I forgot to mention that the output volume of the Zen preamp was considerably louder than the built-in preamp. I had to normalize the audio for the sound test.
Even through my phone’s speaker, the Ifi is noticeably clearer on the high tones. I have been running an Ifi Zen Phono for about 6 months now and love it. It is certainly better than the Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS that I had previously and is half the price too!
Record-ology, when you did the demo comparing the turntable's built-in phono pre-amp versus using the iFi Zen Air phono preamp externally, the iFi Zen Air seemed to provide a bit of a wider soundstage with the music. It's a subtle difference, but it was noticeable.
Thank you for this great review. I use AT LP60X-BT for few months and I have it connected to my Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless, using built-in preamp and Melodika Purple Rain cable. I wasn’t sure if it makes sense to add external phono preamp to this turntable, but thanks to your video, I see it’s worth to give iFi Zen Air Phono preamp a try. Keep up the great work. You have now a new follower.
@@Recordology You’re welcome. I just got my iFi Zen Air Phono preamp two days ago and I’m impressed with the increased quality of the sound, compared to stock preamp on AT LP60X-BT. I checked it first with the “Time” album by Electric Light Orchestra and the soundstage was much wider, with details more present, especially in higher frequencies. I really think this little preamp is a “must-have” for LP60 series turntable owners, who want to improve the sound quality of their player without spending too much money.
I always look forward to your videos. The passion and excitement you have for your hobby is so genuine. I have an LP60, but recently upgraded to a Technics SL-QD2, which doesn't have a built in preamp. Luckily, I found an old Sony receiver with a phono output for $10.00 at my local Goodwill. The speakers were sold separately at $11 for the pair. I really like the sound, but I have to imagine I would be looking into something like this, had I not found my receiver. $100 is a great price for what you're getting. Still though, I was surprised by how close the built in preamp came to the iFi Zen. Awesome video.
just bought a schiit mani 2 for 150 it comes with a brick and supports all cart types and sounds great ...
ปีที่แล้ว +1
audio technica's preamps are really good, considering the junks that are out there for 20 to 50 bucks. I can assume that audio technica's preamp are as good as the ones with performance tubes. It's surreal that a 150$ turntable that used to cost 80$ in the past is that good.
Noticeably better separation on the zen air even with Apple earphones. This video speaks to me as I own this turntable and wish to buy the air over the flagship one. Obviously dont want to spend more on the phono stage than on the lp60x itself. Want to add the can air to the phono air for extra gain. Is this possible? Thanks in advance
Interesting product, thanks for sharing. I like my FX audio phono preamp. I use it with my 1980's Garrard turntable and modern Edifier book shelf speakers for my bedroom stereo. They compliment each other. It's a somewhat budget system.
The only difference between preamps was when getting cheap $30 phono preamps. One of those $30 sounded amazingly clear and detailed with great bass. I bought another one which looked the same, so I thought it was a rebadge...I was wrong. It sounded horrible, really muffled with no detail or sound stage. I'm usually not too picky about minor differences, but here the difference was massive.
The real question: Is the difference in the high end something that can't be compensated for using the treble control on a good set of powered speakers? Probably not.
I could hear more 'air' around the sound with the ifi Air, but very little other difference in terms of frequency response. I think that says more about the quality of the built-in pre-amo. I'm something of an ifi fan as I have a number of their DACs for playing hi-rez files and they're great. Rather more expensive, however.
I'm kinda confused in here, seems like there is a new Air Phono preamp. is this better than the new one? seems like the new is cheaper and with less functionalities
I hear people insist on external phono preamps. I use a Sony dh190 receiver with built in phono stage. Seems like it would take a very expensive preamp to make an audible difference. Would you rank phono preamp in the top 5 component upgrades to consider? Maybe after speakers and cartridge etc
DEAR SIR, I LIVE IN KOLKATA & I AM A VINYL COLLECTOR. TODAY I NOTICED MANY BUBBLES HAVE DEVELOPED ON THE SURFACE OF THE RECORD. NOW THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO REMOVE THOSE BUBBLES FROM THE SURFACE? ANY SHORTCUT HOMELY TIPS FOR ME BECAUSE MY TONEARM IS TREMBLING/DANCING AND IT IS A PRE-USED RECORD. THANKS
For both mc and mm I believe. I wouldn’t recommend paying the extra. Go for the basic…..sounds the same to me. Also fyi you have to power it on each time, it was not designed to stay on 24/7 like the Pluto from U-Turn. I would recommend that one.
I forgot to mention that the output volume of the Zen preamp was considerably louder than the built-in preamp. I had to normalize the audio for the sound test.
