SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier

The SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier is not only the ultimate headphone amplifi er and monitoring controller with 120V technology – the integrated DAC makes it the perfect monitoring centerpiece for demanding producers as well as sound and mastering engineers working with digital sources or in the DAW.

Whether if USB, AES/EBU or S/PDIF - the integrated DAC with analog SLP120 converts digital PCM audio signals with a resolution of 32 bit and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz. It converts DSD signals with a resolution of up to DSD256. On the analog side, the Phonitor 3 DAC, based on the SPL 120V technology, off ers the same monitoring quality as the big SPL mastering consoles – on loudspeakers and headphones. The analog Phonitor Matrix allows mixing and mastering on headphones in the highest quality – with the same spatial perception of the stereo stage as on loudspeakers.

The DAC – the best is just good enough
The converter chip in the Phonitor 3 DAC´s digital-to-analog converter is the highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details. It converts PCM audio at 32-bit resolution and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is 16 times the resolution of a CD. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.

SLP120
The analog output of any DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter when entering the analog world. In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using SPL 120V technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom and sound. The DAC in the Phonitor 3 DAC is equipped with the SLP120 – an analog “single low pass” filter with 120V technology.

Phonitor Matrix
One of the unique features of SPL headphone amplifi ers is the SPL Phonitor Matrix. It enables mixing and mastering engineers to create perfect mixes on headphones, which will translate perfectly to all types of stereo speaker systems.But the Phonitor Matrix is not only designed for professional use in the studio. It also enables the hifi enthusiast to enjoy music on headphones, like if it was played back on speakers.

The 120V technology
The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps.

SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier Features

• Great sound – for headphones:  The Phonitor 3 DAC off ers connection for a standard headphone with a stereo jack plug on the front. Thanks to the enormous output power, all kind of headphones are driven eff ortlessly. Thus, it plays out the advantages of the SPL 120V technology and rewards the listener with an honest, detailed and at the same time vivid sound experience.
• Great sound – also for loudspeakers:  On the rear of the device, Phonitor 3 DAC off ers a stereo output which makes it a high-quality monitoring controller for any monitoring situation. Active speakers with an integrated power amplifier or passive speakers in combination with a power amplifi er can be connected at this output.
• Monitoring at the highest level:  Phonitor 3 DAC offers the same key technology – SPL 120V technology – and signal quality as the big SPL DMC and MMC mastering consoles.
• Headphones or Speakers:  The Output switch – simply switch from headphone to speaker playback. In the center position (Mute), no signal reaches the outputs. The VU meters light up red.
• Digital & analog stereo inputs – free choice:  Up to six stereo sources can be connected to the Phonitor 3 DAC. The source is selected via the Source switch.
• Analog inputs:  On the analog side, two analog stereo inputs are offered, each with two XLR line inputs. Professional analog players with balanced outputs and line level can be connected here.
• USB:  The USB input (type B) can be used to directly connect the DAW.No driver installation is required for operation with a Mac or an iDevice. Via USB, the Phonitor 3 DAC converts PCM audio signals with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz as well as DSD signals with a resolution of up to DSD256.
• Digital inputs:  On the digital side, the Phonitor 3 DAC offers four digital stereo inputs.
• S/PDIF, coaxial:  The Input S/PDIF coaxial can also receive a two-channel signal (PCM audio) with sampling rates up to 192 kHz and a bit rate of 16 bits to 24 bits. Unbalanced, 2-wire 75-ohm coaxial cables with RCA connectors are used for signal transmission.
• AES/EBU:  The AES input provides an input jack which corresponds to a standard XLR input (XLR, female). An AES signal can transport two encoded PCM audio channels with a maximum sampling rate of 192 kHz and a bit rate of 16 bits to 24 bits. This standard is defined under IEC 60958 Type I. Balanced, 3-core, 110 Ohm “twisted pair” cables with XLR plugs are used for connection.
• Milled from solid:  The massive 45mm volume control knob milled from aluminum is a haptic highlight. Its mass together with the Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer enhances the “spoon in the honey” feeling even further and provides perfect control of the monitoring level.
• M/S – Mid or Side?:  By using the mono/stereo and L/R phase inversion switch in combination, it is also possible to only monitor the mid or side signal. When the switch is set to “Mono” and phase inversion is active for L (or R), only the side signal is played back. If the phase inversion is switched off , the mono signal corresponding to the “M” signal is played back. Separate monitoring of the M and S signals has become a widespread standard for many mixing and mastering engineers.

SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier Specifications

• Analog inputs & outputs; XLR (balanced)
  • Maximum input & output gain 32.5 dBu
  • Input impedance (XLR) 20 kΩ
  • Output impedance (XLR) 75 Ω
  • Common mode rejection (XLR) -82 dB
  • Frequency range 10 Hz – 100 kHz
  • THD+N (1 kHz, 0 dBu) 0.0009 %
  • Noise (A-weighted) -102 dBu
  • Crosstalk (1 kHz) -95 dB
  • Dynamic range 134.5 dB
• Digitale Eingänge: DAC768 (optional)
  • AES/EBU (XLR), PCM-Abtastraten: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
  • Coaxial SPDIF (Cinch), PCM-Abtastraten: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
  • Optisch SPDIF (Toslink F06), PCM-Abtastraten: 44.1/48/88.2/96/mit Glasfaser < 1m: 176.4/192 kHz
  • USB (B), PCM-Abtastraten: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384/705.6/768 kHz
  • USB (B), DSD over PCM (DoP), Abtastraten 2.8 (DSD64), 5.6 (DSD128), 11.2 (DSD256) MHz
  • 0 dBfs kalibriert auf 15 dBu
• Standard Headphones Output, 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS Jack
  • Wiring Tip = Left, Ring = Right, Sleeve = GND
  • Source impedance 0.18 Ω
  • Damping factor (40 ohms) 180
  • Frequency range 10 Hz – 100 kHz
  • Crosstalk (1 kHz) -91 dB
  • THD +N (1 kHz, 0 dBu) 0.0003 %
  • Noise (A-weighted) -102 dBu
  • Output power (1 kHz, 1% THD, 250 Ω) 2 x 5 W
  • Output power (1 kHz, 1% THD, 32 Ω) 2 x 1 W
  • Dynamic range 134.5 dB
• Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer
  • Operating voltage for analog audio +/- 60 V
  • Operating voltage for relays and LEDs +12 V
• Mains Power Supply
  • Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber) 230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
  • Fuse for 230 V T 500 mA
  • Fuse for 115 V T 1 A
  • Power consumption max. 40 VA
• Dimensions & Weight
  • W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth) 11 x 4 x 11.81 inch
  • Unit weight 9.15 lbs
  • Shipping weight (incl. packaging) 11.9 lbs

SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier Includes

• SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier
• Power Cable
• Manufacturer Warranty