "

" ...the rendering of the solo piano recording exceeded every expectation in terms of instrumental attack, sustain and decay as notes trailed off into the black not often heard from any similarly priced phono preamp that I’m aware of. "



(Fremer has some reservations about the usefulness of some of early EQ curves.)

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

AUDIOPHILIA (Canada, 3 Jul '20) review:

" immense soundstage ...a deep orchestral image. "

" The dynamic slam touted by iFi here seems to make itself known immediately. "

" ...one of the top phono stage competitors in the (US)$800-1400 price bracket. "

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

😀😀

AMR-iFi R&D

looks great but one aspect is doing my head in...

how do you decipher the eq curve settings ?

the written names suggest columbia top, riaa middle, decca bottom

but the pictogram, assuming columbia is the first symbol, suggest bottom, top, middle ?

do i need more coffee ?

Yes, more coffee. I looked twice at the graphic too!
Normal position is in the middle (RIAA), and if you have a Columbia eq’d record the switch is up. For Decca it’s down.
From the manual:

“Tip: EQ Curves
Columbia*: most Columbia/CBS, Epic, EMI (records originally issued under Columbia) etc.
RIAA: standard EQ curve for all records issued after 1980s and some after 1950s. There are four different types of RIAA EQ available, e.g. eRIAA, IEC, RIAA, eRIAA+IEC. Adjust it via the micro switches located on the underside of iPhono3 Black Label.
Decca*: most Decca, London, Deutsche Grammophon (DG), Archiv, EMI, Argo, NAB etc.
* For pre-1980 records“

AMR-iFi R&D

so what does the graphic mean ?