Tech Lowdown

the Tech
iPhono3 Black Label
All new specifications
• Dynamic range improved by 5dB to 108dB. 36-72dB gain.
• 85dB A-weighted SNR is 3dB quieter (re 0.5mV/5mV per Stereophile
standard).
• The increase in the power-supply voltage of the external iPower X ultra-low
noise adapter for iPhono3 Black Label to 15V allowed for greater
undistorted signal levels for LPs like the legendary (and often unplayable)
Telarc 1812.
All-new hand-matched Burr-Brown Soundplus® J-FET type
operational amplifier. The Burr Brown is complemented by
Panasonic Japan-made ECPU Film Capacitors designed for
audiophile applications with vanishingly low distortion of
(<0.005%!), infusing the iPhono3 Black Label with dynamic range
performance that is second-to-none.
Computer matched pair complementary planar
high gain bi-polar input transistors means 6dB
lower output noise. The planar transistor is
constructed by an etching and diffusion technique
in which the junction is never exposed during
processing, and the junctions reach the surface on
one plane; characterized by very low leakage
current, high gain and very low noise. These transistors being matched pairs, is
labour intensive and expensive.
The iPhono3 Black Label is packed with the latest generation of surface-mounted
components. By eliminating multiple joins between parts and lead-out and
reducing the size, parasitic behaviour across the board has been drastically
reduced over classic leaded parts.
The iPhono3 Black Label features for the first time, audiophile-grade
Nichicon capacitor, providing lower ESR, faster speed, and deeper bass.
Complemented with the new hand-matched bi-polar transistors, it
lowers noise and distortion even further.
It uses Panasonic OSCON totaling 14,800uF. This gives very-
low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), excellent noise
reduction capability and frequency characteristics.