Phono Stage - anyone used this? seems too good to be true?

[tommyb]

Anyone used this phono stage? it seems too good to be true at £350. called the iFi iPhono.http://www.ifi-audio.com/en/iPhono.html

 

[nopiano]

Mmmm, interesting! I've read some raves on US forums and journals about their other products. That's where I'd look for this too, unless it has a UK importer (I haven't checked*).

Slightly suspicious of the Apple-alike web design, but I suppose at least it looks serious. Sometimes I prefer the home-brewed look, depending on the product. That is, more R&D and less marketing budget.

I like the idea of all the loading permutations, though I fear it could lead to far more fiddling than listening? Don't recall so many versions of RIAA before though in one box. Can't decide if more of a gimmick. Would like to what's actually inside too.

*EDIT, I see they have a dozen UK outlets, including Russ Andrews.

 

[tommyb]

yes... Russ Andrews and Sound HiFi both extremely reputable.

Looks like it blows everything else anywhere near it in terms of price (and some quite high above it) right out of the water.

What HiFi - please test? 🙂

 

[nopiano]

Meanwhile:-

"Compared to far more expensive phono preamps it will sound a bit pinched and nasally in the midrange and somewhat threadbare overall..."

More here:-

http://www.analogplanet.com/content/whats-8500-cartridge-doing-place-399-ifi-iphono-phono-preamplifier

Maybe just good value and not miraculous after all...? If it seems to good to be true, it probably is - I think that is the maxim here.

 

[tommyb]

however the analog planet review goes on to say...

"Overall, the iPhono is an incredible value that offers a level of set-up flexibility unusual at any price and sonic performance that was several notches higher than my most optimistic hopes for the sound. "

... and "At $399, the iPhono has little competition, though a few of the inexpensive MM only units I've heard can sound a bit sweeter, but less rhythmically assured. The iPhono is easy to recommend as long as you don't have overly unrealistic expectations. Bring your unrealistic ones though because the iPhono will probably exceed them! "

so it does seem that its a good option.

I stumbled across it when I was looking at reviews of the Firestone Audio Korora phono stage. But this would appear to be in a different league.

A What HiFi review would be more than helpful I think - it could even be a product of the year contender... but would need someone to actually review it.

 

[MajorFubar]

A What HiFi review would be more than helpful I think - it could even be a product of the year contender...

Surely not a winner though. By all means shortlist it as a recognition of its VFM, flexibility and sonic ability, but the winner should at least be remotely relevant to a sizeable chunk of WHFSV's readers, otherwise it's a pointless award. The number of readers interested in a $350 phono preamp must be tiny, even if it's the best in the world.