“The SPL Phonitor 3 DAC represents no less than three high-performance devices in one and aims to send mixing and mastering engineers as well as casual listeners into the audiophile kingdom of heaven.”
In the current edition of Professional Audio Magazine you will find a review of our headphone amplifier and monitor controller with 120V technology – Phonitor 3 DAC. Here we have compiled some highlights for you.
“In fact, the new Phonitor combines three high-performance devices in one functionally elegant housing: a headphone amplifier with the famous Phonitor Matrix, a professional monitoring controller, and a state-of-the-art digital-to-analog converter.”
Converter:
“The centerpiece is the AK4490 Velvet Sound converter chip from Asahi Kasei Microdevices, which is one of the best DAC chips and has already proven itself in the SPL Diamond, a highly acclaimed converter preamplifier with 120V technology. The AK4490 converts PCM audio with 32-bit word width and a maximum sampling rate of 768 kilohertz. The AKM converter also masters DSD and processes DSD signals up to a maximum of DSD256.”
120V technology:
“As with the well-known Phonitor models, the new model also works with SPL’s 120V technology, which ensures extremely high dynamics with exceptionally low distortion values. The converter section also benefits from the 120V technology, as the SPL120 filter, which is used as an analog reconstruction filter, operates with 120V technology.”
Phonitor Matrix:
“Now we have to take a closer look at the Phonitor Matrix. The purely analog Phonitor Matrix invented by SPL simulates the crosstalk of the loudspeaker signals to both ears and thus contributes to the representation of correct stereo image that corresponds loudspeaker-like listening.”
In practice:
“As a headphone amplifier and USB interface, the Phonitor 3 proves to be an exceptionally detailed and dynamic representative of its kind at first listen. Without distorting thickening in the bass range or absence in the presence and high ranges, it serves up what the recording and the mix contain. Signal fidelity and accuracy are the most distinguished characteristics of the Phonitor 3, whereby it is probably thanks to the SLP120 filter and the 120V technology that we cannot detect any digital harshness.”
Conclusion:
“The Phonitor 3 DAC is a state-of-the-art device that is highly recommended as a monitoring boss in the computer-based studio. Functionality, versatility and premium sound form an audiophile trinity that can at best be done differently, but not better.”
