“A few weeks ago I already did a review about the SPL Phonitor One d, which has been my personal entry into the world of SPL headphone amplifiers. With the Phonitor se I now get to know the feature ‘Voltair technology’. Whether it can convince me, we will find in the course of this review.”
Some of you may remember the Miniklangwunder review about the Phonitor One d in January 2021. Mark has now picked up the Phonitor se – you can find the complete review online at Miniklangwunder. As always, here we provide a short summary.
Design & build quality:
“I thoroughly like the shapes of the housings of the SPL devices with the rounded edges. The Phonitor se is also visually distinguished by its simplicity. My test device has a red, almost berry-colored, front, which harmonizes very well in combination with the black housing in hammer blow finish. This gives the elegant appearance a certain ‘freshness˚. Conservatively, the Phonitor is of course also offered with a black front. Silver is also available as an option. The choice between the colors is free of charge.”
“The retro toggle switches with the metal elements know how to please and show the set functions in a very classic and simple way. This can be found again and again in many SPL devices. Well done.”
VOLTAiR technology:
“If usually for the processing of the analog signal operational amplifiers are used, which operate at a maximum of +15V and -15V, SPL has extended the voltage range, which is limited to 30V, to 120V. Thus, SPL products with Voltair technology use specially developed operational amplifiers on a circuit board basis, which operate at -60V and +60V, thus providing a significantly extended dynamic range and headroom.”
Sound:
“The sound once again shows the professional quality of the pro audio domain. The Phonitor se linearly reproduces everything I feed into it.”
Conclusion:
“The Phonitor se is a flawless, stationary headphone amplifier and, with the ‘right’ headphones and the ‘right’ source materials, a great high-end solution. For those who don’t necessarily demand balanced source material, the Phonitor se is an absolutely powerful headphone amplifier.”
“Whether used with the Focal Clear Pro or the HEDDphone, the crossfeed circuitry offers an additional feature not to be underestimated. Especially live albums can gain additional authenticity with it.”
“Regardless of whether with or without a DAC, the Phonitor se is deservedly a ‘Professional Fidelity’ headphone amplifier that both acoustically satisfies the audiophile music lover and haptically pleases the purist and friend of simple elegance.”