iFi 246ZENAIRP ZEN Air Phono Owner’s Manual

246ZENAIRP ZEN
Owner’s Manual

246ZENAIRP ZEN Air Phono

Thank you for purchasing the Phono from the ZEN Air series.
The ZEN Air Phono is a single-ended MM/MC phono stage.

1. Power ON/OFF
   This is the power switch.
   Note : If the unit has been powered on for a while, you need to press the power switch twice to turn it off. This is because the MCU goes into sleep mode for less noise, so you get to enjoy the best sonics!

2. MM input LED
   This is the MM input indication. Use this setting for MM cartridges with output voltage 2mV and higher. Please select MM on the gain switch at the rear.

3. MC input LED
   This is the MC input indication. Use this setting for MC cartridges with output voltage <2mV. Please select MC on the gain switch at the rear.

4. SUBSONIC Filter ON/OFF and Gain switch unlocked This is the SUBSONIC filter switch (short press)
   The iFi-designed subsonic filter will intelligently detect whether a subsonic frequency is a warp or a bass note. It will eliminate the warps and let all the bass and mid-range frequencies pass through untouched. Therefore, it will have
   little effect on the sound quality.
   Gain switch function unlocked (short press)
   To change gain after the unit has been on for more than 10 minutes, short press this switch to unlock the rear gain switch (8).
   Tip: To protect your device, the gain switch (8) will enter lock mode after 10 minutes and will need to be unlocked each time you operate it.

5. RCA analogue output
   This is an analogue output.

6. Ground
   This is the ZEN Air Phono’s ground, please connect it to the turntable’s grounding wire.

7. RCA analogue input
   This is the analogue input.

8. Gain channel switch
   This button selects either of two gain levels:
   MM: for use with MM cartridges (≥2mV)
   MC: for use with MC cartridges (<2mV)
   Please adjust the gain channel switch in accordance with your preference and your turntable’s specifications.

9. DC 5V power
   The ZEN Air Phono must ONLY be powered by 5 volts.
   Tip: For best performance, an ultra-low noise power adapter such as the iFi iPower2 or iPower X is recommended.

Specifications:

Gain:
MM:| 40dB
MC| 64dB
Input Impedance:
MM:| 47k
MC| 1k
Output Impedance:| 100Ω
SNR:
MM (40dB ±1dB):| 86dB (A-weighted) re 1V
MC (64dB ±1dB):| 82dB (A-weighted) re 1V
Ein (equivalent input noise):
0.6nV | /Hz (unweighted)| MC -146dBV (A-weighted)
6.5nV | /Hz (unweighted)| MM -126dBV (A-weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion:
MM:| <-90dB / 0.005% re 1V
MC:| <-80dB / 0.036% re 1V
Power consumption:| <1.8W
Dimensions:| 158 x 117 x 35 mm (6.2″ x 4.6″ x 1.4″)
Net weight:| 320 g (0.71 lbs)
Warranty period:| 12 months

Quick Start Guide

1. Power
2. Input
3. Output

Before using ZEN Air Phono, review the Zen Air Phono User Manual at https://i-audio.com/product-guides/

Tech Lowdown

External Turntable Preamplifier

Based on the award-winning ZEN Series, the ZEN Air range makes high- performance audio more affordable than ever before.
The ZEN Air Phono is a hi-res, external phono stage for turntables. It enables you to make the most of your treasured vinyl collection.

The ZEN Air Phono is a necessity for any turntable without a phono stage built in.

• Upgrades a basic built-in phono stage in a turntable or amplifier system
• Reduces hiss, noise and rumble on vinyl playback

Expertly Engineered

• Ultra-low noise – hear every drop of detail against a super-quiet background
• Expertly engineered for MM and MC cartridges
• Precise RIAA equalisation to satisfy the most demanding vinyl enthusiasts
• Sophisticated subsonic filter setting for warped records

Connections

High-performance circuitry

The ZEN Air Phono circuitry has an audiophile design with symmetrical channel layout.
It delivers high performance without the high price tag.

