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The SPL Phonitor 3 DAC is not only the ultimate headphone amplifier 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, offers 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 redefines the BiG of stereo with the same spatial perception of the stereo stage as on loudspeakers.
The SPL Expansion Rack is not only a 19″ rack housing for the Phonitor 3 DAC, it also expands the connection possibilities. This allows the Phonitor 3 DAC to become a monitor controller for up to four stereo speaker pairs.
The Phonitor 3 DAC offers 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 effortlessly. 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.
On the rear of the device, Phonitor 3 DAC offers 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 amplifier can be connected at this output. Phonitor 3 DAC offers the same key technology – SPL 120V technology – and signal quality as the big SPL DMC and MMC mastering consoles. 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.
Up to six stereo sources can be connected to the Phonitor 3 DAC. The source is selected via the Source switch. 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. On the digital side, the Phonitor 3 DAC offers four digital stereo inputs. 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.
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. The S/PDIF optical input can also receive a two-channel signal (PCM audio) with sampling rates of up to 192 kHz and a bit rate of 16 bit to 24 bit. The input jack is an F05 jack. This interface is better known under the Toshiba brand name TOSLINK. 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.
The converter chip in the Phonitor 3 DAC ́s digital-to-analog converter is the highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet SoundTM 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.
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.
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.
The Phonitor 3 DAC is a full-fledged monitor controller:
The Mono/Stereo switch can be used to select whether the output signal of the Phonitor 3 DAC is a regular stereo signal or whether it is summed to a mono signal.
Naturally, hearing can be directed more to the left or more to the right. This becomes particularly clear when listening on headphones. Therefore, the Phonitor 3 DAC has the uniquely finely resolved laterality control, which rebalances the stereo image on the monitoring side. The Mono/Stereo switch can not only be used to switch between stereo or mono playback. This switch is also used to activate or deactivate the laterality control.
Only the right or left channel of the audio signal should be played back? The Solo L/R function makes it possible. If the triple selection switch is in the “L” position, only the left channel is played back – if it is in the “R” position, only the right channel is played back. In the middle position “Off” the Solo function is switched off. The regular stereo signal consisting of the left and right channel is thus present at the output of the Phonitor 3 DAC.
A special feature is the channel swap function: L/R Swap. This function inverts the stereo image. Left becomes right and right becomes left. This is especially important and extremely time-saving, when you are monitoring samples in video dubbing that should match a scene with direction of movement. If the direction is not correct, you usually have to load the sample into the DAW to switch channels. before you can judge whether the sample matches the image. With the L/R Swap function, this is no longer necessary. You can now adjust the direction of movement on the Phonitor 3 DAC while pre-listening the sample library.
With this switch the phase of the left or right channel of the audio signal can be inverted. If the three-way selection switch is in the “L” position, the left channel is inverted – if it is in the “R” position, the right channel is inverted. In the middle position “Off” this function is switched off. At the output of the Phonitor 3 DAC the regular stereo signal is thus present.
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.
One of the unique features of SPL headphone amplifiers 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 works with ±60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, SPL have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.
The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.
By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.
The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device ́s internal linear power supply with toroidal trans- former. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.
The best gear advice always comes from those who use it the most. That's where you come in! Let the pro audio world hear your voice with a review of the SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Headphone Amp and Monitoring Controller with Rack Expander . Once you submit your review, please check your email and verify your address to have it posted.
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