93%
ifi Audio micro iPhono3 Black Label
For vinyl enthusiasts who demand the best.
Inspired by the legendary AMR PH-77, the Black Label offers a wide array of loading options, precise EQ curves, and exceptional dynamic range—delivering performance that rivals far more expensive preamps.
For the record
Matt polished black. Super quiet noise floor. Our phono stage circuitry uses only the best audiophile components. Computer matched op-amps, high-gain bi-polar output transistors to Nichicon audio-grade capacitors. And much more. The iPhono3 Black Label sounds stellar.
Exacting equalisation
Precise EQ curve and explosive 108dB dynamic range. Your listening room becomes a concert hall. The AMR PH-77, the $12,000 larger sibling with 23 equalisation curves, remains the vinyl benchmark to this day. Trickle-down tech used in the iPhono3 Black Label means it features the 6 most popular stereo EQ curves. Try the infamous 1812 Overture ‘torture test’. Won’t be the same again. The iPhono3 Black Label will have you trying ‘just one more LP’ into the wee, small hours.
Majestic measurements
Gain
iPhono3 Black Label: 36-72dB
$3,000 Phono: 44dB-72dB
Set and forget
Your pickup (stylus) has been lovingly crafted. Whether it’s MM or MC, no two cartridges are identical in performance.
The iPhono3 Black Label, like the AMR PH-77 from which it descends, enables you to set the precise load/gain for the cartridge you have Squeeze every last drop of performance out of your precious pickup.
Spec’d to thrill
Beneath the modest footprint of the iPhono 3 Black Label are Class A TubeState and DirectDrive Servoless technologies. Specially developed by AMR for iFi audio. All underpinned by some quite special audiophile components from Burr-Brown, TDK and Nichicon. To name but a few.
With such dedicated circuitry and devoted components, it has a whisper-quiet noise floor and measured THD of an incredible <0.005%.
The iPhono3 Black Label phono stage is the perfect fix for vinyl addicts,
Sonic tailoring to suit you, sir
A toggle switch at one end of the iPhono3 Black Label allows the user to select between three EQ curves: RIAA, Columbia and Decca.
The iPhono3 Black Label is not only great at pairing perfectly with your cartridge; you can also tailor the sound to match specific records in your collection, thanks to a variety of precisely engineered EQ curves.
X-Men
The iPhono3 Black Label is special. It should be powered by something special.
It comes with theiPower X, the very latest in power supply technology.
iPhono3 Black Label + iPower X = Super Duo.
Dealers selling ifi Audio near you
iFi Audio micro iPhono3 Black Label — compact, reference-class phono stage
The micro iPhono3 Black Label packs reference-level transparency into a smartphone-sized chassis. Reviewers at HiFi Choice, SoundStage! and The Ear praise its ultra-low noise floor, direct-coupled TubeState circuitry and supplied iPower X supply, which together produce black backgrounds, precise imaging and lively transient attack. Sonically it favors neutral, highly detailed presentation — taut bass, textured mids and clean treble — with authoritative dynamics and a convincing soundstage. Build quality is high for the size, and extensive underside DIP switches plus selectable EQ curves give exhaustive MM/MC loading and RIAA/Columbia/Decca options. Ideal for listeners who want cartridge-matching flexibility and analytical, unvarnished sound in a tiny footprint.
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise and high transparency — yields very black backgrounds and excellent resolution.
- Powerful dynamics and transient grip — delivers punchy, detailed attack without added grit.
- Comprehensive cartridge compatibility and tuning — wide gain range, selectable MC/MM loading and multiple EQ curves for legacy pressings.
- High perceived value for performance — small, well-engineered package with included iPower X PSU that rivals much costlier phono stages.
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Cons
- Setup uses 24 underside DIP switches that can feel fiddly and unintuitive to set without the online calculator.
- Single‑input architecture: MM and MC share a single signal path, so you cannot switch between them on the fly.
- Higher price vs earlier iFi models shifts it into a more competitive segment — buyers should compare alternatives around $1k.
Transparency
94/100
Multiple reviewers explicitly praise an extremely low noise floor—phrases such as "unbelievably silent", "noise floor was below that of my tubed preamp", and 'all but inaudible at idle' appear in HiFi Choice, SoundStage (Jason Thorpe) and SoundStage Solo. Measured specs (DNR/SNR figures and quoted -85dB noise-floor) plus the inclusion of the iPower X low-noise supply support the reviewers' claims, so this unit earns a near-reference transparency rating while acknowledging the challenges MC users face at high gain.
Sound Quality
91/100
Multiple reviews note an immediate dynamic boost and strong transient performance—'gives everything an instant dynamic boost', 'slam out transients so impressively', and 'more punch'—crediting the low noise floor and wide dynamic range. The iPhono3 is praised for liveliness and authoritative attack without added grit, meriting a high dynamics score.
Cartridge Compatibility
93/100
Supports MM and MC with comprehensive loading (five MM capacitance settings, seven MC resistances from 22Ω–1kΩ plus 47k for high-output MCs) and four gain settings (36/48/60/72dB); reviewers state it will 'accommodate pretty much any cartridge out there.' The only practical drawback noted is the complexity of 24 underside DIP switches, which costs only a small usability penalty versus the extensive flexibility offered.
Build Quality
90/100
Reviewers point to high-quality components (matched J-FETs, film capacitors, Nichicon, Vishay parts), a direct-coupled circuit, and the inclusion of the iPower X PSU—details that support excellent internal design and shielding. Its very small footprint and solid construction earn strong marks, though the tiny DIP-switch layout and compact chassis could feel fiddly to some users.
Value for Money
96/100
Across reviews the iPhono3 Black Label is called a 'devastating bargain', 'unconditionally recommended', 'perfect fix for vinyl addicts' and repeatedly praised as delivering performance comparable to much more expensive phono stages—comments that constitute strong, superlative value language. At $999 with an included high-quality power supply and feature set that rivals far costlier units, reviewers clearly portray this as exceptional value, justifying a top-tier value score.
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