Phonitor x

Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier

The Phonitor x is both an outstanding headphone amplifier and an excellent preamplifier that can be used to directly drive power amplifiers or active speakers. With the optional DA converter, it not only plays from analog sources, but also directly from digital sources. The Phonitor Matrix allows speaker-like listening via headphones.

 

Thanks to VOLTAiR technology, it offers all this in the highest possible sound quality.

Great sound – for all headphones

The Phonitor x offers connections for a standard headphone with a stereo jack plug and for balanced-driven headphones using a 4-pol XLR jack.

Thanks to the enormous output power, all headphones are driven effortlessly.

Thus, it plays out the advantages of the SPL VOLTAiR technology and rewards the listener with an honest, detailed and at the same time vivid sound experience.

Headphones or Speaker

The OUTPUT switch turns the headphone amplifier into a preamplifier – simply switch from headphones to speakers.

In the center position (mute), no signal reaches the outputs. The VU meters light up red.

To the power amplifiers

or to the active loudspeakers you can use the balanced via XLR sockets – for long cable runs, and unbalanced via RCA sockets. The source signal is always present at both speaker outputs.

The standby mode of devices with 12V trigger input can be switched on and off via AMP CTL. This allows, for example, the SPL Performer s800, Performer m1000 or Performer s1200 power amplifiers to be ideally integrated into the set-up.

Milled from solid

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

 

The red marker LED ensures good visibility of the volume parameter even in darkened environments.

 

Remote Control

The volume control can be remotely controlled with any infrared remote control.

 

The Phonitor x learns to communicate with it with the simple push of a button.

 

Source of joy

Up to five stereo sources can be connected to the Phonitor x:

XLR, RCA, and via the optional DAC768xs, USB, COAX, and OPTICAL.

 

The Phonitor x accepts a variety of different audio connections.

Balanced via XLR or unbalanced via RCA jacks.

 

With the optional DAC768xs, three additional digital sources can be added. PCM audio is received in S/P-DIF format both coaxially (RCA) and optically (Toslink F06).

Both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted via USB.

 

The DAC automatically picks up the sampling rate and resolution of the digital playback source. No matter if a streamer, computer or CD player is connected. No further settings on the Phonitor x are necessary.

 

The DAC768xs

The converter chip in the optional digital-to-analog converter is the highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details.

 

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

 

Unlike the DAC768, which is built into the Director Mk2 for example or available as an option for the Phonitor xe, the DAC768xs does not offer an AES/EBU digital input. The SPL DLP120 with VOLTAiR technology was also not included in the DAC768xs. Nevertheless, it offers a great performance that is unparalleled in this league.

 

Good ol’ times

Two mechanical VU meters visualize the input levels for the left and right audio channel.

Finding the middle

is not always easy. By our very nature, hearing can be leaning more to the left or more to the right. This is especially obvious when listening with headphones.

That’s why Phonitor x has the uniquely finely resolved laterality control. With it, the center can be found perfectly.

With the mode switch you can choose between stereo or mono playback. To the right, the laterality control is switched on.

The Revolution: Phonitor-Matrix

The Phonitor Matrix is the revolution in the headphone amplifier.

Thanks to the Phonitor Matrix, music can be experienced on headphones as if it was played on speakers. The tiring super stereo effect is a thing of the past.

 

Enjoy their music without listening fatigue and exactly the way it should be heard.

Music is normally produced and mixed for playback on stereo speakers.

 

Listening on headphones is different from listening on loudspeakers. The biggest difference is the lack of crossing signals of the sound signal from the left speaker to the right ear and from the right speaker to the left ear. These crossing signals are missing in conventional headphone listening, because there are no signals crossing from one side of the headphones to the other.

 

This results in an unnaturally wide stereo image and the various sound sources of the audio signal are not localized as the sound engineer intended them to. This effect is often referred to as “super stereo effect”. During conventional listening on headphones, our brain can balance the false representation of the playback to a certain extent – but this is very exhausting.

 

The SPL Phonitor Matrix can correct this false stereo image with an analog circuitry. The Phonitor Matrix therefore not only ensures a correct representation of the stereo image, but also a relaxed listening experience.

