![]() ![]() Power is supplied via a standard, switched, IEC socket so you can use the substantial included AC cable or substitute your own after-market/upgrade cable easily. ![]() I have no doubt that this will hold up to the rigors of studio use, which are generally much more demanding than at-home/audiophile listening scenarios.Ī nice touch is that the input connections on the rear of the unit also have normal and inverted labels, so you can see what you’re doing, when peering over the back of the thing from the front of the unit: The overall impression is that this is a very high-quality and entirely “premium” device. Labels are clear and concise, with the functions they indicate being entirely unambiguous. ![]() All sockets mate solidly with both input and headphone connectors. The large, central, illuminated volume dial is buttery-smooth. The Phonitor x has a very solid feel to it all of the switchgear is wonderfully tactile and engages firmly and positively with a satisfyingly solid “thunk”. The unit I am reviewing is equipped with this module, which will be included in this evaluation. You can see this below, and this was the primary factor in my ultimate preference for this unit in an all-over black finish … if the whole body had been red, well, that’s where I would have gone:Īn optional DAC module, the “DAC192”, with USB, TOSLINK and COAX S/PDIF inputs, can be added to the unit (at time of purchase) for all-in-one operation. The main body of the case is finished in black, regardless of what color unit you choose. It is worth noting that it is only the faceplate of the unit that is colored. In addition to “classic black”, the Phonitor x can also be had (along with the rest of the matching line of SPL components), in two additional colors … a classy looking silver and, perhaps my (guilty) favorite, a metallic red finish. Where appropriate/referenced I utilize a number of high-quality, high-resolution, albums, needle-drops, and also some native DSD content. The majority of the music I use in my evaluations is in “Red Book” CD format (16 bit, 44.1 kHz), most of which comes from CD rips an initial playlist for my audition listening can be found here. Headphones/IEMs used for this evaluation include: Focal Utopia, JPS Labs Abyss AB-1266 Phi, Audeze LCD-4, Sennheiser HD800S, HD660S & HD650, Sony MDR-Z1R, Fostex TH900 Mk2, ZMF Eikon (Padauk), Empire Ears Zeus XR (ADEL) and Etymotic ER4XR. Sources (DACs) used in this review include the Chord DAVE, Chord Hugo 2, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil Analog 2, RME ADI-2 DAC, Massdrop x Airist Audio R-2R DAC and the built-in SPL “DAC192”. A configurable cross-feed/speaker simulation feature, a granular balance/stereo/mono control, VU meters with configurable sensitivity and enough power to drive almost any headphone with power to spare. The unit provides both balanced and single-ended source inputs and headphone outputs. They’ve been on the periphery of my radar for a while, but not something I’d gotten to spend proper listening time with until I was offered the opportunity to audition this unit at home. SPL (“Sound Performance Lab”) is a German firm that is probably better known in professional audio circles than it is in the audiophile and/or headphone world (something I expect will change in relatively short order). The unit I am reviewing is on kind loan from “” via the “ Community Review Program” as part of “ The HEADPHONE Community” forum for audition/review purposes. The “ SPL Phonitor x” is a premium, feature-rich, headphone amplifier, and pre-amp, billed as having features and performance that lend it equal facility in professional/studio settings as well as in the role of an audiophile headphone system. Review written by Ian Dunmore Introduction ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |