Features
| Warranty length | 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Brand | iFi Audio |
Tech Specs
- Output Power, BAL: >15,000mW @ 16Ω | UnBAL: >5,760mW @ 16Ω
- Output Voltage, BAL: >27.0V @ 600Ω | UnBAL: >14.0V @ 600Ω
- ESL Output Voltage, Pro: 640V RMS max | Normal: 320V RMS max
- Input Voltage, Phantom: DC 12V/4A or 15V/3A
- Input Voltage, iPower Elite: AC 85 – 265V, 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: 27W idle, 75W ax.
- THD+N: Solid-state / Tube / Tube + * BAL: ≤0.0015% / ≤0.002% / ≤0.012% * UnBAL: ≤0.007% / ≤0.006% / ≤0.2%
- SNR: BAL: <145dB(A) | UnBAL: <130dB(A)
- Gain: 0dB, 9dB and 18dB user-selectable
- Frequency Response: 0.5Hz to 500kHz (-3dB)
- Dimensions: 256 x 185 x 120mm (10.1” x 7.3” x 4.7”)
- Net weight: 4.17kg (9.2lbs)
Product Description
iFi Audio iCan Phantom headphone amplifier is a reference-class flagship model, designed and optimised to get the best possible sound from a wide range of headphones.
It uses a mix of advanced modern technology to provide the ultimate and most versatile headphone amplifier ever produced. It includes a valve input stage as well as the capability to drive electrostatic headphones. There is also network connectivity and a custom app.
This is a no compromise design with every possible refinement. Every type of headphones can be driven. The iCan Phantom can also be used as a high performance preamp. Finally, there is a metal bodied, easy-to-use remote.
Ultimate headphone amplifier
The iCAN Phantom is in fact a single unit with the control circuitry at the top and all the connectivity at the bottom. The multilevel circuit design features a colourful OLED display and tactile controls. The casework is made of thick aluminium with circular cooling vents.
The top of the case features a flush-fitting smoked glass panel so that the glowing valves can be seen. Finally, the sockets at the front and back can be hidden by an aluminium panel, when not in use.
Two exceptional input stages
Two quality input stages are provided - one is valve based while the other is JFET solid state. Both can be selected as the input, in real-time. Solid state gives pace and immediacy while the two valve modes give fluidity and a free breathing dynamic warmth. Next, the GE5670 double triode valves have a long life span of around 10,000 hours. However, the glass panel is easily removed for valve replacement.
The input stages are entirely separate for signal purity. The valves used are computer matched and the Tube+ mode minimises loop gain for a smoother sound. The valves are of a premium type. Finally, the solid-state input stage uses J-FETs operating in class A. JFETs are low noise high impedance devices.
Great connectivity
The iCan Phantom has a wide range of balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs. Headphone connections are at the front while source inputs are at the rear. There are four inputs, with one being XLR balanced and the other three being RCA.
The headphone outputs include one three-pin balanced and 1 four pin balanced connector. There is also a four-pin balanced XLR and a 4.4mm balanced connector. Next, there are two 6.3mm sockets with inverted and normal phase. A 3.5mm socket is also supplied for S-Balanced headphones. This cuts distortion by 50%. Finally, there are two 5-pin outputs for electrostatic headphones.
Additionally, a preamplifier can be connected by either balanced XLR or RCA connectors.
iFi Nexus control over a network
iFi has developed a network control system that is being fitted to some current products. The iCan Phantom is the first device to use it. The Nexus’s features will be added to over time, at present Nexus allows for added functionality which is two-way. For example, you can monitor operating condition in real time via the Nexus app. The supply voltage and the projected lifespan of the valves can be seen. The app can be installed on Android and iOS devices. Updates will be released periodically.
Different types of headphones
Headphones create sound in two main ways. The first, the dynamic type, uses a moving coil to drive a diaphragm to create sound. This is similar to a conventional speaker. Most headphones fall into this type. There is also another type of magnetic driver known as the planar magnetic diaphragm – these are used by brands like HiFi Man. Another type of headphones use electrostatic deflection. These require a separate energiser, or high voltage source. The iCan Phantom incorporates an energizer that was formerly only available as a separate unit.
Capacitive power supply for electrostatic headphones
The iCan Phantom features a battery capacitive power supply. This gives a very high level of performance. Electrostatic headphones need several hundred volts to operate. This is usually supplied by a switch mode power supply. However, this can introduce high frequency noise. As a result, iFi has developed a power supply that uses a bank of 1000 volt capacitors. These are periodically charged from the AC mains. The resulting DC voltage is very clean and free of interference.
Electrostatic headphone Bias voltage
Electrostatic headphones need a bias voltage to operate. This can vary from 230V to 640V, with 230V being the most common. Consequently, the iCan Phantom has two outputs, one for 230v and another that has a selectable output voltage. Notably, if the wrong voltage is used the drivers can be damaged. Therefore, rather than using a switch, the Phantom uses data cards. These are supplied with the unit , and are inserted into a slot. This tells the control system which voltage to use.