The two main parameters of the Phonitor Matrix are Crossfeed and Angle:

 

Crossfeed determines the crossing signals of the channels, the so-called interaural level difference.

Angle determines the opening angle of the stereo image, the so-called interaural time difference.

Crossfeed

Level and frequency adjustment of the right (red) and left (green) audio channel at maximum crossfeed.

Angle

Settings for the speaker placement angle to determine the interaural time difference.

The VOLTAiR Technology

The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps. In our Professional Fidelity series, we refer to this unsurpassed technology as VOLTAiR technology.

The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

 

The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.

 

By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.

 

The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.

 

Comparison

Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device. All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.

SPL devices with VOLTAiR technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.

These diagrams clearly show the superiority of the VOLTAiR technology in comparison to other circuits with lower, common operating voltages.

For audiophiles and professional sound engineers seeking unmatched clarity and precision in headphone listening, the SPL Audio Phonitor X Headphone Amplifier offers an elite solution. This amplifier is designed to deliver studio-grade audio reproduction, ensuring that every nuance of your music or audio project is rendered with stunning accuracy. Whether you are mixing tracks, mastering audio, or simply enjoying your favorite recordings, the Phonitor X elevates the listening experience by providing pristine sound quality and exceptional control.

One of the standout features of the Phonitor X is its internal linear power supply equipped with a shielded toroidal transformer. This design minimizes electromagnetic interference, resulting in an ultra-clean power source that significantly reduces noise and distortion. For the user, this means a purer sound with a dynamic range reaching an impressive 135 dB, allowing you to hear details that lesser amplifiers might obscure. The amplifier’s analog input and output stages boast a maximum gain of 32.5 dBu and input impedances of 20 kΩ for both RCA and XLR connections, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of professional audio equipment without signal degradation.

The Phonitor X features both balanced 4-pin XLR and standard 6.35 mm TRS headphone outputs, each engineered for optimal performance. The balanced output has a source impedance as low as 0.36 Ω and can deliver up to 3.5 watts per channel into 250 Ω headphones, ideal for driving high-impedance studio headphones with precision and power. Meanwhile, the standard output delivers up to 5 watts per channel at 250 Ω, perfectly suited for lower-impedance headphones. Both outputs maintain an exceptionally low total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of approximately 0.00082%, ensuring crystal-clear audio reproduction free from unwanted coloration or distortion.

In addition to its analog capabilities, the Phonitor X integrates a state-of-the-art DAC768 xs digital-to-analog converter with multiple digital inputs, including coaxial SPDIF, optical SPDIF, and USB. This broad compatibility supports PCM sample rates up to 768 kHz and DSD formats up to DSD256, allowing you to connect a variety of digital sources such as computers, CD players, and streaming devices without compromising audio quality. The unit’s robust frequency response spans from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, allowing for ultra-wide bandwidth playback that captures the full spectrum of sound, from deep bass to shimmering highs.

Measuring 278 mm in width, 100 mm in height, and 300 mm in depth, and weighing 4.4 kg, the Phonitor X is built to fit comfortably in professional studios or home setups without occupying excessive space. Its selectable mains voltage and low power consumption—max 40 VA with a standby mode under 0.3 W—make it energy efficient and adaptable to different electrical standards worldwide. The amplifier also features a meticulously designed common mode rejection ratio of 82 dB on XLR inputs, which dramatically reduces hum and noise from external sources, ensuring a clean and stable audio signal.

The SPL Audio Phonitor X is the perfect tool for critical listening, mixing, and mastering applications where audio fidelity cannot be compromised. By delivering high output power, ultra-low distortion, and versatile connectivity options, it empowers users to work with confidence and precision. Whether you are a professional engineer or a discerning music lover, this amplifier will transform your headphone experience, revealing the true character of your audio with extraordinary clarity and detail.

Investing in the SPL Audio Phonitor X means choosing a headphone amplifier that combines technical excellence with practical versatility. Its comprehensive features and robust build quality make it a reliable centerpiece for any high-end audio setup. Experience your music and mixes like never before—immerse yourself in a world of sound that is as accurate and vibrant as the original recording.