Phonitor 3 DAC

The headphone amplifier, monitoring controller and DAC with 120V technology

Phonitor 3 DAC is not only the ultimate headphone amplifier and monitoring controller with

120V technology – the integrated DAC makes it the perfect monitoring centerpiece for demanding

producers as well as sound and mastering engineers working with digital sources or in the DAW.

Whether if USB, AES/EBU or S/PDIF – the integrated DAC with analog SLP120 converts digital

PCM audio signals with a resolution of 32 bit and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz. It converts

DSD signals with a resolution of up to DSD256.

On the analog side, the Phonitor 3 DAC, based on the SPL 120V technology, offers the same

monitoring quality as the big SPL mastering consoles – on loudspeakers and headphones.

The analog Phonitor Matrix allows mixing and mastering on headphones in the highest quality –

with the same spatial perception of the stereo stage as on loudspeakers.

Great sound – for headphones

The Phonitor 3 DAC offers connection for a standard headphone with a stereo jack plug on the front. Thanks to the enormous output power, all kind of headphones are driven effortlessly. Thus, it plays out the advantages of the SPL 120V technology and rewards the listener with an honest, detailed and at the same time vivid sound experience.

Great sound – also for loudspeakers

On the rear of the device, Phonitor 3 DAC offers

a stereo output which makes it a high-quality

monitoring controller for any monitoring situation. Active speakers with an integrated power amplifier

or passive speakers in combination with a power amplifier can be connected at this output.

Headphones or Speakers

The Output switch – simply switch from headphone to speaker playback. In the center position (Mute), no signal reaches the outputs. The VU meters light up red.

Digital & analog stereo inputs – free choice

Up to six stereo sources can be connected to the Phonitor 3 DAC.

The source is selected via the Source switch.

Analog inputs

On the analog side, two analog stereo inputs are offered, each with two XLR line inputs. Professional analog players with balanced outputs and line level can be connected here.

Digital inputs

On the digital side, the Phonitor 3 DAC offers four digital stereo inputs.

USB

The USB input (type B) can be used to directly connect the DAW. No driver installation is required for operation with a Mac or an iDevice. Via USB, the Phonitor 3 DAC converts PCM audio signals with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz as well as DSD signals with a resolution of up to DSD256.

S/PDIF, coaxial

The Input S/PDIF coaxial can also receive a two-channel signal (PCM audio) with sampling rates up to 192 kHz and a bit rate of 16 bits to 24 bits. Unbalanced, 2-wire 75-ohm coaxial cables with RCA connectors are used for signal transmission.

The DAC768v2 – Only the best is good enough

The converter chip in the Phonitor 3 DAC’s digital/analog converter is the highly acclaimed AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUNDTM premium DAC chip in the latest version of the SPL DAC “DAC768v2”, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details. It impresses with even lower distortion characteristics and a wider dynamic range than its predecessor.

It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.

The DAC768v2 features the newest version of the Spartan FPGA – Spartan 7.

In contrast to the smaller SPL DAC “DAC768xs”, it not only offers an AES/EBU digital input, but also the new, optimized SPL SLP120 with 120V technology.

The SLP120 (Super Low-Pass)

The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using 120V technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom and sound. The filter specially optimized for the new SPL DAC768v2 is called SLP120 (Super Low-Pass).

The DAC768v2 inside the Phonitor 3 DAC is equipped with the SLP120 – an analog “Super Low-Pass” filter with 120V technology.

DAC768v2 – what’s new:

1. AK 4493 SEQ

The DAC768v2 is equipped with the latest generation of the premium DAC chip – the AK 4493 SEQ – from Asahi Kasei (previously AK 4490).

The AK 4493 SEQ impresses with even lower distortion characteristics and a wider dynamic range than its predecessor.

2. Spartan 7

The DAC768v2 features the newest version of the Spartan FPGA – Spartan 7 (previously Spartan 6).

3. The newest generation of the SPL low-pass filter “SLP120”

The DAC768v2 comes with a completely new tuned low-pass filter, which perfectly matches the sonic strengths of the new converter chip. It ofers an even better representation of the stereo image as well as a three-dimensionality we never experienced from any other DAC before.

The new DAC revision can be recognized by the “DAC768v2” label on the serial number sticker.

The design of the DAC768v2 is unfortunately not compatible with devices that were built with DAC768.

