IFI MICRO IPHONO3 BLACK LABEL

iFi Micro iPhono3 Black Label - High-End MM/MC Phono Stage

The iFi Micro iPhono3 Black Label is a high-end phono stage designed to extract the maximum performance from both MM and MC cartridges. Developed using technology derived from iFi and AMR's reference-level phono designs, it combines extremely low noise, wide dynamic range, high configurability and a sophisticated Class A analogue circuit in an exceptionally compact chassis.

With adjustable gain from 36 to 72 dB, extensive cartridge loading options and six selectable EQ curves, the iPhono3 Black Label can be precisely matched to a wide range of cartridges and vinyl pressings. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Technology Derived from the AMR PH-77

The iPhono3 Black Label benefits from design experience developed for the prestigious AMR PH-77 phono stage. iFi has transferred elements of this technology into a compact and considerably more accessible design while maintaining a strong focus on extremely low noise and signal integrity.

The result is a phono stage capable of delivering performance that goes far beyond what its compact dimensions might suggest.

MM and MC Compatibility

The iPhono3 Black Label supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges.

The gain can be adjusted across an exceptionally wide range from 36 to 72 dB, allowing the unit to accommodate high-output MM cartridges, high-output MC designs and low-output MC cartridges.

The manufacturer specifies 36 dB as the MM reference gain and 60 dB as the MC reference gain, with the overall gain range extending up to 72 dB. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Extensive Cartridge Loading Adjustment

One of the major advantages of the iPhono3 Black Label is its extensive cartridge loading configuration.

The settings are accessed through the switches located on the underside of the unit, allowing the electrical load to be optimised for the specific cartridge being used.

Correct loading is particularly important with MC cartridges and can have a significant influence on tonal balance, treble response, dynamics and overall transparency.

Six Selectable EQ Curves

Unlike conventional phono stages limited to standard RIAA equalisation, the iPhono3 Black Label provides six different EQ curves:

• RIAA
• eRIAA
• IEC
• eRIAA + IEC
• Decca
• Columbia

This feature is particularly valuable for collectors with vintage records and historical pressings produced before the universal adoption of RIAA equalisation.

The correct EQ curve can be selected according to the recording, allowing the phono stage to reproduce the original mastering more accurately. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Class A TubeState

The analogue amplification stage employs iFi's proprietary Class A TubeState architecture.

This is a solid-state circuit designed to combine the natural, fluid character associated with valve amplification with the low noise, precision and consistency of a modern semiconductor design.

The circuit is also direct-coupled and servoless, avoiding coupling capacitors in the signal path and helping preserve the purity of the analogue signal.

Premium Audiophile Components

The iPhono3 Black Label uses a carefully selected collection of high-quality components.

The circuit incorporates a Burr-Brown SoundPlus J-FET operational amplifier, Panasonic ECPU film capacitors, hand-matched ultra-low-noise bipolar transistors, Nichicon audio-grade capacitors and Panasonic OS-CON capacitors. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The use of hand-matched transistors is particularly important in the input stage, where minimising noise is critical because the signal produced by a phono cartridge is extremely small.

Extremely Low Noise

Vinyl playback places extraordinary demands on a phono stage because the cartridge output is many times lower than a conventional line-level source.

The iPhono3 Black Label therefore places particular emphasis on noise performance, achieving an SNR of more than 85 dB A-weighted for both MM and MC operation under the manufacturer's specified measurement conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

This extremely low noise floor allows the phono stage to preserve delicate musical information and micro-dynamics without unnecessarily amplifying the electronic noise of the circuit.

Wide Dynamic Range

The iPhono3 Black Label provides a dynamic range of more than 108 dB for MM and more than 106 dB for MC.

The overload margin is also particularly generous, exceeding 26 dB for MM and 22 dB for MC. This provides substantial headroom for demanding recordings with high-level musical peaks. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Ultra-Low-Noise iPower X 15V Power Supply

The iPhono3 Black Label is supplied with an iPower X 15V ultra-low-noise power supply.

The move to a 15V external power supply was specifically intended to provide greater undistorted signal capability and further improve the performance of the phono stage.

The manufacturer specifies a power consumption of less than 5 W and recommends using only the supplied compatible power supply. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Dedicated MM and MC Inputs

The rear panel provides separate RCA inputs for MM and MC cartridges, allowing the two cartridge types to have dedicated signal paths and settings.

A dedicated ground terminal is also provided for connection to the turntable's grounding wire, helping to minimise hum and unwanted interference.

Compact High-End Design

Despite its advanced circuitry, the iPhono3 Black Label remains remarkably compact.

Measuring just 178 x 64 x 26 mm and weighing only 265 g, it can be easily integrated into systems where conventional full-size phono stages would be impractical. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Its compact dimensions make it particularly suitable for high-end turntable systems where space is limited, without compromising on the level of configuration and performance normally associated with larger phono stages.

Key Features

• High-End phono stage for MM and MC cartridges.
• 36-72 dB adjustable gain.
• Extensive cartridge loading adjustment.
• Six selectable EQ curves.
• RIAA, eRIAA, IEC, eRIAA + IEC, Decca and Columbia EQ.
• Class A TubeState technology.
• Direct-coupled, servoless circuit design.
• Burr-Brown SoundPlus J-FET operational amplifier.
• Hand-matched ultra-low-noise bipolar transistors.
• Panasonic ECPU audiophile film capacitors.
• Nichicon audio-grade capacitors.
• Panasonic OS-CON capacitors.
• More than 85 dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio.
• More than 108 dB dynamic range in MM mode.
• More than 106 dB dynamic range in MC mode.
• More than 26 dB MM overload margin.
• More than 22 dB MC overload margin.
• Less than 0.005% THD.
• Dedicated RCA MM input.
• Dedicated RCA MC input.
• RCA analogue output.
• Dedicated turntable ground terminal.
• iPower X 15V ultra-low-noise power supply included.
• Compact aluminium chassis.

Why Choose the iFi Micro iPhono3 Black Label

The iFi Micro iPhono3 Black Label is designed for vinyl enthusiasts who want to extract considerably more performance from their turntable than a conventional integrated phono input can provide.

Its combination of adjustable gain, extensive cartridge loading, six EQ curves, Class A TubeState circuitry and exceptionally low noise makes it an unusually versatile phono stage for both modern and vintage vinyl collections.

The possibility of selecting Decca and Columbia equalisation in addition to the different RIAA variants is particularly useful for collectors of historical pressings, while the wide gain range makes the unit suitable for an extensive variety of MM and MC cartridges. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

For listeners looking for a compact, highly configurable and genuinely high-performance phono stage, the iPhono3 Black Label remains one of iFi's most technically ambitious analogue products.

Technical Specifications