At the online test magazine and blog HiFi-IFAs you can find a review (in German) about our headphone amplifier SPL Phonitor se [link to complete review].
Here we provide a short summary in English.
First impression:
“The housing of the SPL Phonitor se makes a very good impression when unboxed from the secure packaging. Flat and with large radii, the weight of around 3 kilograms, which is clearly of high quality, lies well in the hand. The test device comes in an elegant red finish, which has almost become the communication color at SPL.”
“The manufacturer’s logo is inserted into the lightly brushed and color-anodized front. The housing is very flat at around 50 mm, which gives the midsize format an elegant proportion. Stylish.”
Technology:
“The basic version of the Phonitor se is designed purely as a headphone amplifier and provides a pair of high-quality and solid RCA jacks on the input side.”
“SPL specifies the power with sufficient 2x 5 watts, which are output via a 6.3 mm jack to the connected headphones.”
“The basic equipment of the Phonitor se includes the SPL-specific VOLTAiR technology, which operates with a voltage of 120 volts. This processes audio signals at +/-60 volts DC, twice the operating voltage of the best discrete op-amps and four times that of IC-based solid-state op-amps. VOLTAiR technology thus improves dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and headroom.”
“Another feature is the matrix circuit. I perceived this matrix circuit as a pleasant fine tuning, which does not ‘bend’ the signal. During my listening sessions, I was ‘stuck’ on the C1 level and then did not question the ‘correctness’ further academically, since the setting was in line with my individual hearing sensation.”
“The DAC768xs D/A converter module features an AK4490 converter chip from AKM. This converter supports PCM sampling rates up to 768 kHz with a word width of 32 bits and Direct Stream Digital up to DSD4 or DSD256.”
Sound:
“Despite all the generosity and overview in the musical events, an eye for detail remains, such as the fine drumming or the background noises of the musicians. The scope for tension is great. From the narrative-like introduction to existential drama to almost enchanting sounds, everything is included. Everything comes across as authentic and unstrained.”
Conclusion:
“The SPL Phonitor se headphone amplifier is a perfect entry into the world of VOLTAiR technology. Its features are specifically designed for headphone fans. The sound is modest and well-balanced in the best sense of the words. Everything is present in appropriate portions: dynamics, detail, three-dimensionality. The Phonitor se discreetly stays out of the overall picture and thus becomes an enabler for the headphones, which can thus unfold their character at the 6.3 mm jack. The optional digital/analog converter DAC768xs transforms the SPL Phonitor se … into a mature, autonomously usable specialist in the hifi room as well as at the desk.”
