ifi iPhono 3 "Black Label" Anyone?
Hey Lowrider, The new 3 comes standard with iPower X, I don't know what that contributes to the sound at this point but it looks like a walwart on steroids! |
Update on the iPhono3 - I'm at around the 100-hour mark with the unit and sat down again last night for a serious listen. The sound has certainly evolved since my last listening session a week or so ago. The soundstage has deepened significantly, and there's a far more 3-dimensional aspect to the sound that's verging on the best I've had in my system to date. There's abundant detail retrieval. Microdynamics are up there with the Zesto Andros 1.2. Both frequency extremes are very good. Low bass is excellent and has more solidity than the Allnic H-1202 and there's more airiness in the HF than the Allnic but less so than the Zesto. It's missing out in the areas of midrange purity and 'flesh on bones.' The Allnic H-1202 has a great midrange (tone and texture) and a pure and unforced presentation, where the ifi Phono3 is a little forward, edgy, and slightly aggressive. The Allnic envelopes you with lush sound where the iPhono3 has you squirreling in your seat a little, kind of like a sonic onslaught of information. I'm assuming things will settle down with more burn-in and the sound will (hopefully) become less forced. But I have to say this is one nice little unit for the money, far, far more agile than its predecessor the iPhono2. It's a completely different animal than the 2, in my experience so far. More to come. |
@audiofun What are your thoughts on how the 3 fairs in extended listening sessions? My views on it concur mostly with yours (it's excellent) but my listening sessions seem to be shorter when using the 3, over say the Allnic H-1202 that I have here. The 3 is full of energy and drama, where the Allnic just breathes out beautiful music. If I were showing off the rig to someone who hadn't been here before I'd use the 3, but for my own listening enjoyment, I prefer the Allnic. But for the money, the ifi iPhono3 BL is an absolute steal. |
