Zen Phono 3 - MM and MC Phono preamplifier - Precise RIAA with balanced output - four MC/MM gain selections from 36dB to 72dB - Internal high-tech 1.2MHz clean power supply

Damn! It’s too good for this 40 year old vinyl 😂

I’m fortunate enough to run two hi fi systems: a main setup in the living room and a smaller, vinyl focused system elsewhere in the house. Until recently, the secondary system relied on the built in phono stage of the Audiolab 6000A, fed by a Pro Ject Debut Carbon Evo. I was perfectly content with the sound, but I also knew it sat a few rungs below the performance of my main system. I’d often considered giving it a lift with a dedicated phono stage, and after reading several positive reviews of the iFi Zen Phono 3, I finally decided to try it. I’m naturally sceptical of claims that any piece of equipment performs miracles, and I won’t make those claims here. Does it make a difference? Yes. Is it a dramatic, night and day transformation? No. But the improvement is real and worthwhile. The best way I can describe it is this: it’s like looking at a scene through a window, then opening the window to get a clearer, more immediate view. Everything is still there, but more alive, more focused, and more detailed. Drums have a little extra snap, instruments separate more cleanly, and recordings feel clearer and more engaging. I’m using it with a moving magnet cartridge, so I can’t comment on its moving coil performance, though it’s reassuring to have those loading options at this price point. It’s not a boutique piece of kit, but in a sensibly matched system it does exactly what it should—complement and enhance the sound. Overall, I’m very happy with the Zen Phono 3 and glad I added it to the system.

Much improved over the built in phono stage I was using. Like it. Thought it was meant to power off after some time not being used, but stays on. Would but again and recommend.

I had a Pro-ject Tube Box S2, but the power button was abit finicky and finally gave up the ghost so as I was torn between that and this ifI ZEN Phono 3 before. I decided this was a chance to give this ago, and I am not disappointed. There's more punch to the bass and the cymbals have more of a ring to them. And the sound stage is the best I've heard so far.

Small but perfectly formed, it improved on the phono stage built in to my amplifier

Not for me, horrible 50hz hum through the speakers not present in other phono preamps I have used in the same system. Not too keen on the sound either, a little bit thin for my liking.