iFi micro phono stage

[Ned664]

I have just purchased the iFi micro phono and have just started using it in my system. The reason for the purchase was the intermittent failure of my previous Angle Audio phono stage. I really liked the AA stage and the concept of using battery to power it. Unfortunately it was a pain to use and then started to fail. Time for something new!

So how does the iFi sound? Straight out of the box it sounds superb! I really liked the sound of the AA stage this is as detailed and refined but to my ears has a wider and more detailed sound stage and ever so slightly extended bass. Higher gain means matching output to cd. It will be interesting to see if and how the sound develops through use/familiarity.

[Ned664]

Just an update, as I have now had this phono stage for a coupe of days. A note of caution on the set up, there is a plethora of dip switches and I set up the device in accordance with what I thought was the correct spec for my cart. Oh dear! I got quite a hum... On return to factory default setting this thankfully disappeared. Clearly I had adopted the wrong, in my defence based upon specs on a cartridge sales website, and will take more caution with the cart specs I use in future.

As for the sound, I have not noticed any change over the very limited 'burn in' period but I guess it is early days. After spinning a few records I compared the sound with my CD player. The CD seemed somewhat lifeless and with a 'flatter' sound stage, my TT, cart and the new iFI phono stage seemed to be much more three dimensional. Admittedly an unfair comparison as my vinyl set up is twice the price of the CD but I found it interesting nonetheless.

[Ammonite Audio]

You do have to make sure that MM or MC is selected properly in both the MM loading dipswitches, and the gain/RIAA dipswitches. It's easy to leave one set of switches in the wrong position; and is rather confusing, but only has to be understood once!

http://www.ifi-audio.com/en/m_photo/iPhono/02.jpg

[twotone]

How good are these Hugo?

Tony

[Ammonite Audio]

I would echo Nick's initial listening comments. It is refined, vibrant, musical and enjoyable on MM (Audio Note IQ3), but in my system maybe a tad polite with MC (Benz Wood SL). YMMV, of course. I will try it with a MC SUT in due course, if Nick (Beechwoods) does not take it off my hands. It benefits clearly from a decent linear PSU, such as the Paul Hynes PR3 that in my system usually powers the HiFace Evo.

I would say that it's outstanding value at its price point. Not a giant-killer, but it punches above its weight and is well worth the money.

[twotone]

I would echo Nick's initial listening comments. It is refined, vibrant, musical and enjoyable on MM (Audio Note IQ3), but in my system maybe a tad polite with MC (Benz Wood SL). YMMV, of course. I will try it with a MC SUT in due course, if Nick (Beechwoods) does not take it off my hands. It benefits clearly from a decent linear PSU, such as the Paul Hynes PR3 that in my system usually powers the HiFace Evo.

I would say that it's outstanding value at its price point. Not a giant-killer, but it punches above its weight and is well worth the money.

Thanks Hugo, sounds like one to put on the list.

I'm currently using the MM stage of an fully refurbished A&R A60 amp and is sounds great to me but I'm just wondering if the cart I'm currently using (SAE 1000LT) would benefit from a more modern phono stage.

Tony.

[DSJR]

Does yours do 'air and reverb/space?'

[twotone]

Does yours do 'air and reverb/space?'

Hi David, if you mean can I hear strings being plucked and piano decay then, no.

The sound is as good as I've heard comparing it to a Croft Micro basic pre-amp with phono stage, probably better now I've a technics SL 1200 mk2.

Certainly the best I've ever heard vinyl on my own system and at least as good as a good CD player but I would like to hear the noise of the intruments like you do in a live concert if your close enough to the stage.

I got a flyer/review with the Achromat re Soundstep's new phono stage but that's for MC carts and is a wee bit out of my price range at a £1K but the reviews from Hi Fi Choice and Hi Fi world were very good indeed with the Hi Fi choice review a bit more 'tempered' or down to earth but good nonetheless.

[DSJR]

Ok. I'll have to listen again when next I visit hifi dave. The Croft 25 was certainly more spacious and so, to me anyway, was the Brio R phono stage, which sort-of equates to the admittedly ugly £200 Fono model.

One track I know well is from side 1 of The Wall (I forget the name, but it starts with the helicopter rotor-blades). Quite a clear difference on this particular well played TML cut. Obviously and surely, different cartridges will give different results and I'll certainly listen again.

[Anti Meep]

Thanks Hugo, sounds like one to put on the list.

I'm currently using the MM stage of an fully refurbished A&R A60 amp and is sounds great to me but I'm just wondering if the cart I'm currently using (SAE 1000LT) would benefit from a more modern phono stage.

Tony.
I've run my SAE 1000LT into my Dynavector P75 and it sounded fantastic. Got me thinking about maybe upgrading my MM phono stage it was that good. At the mo though I'm loving the DV20xl and Phono enhancer mode.
Nick, great to hear the iFi is delivering. Geez it certainly does have a few switches doesn't it?
This is good though. It looks like you can even match different MM cartridges more efficiently too. Pretty cool I reckon.
Craig.

[twotone]

Hi Craig, I've a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE on loan from one of the dealers on the forum, have to say that the SAE into that phono amp sounds great but I'm not sure that it's a huge step up from the A&R amp's phono stage.

Funnily enough I've been checking out the Dynavector P75 mk 2 and it certainly gets some great reviews.

Tony

[hifi_dave]

One manufacturer that is ignored is Lehmann. Their phono stages are excellent and should be on any short list.