Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: iFi-audio iPhono Phono Preamp by davehg

Model:	iPhono
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$400
Description:	6 x stereo EQ curves, adjustable MC load, dedicated ultra-low noise MC stage, adjustable MM load, adjustable gain, exemplary Class A circuitry with an ultra-wide dynamic range
Manufacturer URL:	iFi-audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by davehg on August 24, 2016 at 21:25:11
IP Address: 71.231.184.239 Add Your Review
for the iPhono

This is a review of the first generation iPhone - the newest version has several upgrades. I bought this used from a fellow inmate after eyeing other "budget" options including Schiit Mani, Hagerman Labs Bugle 2, and the usual commercial brands (Musical Fidelity, Project).

The iFi is oddly shaped and configured - it is a long rectangular shaped box with two RCA inputs and ground at one end (one each for MM and MC) and a single RCA output on the other end. On the bottom side are three banks of DIP switches to enable MM and MC gain, cartridge loading, and setting of equalization. There is also a toggle switch at one end that enables switching b/t RIIA, Columbia, and Decca curves - a neat feature I didn't use.

The standard power supply is a small walwart, but for an extra $49 you can upgrade to a better regulated power supply. I did, but my unit is still on order, so the review is with the standard supply.

Included setup instructions are not as helpful, I went online and found a great iFi setup manual that walked through the various steps and really should be included with the unit, as it explained all the settings.

Gripes were few = the unit is light and stiff cables will tend to lift or flex it from its resting position. Also, the RCA plugs are really close together, which can present a problem for thicker interconnect ends such as those on my AZ Silver Reference II RCAs. Finally, having the RCA connections on both sides of the unit can make it hard to set up on a smaller rack, as you have cables entering and exiting on both ends.

I started with the Ortofon 2m Red that comes with the Pro-Ject Carbon D

Topic - REVIEW: iFi-audio iPhono Phono Preamp - davehg 21:25:11 08/24/16 ( 6)

RE: REVIEW: iFi-audio iPhono Phono Preamp - davehg 12:28:58 08/25/16 ( 0)
There is a version 2.0 of this unit - Lew 07:17:47 08/25/16 ( 1)
- RE: There is a version 2.0 of this unit - Isaak J. Garvey 07:54:07 08/25/16 ( 0)
No review posted - Only an opening descriiption n/t - PAR 02:51:13 08/25/16 ( 0)
When I open this post, the review is missing . . . ?? - alaskahiatt 00:14:20 08/25/16 ( 1)
- RE: When I open this post, the review is missing . . . ?? - The Dill 04:53:12 08/25/16 ( 0)