In addition to the original DAC chip (previously AK4490, now AK4493), other components in the digital environment that are no longer available, such as the previously used version of the Spartan-6 FPGA (now Spartan-7), had to be updated. As the technical characteristics of these components are different from those of their predecessors, further technical adjustments had to be made to the device in order to achieve the best possible sonic performance of which SPL is known for. The analog low-pass filter with 120V technology is also different in the devices with DAC768v2.

It is therefore not possible to simply replace the DAC768 module with the DAC768v2 module.

Milled from solid

The massive 45mm volume control knob milled from aluminum is a haptic highlight. Its mass together with the Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer enhances the “spoon in the honey” feeling even further and provides perfect control of the monitoring level.

Mono or stereo – a matter of setting

The Mono/Stereo switch can be used to select whether the output signal of the Phonitor 3 DAC is a regular stereo signal or whether it is summed to a mono signal.

Monitoring without any compromises The Phonitor 3 DAC is a full-fledged monitor controller:

Source selection

Phonitor Matrix with Crossfeed, Speaker Angle and Center Level (the latter can be switched off)

Mono/Stereo

Laterality control

Solo L/R

Phase inversion for L and R

L/R Swap

Output switchable to headphones or speakers

Mute

For audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking unparalleled precision and clarity in monitoring, the SPL Audio Phonitor 3 offers a groundbreaking solution. This high-end audio interface is engineered to deliver the truest representation of your sound, enabling you to make critical mixing and mastering decisions with absolute confidence. Whether you’re in a recording studio, post-production environment, or high-fidelity listening setup, the Phonitor 3 ensures that what you hear is exactly what’s on the recording, free from coloration or distortion.

At the core of the Phonitor 3’s appeal is its exceptional audio performance. With a maximum input and output gain of 32.5 dBu, this device can handle professional-level signals without clipping or loss of fidelity. The input impedance of 20 kΩ ensures compatibility with a wide range of microphones and line-level sources, preserving the original tonal characteristics of your audio. On the output side, a low impedance of 75 Ω guarantees a clean, stable connection to your headphones or monitor speakers, minimizing signal degradation. The remarkable common mode rejection ratio of -82 dB means that unwanted noise and hum are effectively eliminated, delivering a pure listening experience even in electrically noisy environments.

Sound quality is further enhanced by the Phonitor 3’s ultra-wide frequency response, spanning from 10 Hz to 100 kHz at 0 dBu. This extends well beyond the audible range, allowing the device to capture and transmit subtle harmonics and overtones that contribute to a rich and detailed soundstage. Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) is an impressively low 0.0009% at 1 kHz and 0 dBu, meaning the audio signal remains pristine without any perceptible artifacts. Noise levels are kept to a minimum with an A-weighted noise floor of -102 dBu, ensuring that even the quietest nuances are audible. Crosstalk at 1 kHz is an astonishingly low -95 dB, which means channels remain perfectly isolated, preserving stereo imaging and spatial accuracy. The dynamic range of 134.3 dB offers vast headroom, capturing the full spectrum from the softest whisper to the loudest peak without compression or distortion.

The Phonitor 3 is built to endure demanding professional use. Its operating voltage for analog audio is ±60 V, providing robust power and stability for clean signal handling. The unit’s physical dimensions of 278 x 100 x 300 mm (11 x 4 x 11.81 inches) and weight of 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs) strike a balance between portability and solid construction, making it suitable for both fixed studio setups and mobile production environments. The device also features dedicated power supplies for relays and LEDs at +12 V, ensuring reliable operation and clear visual feedback during sessions.

This interface is perfect for mixing engineers, mastering specialists, and audiophiles who demand the highest level of sonic accuracy. Its ability to reproduce sound with extraordinary detail and neutrality makes it an invaluable tool for critical listening tasks, such as fine-tuning EQ, balancing mixes, and evaluating subtle effects. The Phonitor 3’s precise monitoring capabilities help reduce listener fatigue and increase workflow efficiency by providing a truthful listening environment, eliminating guesswork and rework.

Investing in the SPL Audio Phonitor 3 means securing a professional-grade monitoring system designed around your need for uncompromising sound quality. Priced at ₹219,400, it combines advanced engineering with practical usability to meet the standards of today’s most discerning audio professionals. With the Phonitor 3, you can trust that every mix decision you make will be based on an accurate and reliable audio representation, ultimately elevating the quality of your productions.