Superior Design And Components

Specifications

6.SnV I /Hz (unweighted)
MC| -1S1dBV (A-weighted)
MM| -130dBV (A-weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion| MC| <-80dB / 0.01% re 1V
MM| <-90dB / 0.005% re 1V
Power Consumption| <1.8W
Dimensions| 158 x 117 x 35 mm
6.2″ x 4.6″ x 1 A”
Net weight| 320g
0.71 lbs

Type A Connect
( where applicable)
This iFi device with a USB type A male port was designed for direct connection to mobile devices to extract the digital signal.

Phone Connections ( where applicable)

For connection via
Apple (iOS) use Apple USB-to-USB-C/Lightning:

*Android use On-The-Go (USB-C/USB-micro):**

For further support FAQs and Support Ticket System: https://support.ifi- audio.com/.
*Please ensure your Android is USB host mode compatible.

Note for Charging ( where applicable)

1. If the LED is BLUE when you first switch ON the machine, it means that it is sufficiently charged. If the LED is RED, please turn OFF the machine and charge until no LED is lit.
2. If you cannot power ON or if there is no LED light, please insert a USB cable with USB power 3-5 times, then the LED should be BLUE. It should stay like this for a few hours (depending upon how flat the battery is). If not, please re-insert the USB cable (with USB power) 3-5 times again, and once the LED is BLUE, leave for at least 6 hours.
3. After a long period on inactivity (say 3 6 months), please fully charge the machine again. Ideally, repeat this process once every 3 months.
4. . If you encounter any issues, please contact our technical support department at: http://support.ifi-audio.com/

Dual Lock Fasteners( where applicable)

warranty

In order to activate the warranty for this iFi product, you must register with the iFi website.
Component:———-
Serial no:————–

Terms and Conditions

iFi guarantees that this iFi product shall be free fron1 defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year (electronic tube warranty for 6 months} for parts and labour.
The warranty period begins at the date of retail sa le by an authorized lFi distributor/dealer and is subject to the following requirements and understandings:

• It Is the responsibility of the buyer within 30 days from the original sale, to register and activate the product warranty with the iFi website.
• The original invoice must be produced for authentication prior to any warranty claim.
• The ifi product must not have been modified in any manner whatsoever, or the warranty will immediately beco1ne void.
• The lfi warranty is only valid in the country of original sale and is not transferable.
• The product must not have been stored in a humid environment; nor subjected to weather, water, or saltwater spray.
• iFi shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for any incidental or consequential damages arising from the loss of property or other dj:lmage or losses due to the failure of an ,Fi product. !Fi is not liable for loss of use or inconvenience caused by the failu re of an iFi product. iFi is not liable for dan1age caused to other audio components because of the failure of an iFI product.
• During the warranty period, iFi will repair the product to working order, or, at iFi’s discretion, replace the defective module with a similar available product.
• All repairs performed after expiry of the warranty period will be charged to the owner and will carry a 180-day warranty on parts and labour. The customer is responsible for shipping thP unit to the iFi distributor in the original packaging. This includes the payment of any shipping charges and related taxes.
• Should any warranty issues arise, IF1’s decision is full and final.

After-Sales

3 Easy Steps …

support.1f1-audio.com

Dear iFi customer: Thank you for purchasing this iFi product.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions surrounding our products/support.
http://support.ifi-audio.com/

MQA Setup  ( where applicable)

For MQA computer setup, please scan this QR code or type ‘ifi audio’ into search.
You will find two setup videos:

• MQA Decoder – eg Pro iDSD
• MQA Renderer- eg nano iDSD Bl Just select the correct video setup for your device.

http://l.ead.me/bazT2E

Any queries, please search the FAQs or open a support ticket here:
http://l.ead.me/bazT1e
https://support.ifi-audio.com/

References

• iFi audio | the Award-Winning Audio Technology Company
• Support Desk | iFi audio
• Support Desk | iFi audio

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