Zen Phono 3 - Audiophile MM/MC Turntable Pre-Amplifier with Adjustable Loading and Intelligent Subsonic Filter

Just got it today, but will update my review if anything changes. I have seen some report issues with power after a few days. I listen nearly every day, so I'll be keeping an eye and will update this if anything happens.I witched to this after relying on my Yamaha Aventage amp's built-in preamp for a while, which I was happy with. I do think this sounds a bit better though and want to stick with it so long as it keeps sounding great like it does. I'm using it in MM mode with an Ortofon 2M Blue stylus. Some say that stylus is a bit bright, and that my amp's preamp can be, so I wanted to warm it up a bit, and really enjoying the sound after a couple hours.Not worth lowering the review but as someone else mentioned, the power supply cable is very short. You might want to get a barrel-cable extension if you don't have an outlet or extension cord within a couple feet of it. Luckily, my power strip is attached to the back of the cabinet my turntable is on, so I had one very close and it wasn't a problem for me. It is also a bit light, and since I use some very heavy RCA cables, I can't put it too close to the rear of the platform it is on or the weight of the RCA cables causes the front to pop up. I may find something small but heavy to place on it so that it isn't blocking any airflow around it etc. but would allow me to scoot it back a bit. I've run into this with several things, comes with using heavy cables, and isn't a fault of the product, just a heads up there!

Great preamp for the money. The high output MM is great to match with lowout put Grado MI carts. It gives an incredible black noise floor. I also use it for an AT33MONO and a Rega Ania and have found that it does an excellent job delivering great RIAA EQing while giving a silent noise floor. Great phonostage.

Absolutely amazing sounding preamp with a great build quality. The sound is extremely quiet, detailed and clear while never being harsh or fatiguing. It's like the best of digital and vinyl combined. Smooth highs that don't sound smoothed over like a lot of phono gear. Great detailed bass that still has weight but is never thick(the bad kind) or muddy. Very musical and enjoyable to listen to for hours. None of the harshness that digital can have while still being very detailed and clear.Tried another budget preamp that didn't sound any better than the one in my decent receiver but this thing takes the sound to a whole new level.

I purchased this after seeing you tube videos about this product. All were complimentary, but none were unequivocal. No one had measurements, just opinions. I decided to finally purchase this since I anticipate the price increasing with the tariffs soon to hit our pockets. I am 70 years old, just started listening and cataloging my albums from the 70's and 80's again about three years ago. I have a Fluance turntable and preamp, and when I purchased these, that was the best my albums ever sounded. I was shocked by the difference the Zen 3 made. Surface pops that were grating were lessened, soundstage was wider, imaging was better, sensitivity, clarity and detail - all sounded great. I am not an audiophile but MY OPINION is these aging ears would recommend this product.

Took my vinyl listening to the next level! All the website reviews that I researched were raving about the sound. Not cheapest for entry level preamps but worth every penny!

I liked the improvement in sound in comparison to the integrated phono amplification of my receiver. I was already liking the unit, when the phone stage started to take too long to turn off and off. After a few days, the gadget just stopped turning on. I ignore if it was an internal issue or if it was just the adapter that was failing. I decided to return the whole thing. I just ordered a replacement hoping that this second unit will work fine without power issue. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Very happy with this phono preamp. Incredible detail and soundstage. Using with an AT-LP8X turntable and a Hana EL moving coil cartridge and the combo is a match made in heaven. I have used many phono preamps including Cambridge Alva Duo and Schiit Skoll and I can say comfortably that the iFi Zen Phono 3 is a better performer. I really like the Cambridge, hard to beat, but the Zen manages. Dollar for dollar, it's the best you can get.