SPL Phonitor 3 DAC

SPL Phonitor 3 DAC is an advanced headphone amplifier and monitoring controller with 120V technology, being a hub for working with digital sources thanks to the built-in DAC. Regardless of whether you use USB, AES/EBU or S/PDIF - the built-in DAC with analog filter SLP120 converts digital signals PCM with a resolution of 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD to DSD256.

On the analog side, the Phonitor 3 DAC, based on SPL 120V technology, provides the same quality of monitoring as large SPL mastering consoles - both on acoustic systems and on headphones. The patented Phonitor Matrix technology allows mixing and mastering on headphones with the same perception of the stereo scene as on monitors.

On the front panel there is an output for standard stereo headphones with a jack plug. Thanks to its high output power, the Phonitor 3 DAC easily drives various headphones, transmitting all the advantages of 120V technology - honest, detailed and dynamic sound.

On the rear panel there is a stereo output for connecting active monitors with a built-in amplifier or passive ones - via an external power amplifier.

The Phonitor 3 DAC uses the same key 120V technology and signal quality level as large SPL mastering consoles DMC and MMC.

The Output switch allows you to instantly switch from listening on headphones to acoustic speakers. In the middle position (Mute), the signal on the outputs is not transmitted, and the VU meters light up red.

Up to 6 stereo sources can be connected to the Phonitor 3 DAC, selected with the Source switch. For analog signals, there are two stereo XLR line-level inputs, to which you can connect professional analog players with balanced outputs. The digital section has 4 stereo inputs:

- USB type B for direct connection of the DAC to a computer or mobile device without installing drivers. PCM 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256 are supported via USB.

- Coaxial S/PDIF accepts PCM up to 24 bit/192 kHz via an unbalanced 75 Ohm RCA cable.

- Optical S/PDIF also up to 24 bit/192 kHz via a TOSLINK connector.

Tip: For a sampling rate of 176.4/192 kHz, it is recommended to use a high-quality glass fiber optic cable.

The digital AES/EBU XLR input supports PCM up to 24 bit/192 kHz via a balanced 110 Ohm twisted pair cable.

The Phonitor 3 DAC is equipped with a modern premium AKM AK4493 SEQ VelvetSound DAC chip in the DAC768v2 version with the latest Spartan 7 FPGA. It converts PCM 32 bit/768 kHz (equivalent to 16x CD quality) and DSD to DSD256.

Unlike the more compact "DAC768xs", the DAC768v2 has not only an AES/EBU input, but also an optimized SLP120 low-pass filter with 120V technology.

The SLP120 (Super Low-Pass) filter is based on the patented 120V technology, providing excellent dynamics, overload headroom and purity of sound compared to traditional DACs.

The massive 45 mm milled aluminum volume knob with the Alps "Big Blue" potentiometer is a touch-sensitive element for smooth and precise monitoring level control.

The Mono/Stereo switch forms a standard stereo signal or a mixed mono signal at the output.

The unique Laterality control allows you to precisely balance the stereo scene in the monitoring path, compensating for the individual hearing characteristics when listening on headphones. It can be activated/deactivated together with the Mono/Stereo mode.

The Solo L/R function allows you to listen to only the left or only the right channel of the signal. This is especially useful when rehearsing samples in the context of an image in video editing - now the source direction can be quickly corrected directly on the Phonitor 3 DAC.

Phase L/R allows you to reverse the phase of the left or right channel. In combination with the Mono mode, this function allows you to output only the center (M) or side left and right channels separately. The VU Cal switch allows you to lower the displayed level by 6 or 12 dB for correct indication at very high input signals.

Key Features:
- Advanced headphone amplifier and monitoring controller with 120V technology for dynamic and detailed sound
- Built-in premium AKM AK4493 DAC in DAC768v2 version with Spartan 7 FPGA
- PCM conversion up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256
- Patented SLP120 low-pass filter with 120V technology
- Phonitor Matrix for perfect stereo scene perception on headphones
- Possibility to connect up to 6 digital and analog stereo sources
- Inputs: USB, coax/opt S/PDIF, AES/EBU, 2xXLR line
- Outputs: stereo for headphones, stereo for monitors
- Switching between headphones and acoustic systems
- Individual adjustments: laterality, mono, solo L/R, phase L/R
- Monitoring of M/S signals
- Two VU meters with calibration -6/-12 dB
- Massive 45 mm aluminum volume knob
- Premium workmanship and components
- Dimensions 278 x 100 x 300 mm
- Weight 4.9 kg