Spl phonitor 2 review

The Phonitor can be installed in the Expansion Rack to be screwed into a 19-inch rack. The Expansion Rack is equipped with a switch that can passively route the stereo output signal of the Phonitor to four stereo outputs. In this combination, the Phonitor is expanded by three additional stereo outputs. However, the analog loudspeaker emulation—called SPL Phonitor in this case—remains a unique SPL feature in version 2. With HD8or AKG70 I bet you will get so distracted by the amazing music! For W4S DAC2(XLR), the active monitors, the Focal SoloBe has become its new partner.

The large, central, illuminated volume dial is buttery-smooth. Labels are clear and concise, with the functions they indicate being entirely unambiguous. The overall impression is that this is a very high-quality and entirely “premium” device. The Phonitor x has a number of interesting features, some of which herald from the professional market, some from the audiophile world and some are relatively uncommon, but quite welcome, in either: 1. SPL make a point of calling out their “VOLTAiR” high-voltage power-rail capability (also known as the “SPL 120V Rail Technology”).

This provides for a lot of voltage-swing in the power-supply, lots of available power and significantly improved dynamic range (claimed 1dB) vs. Unlike most of the competition, however, these inputs can accept high professional-gear signal levels. The $4question is, of course, “How does the Phonitor x sound?

In a word … fantastic! For a start, it is clearly both an entirely neutral and highly transparent performer. Much of my listening was performed using a Chord DAVE DAC as the source.

It covers up nothing, makes excuses for nothing, and lets the source show its true colors without omission or editorialization. It is really an advance analog-domain, crossfeed2system that allows simulation of interaural time and volume differences at various user-selectable levels. You can read a full explanation of the theory and settings in the Phonitor x User Manual(refer to page 11), but for this review, I’ll focus on the actual effects of the system rather than what’s behind it. SPL offer the Phonitor x with an optional, internal, DAC module (called “DAC192”), which was installed in the unit that I auditioned and used for this review. There is no support for DS native or otherwise - you’ll need to convert to PCM in your player.

These I would define as combinations of gear that provide a “better than expected” or “performs above their price points” combination, or that show a particular component either in a “new light” or let them perform the best I have heard them to date. I thought it might be interesting to call out the most notable of those, here. It would be nice to be able to set the VU meter attenuation independently by input. With an external, balance studio DAC, I need the dB attenuator engaged or the needle spends most of its time buried in the opposite side of the scale.

Since the control for this is via a dip-switch underneath the unit, changing it on the fly is not really practical. The optional DAC module seems to have issues with players that do automatic sample rate-switching under macOS 10. High Sierra) when using the USB input. Setting the bit-depth and sample rate manually, via the Audio-MIDI Setup tool, prior to playback, alleviates this issue.

The TOSLINK and COAX inputs are. It yields a huge sense of scale and power with effortless delivery, has excellent tonality AND tonal weight, transient response is superb and it plies its trade against a dead-silent, void-black, background. Its features, and sonic performance make it easy to integrate into studio scenarios and still able to satisfy audiophile sensibilities.

There are a few or very few situations in which an engineer can enjoy a dedicated amplifier, built with quality components and on which he can fully rely. See full list on hdphonic. Everything is easy to set up and has a very nice design. The knobs, switches, and the presence of a pair of VU meter give the unit a very professional feel.

Its uniqueness lies in the 1volts technology already employed by SPL in its other products. While the majority of audio equipment operates with voltage variations of ± volt or ± volt, high-end equipment —SPL Phonitor included— operate at ± volts. The main advantage of this design approach is a much higher headroom value and a more natural listening even at high pressure sound levels.

On the front panel there is a whole series of controls. On the left side there’s the Matrix section which contains different controls, such as Crossfee. As usual, before doing any critical listening tests we let the Phonitor burn in for a full week whilst linked to the balanced XLR outputs of our Tobby FireStone Audio DAC. During the test, we wanted to compare the amplifier by SPL with the Bryston BHA-1. The songs for the test included different genres of music with different resolutions in order to check the ability and the overall sonic timbre of the unit.

From the start the Phonitor struck us for its neutral tone that every serious professional product should have. It’s in fact an amplifier that doesn’t take away or add virtually anything to the source. Driving the AKG K8in unbalanced mode the amplifier showed a generous dose of authority with fuller bass in a combination that makes Phonitor the perfect companion for the AKG. The sound expressed was linear, coherent, analytical and perfectly suited to audio professionals. It can provide a reference listening with its many functions and the type of technology implemente not only to professionals but also to more demanding enthusiasts.

Moreover, it is definitely less convenient and practical than the front entrances provided by other amplifiers. If I did’nt already own the HPBA-S I’d instantly buy the Phonitor to drive the HD 8in balanced mode. I want to be sincere.

I really enjoyed pairing the Phonitor with the Sennheiser top of the line and I wouldn’t have any problems using this combo for some audio mastering sessions. It’s really impressive how the Phonitor manages to keep the tone intact even at high pressure sound levels showing no ear fatigue and no problem in unleashing all the dynamics present in the source or in the song you’re listening to. However these are only small sins that don’t affect the constructive high level and the high sonic performance of the amplifier that is destined to become one of the new references in the professional field.

The Phonitor X is part of SPL ’s latest line of “pro-fi” gear, which bridges the gap between the professional and consumer markets. But as mentioned earlier, this device has a Matrix switch that according to SPL adjusts the cross feed setting from the standard degree speaker placement. It paints an honest picture of your equipment and the music you’re listening to. This design kind of reminds me of the old Matrix Mini of years past, a simpler time…a better time.

Very interesting your review. I woul like to know if you have had the opportunity to compare Phonitor with SPL 2Control. This review is a supplement to the existing SPL Phonitor XE review here at Basshead. Just got into touch with SPL regarding the Phonitor amp topologies.

The unbalanced part between Phonitor X and is the same.