If I'm right, the AT-LP60XBT built-in preamp may be a bit soft, anyway.
Grácias, eso quería saber
Even through my phone’s speaker, the Ifi is noticeably clearer on the high tones. I have been running an Ifi Zen Phono for about 6 months now and love it. It is certainly better than the Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS that I had previously and is half the price too!
Record-ology, when you did the demo comparing the turntable's built-in phono pre-amp versus using the iFi Zen Air phono preamp externally, the iFi Zen Air seemed to provide a bit of a wider soundstage with the music. It's a subtle difference, but it was noticeable.
I agree.
I concur.
Thank you for this great review. I use AT LP60X-BT for few months and I have it connected to my Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless, using built-in preamp and Melodika Purple Rain cable. I wasn’t sure if it makes sense to add external phono preamp to this turntable, but thanks to your video, I see it’s worth to give iFi Zen Air Phono preamp a try.
Keep up the great work. You have now a new follower.
Thank you so much!
@@Recordology You’re welcome. I just got my iFi Zen Air Phono preamp two days ago and I’m impressed with the increased quality of the sound, compared to stock preamp on AT LP60X-BT. I checked it first with the “Time” album by Electric Light Orchestra and the soundstage was much wider, with details more present, especially in higher frequencies. I really think this little preamp is a “must-have” for LP60 series turntable owners, who want to improve the sound quality of their player without spending too much money.
I always look forward to your videos. The passion and excitement you have for your hobby is so genuine. I have an LP60, but recently upgraded to a Technics SL-QD2, which doesn't have a built in preamp. Luckily, I found an old Sony receiver with a phono output for $10.00 at my local Goodwill. The speakers were sold separately at $11 for the pair. I really like the sound, but I have to imagine I would be looking into something like this, had I not found my receiver. $100 is a great price for what you're getting. Still though, I was surprised by how close the built in preamp came to the iFi Zen. Awesome video.
just bought a schiit mani 2 for 150 it comes with a brick and supports all cart types and sounds great ...
audio technica's preamps are really good, considering the junks that are out there for 20 to 50 bucks. I can assume that audio technica's preamp are as good as the ones with performance tubes. It's surreal that a 150$ turntable that used to cost 80$ in the past is that good.
Record ology I like your utube videos are very interesting about CDs records turntables and taps players
This is the best phono in its price range
Noticeably better separation on the zen air even with Apple earphones. This video speaks to me as I own this turntable and wish to buy the air over the flagship one. Obviously dont want to spend more on the phono stage than on the lp60x itself. Want to add the can air to the phono air for extra gain. Is this possible? Thanks in advance
Interesting product, thanks for sharing.
I like my FX audio phono preamp. I use it with my 1980's Garrard turntable and modern Edifier book shelf speakers for my bedroom stereo. They compliment each other. It's a somewhat budget system.
The FX audio preamp is a modern product that is fairly inexpensive.
LIKE number 3 which I did with glee. :)
The only difference between preamps was when getting cheap $30 phono preamps. One of those $30 sounded amazingly clear and detailed with great bass. I bought another one which looked the same, so I thought it was a rebadge...I was wrong. It sounded horrible, really muffled with no detail or sound stage. I'm usually not too picky about minor differences, but here the difference was massive.
What is the name of the quadraphonic record you played? Urbie Green? Thanks. Just bought the ifizen
Record ology I like your record you played
The real question: Is the difference in the high end something that can't be compensated for using the treble control on a good set of powered speakers? Probably not.
Good show idea!
I can live with having the plastic construction over aluminum or whatever, but couldn't they have avoided putting a fingerprint magnet on the front?
What’s the name of the record? I think I need a copy.
Future Sound Shock by Enoch Light. Fantastic album in either stereo of quad.
I could hear more 'air' around the sound with the ifi Air, but very little other difference in terms of frequency response. I think that says more about the quality of the built-in pre-amo. I'm something of an ifi fan as I have a number of their DACs for playing hi-rez files and they're great. Rather more expensive, however.
I'm kinda confused in here, seems like there is a new Air Phono preamp. is this better than the new one? seems like the new is cheaper and with less functionalities
I hear people insist on external phono preamps. I use a Sony dh190 receiver with built in phono stage. Seems like it would take a very expensive preamp to make an audible difference. Would you rank phono preamp in the top 5 component upgrades to consider? Maybe after speakers and cartridge etc
I would.....after the cart for sure..... very minimal difference.
Record ology your ifi zen air phono pre Amp is cool
My amp has a 5v usb. can I simply hook it up there?
iFi Audio Zen Air phono или ampapa a1 ,что лучше?
Good question - would need to do a side by side.
DEAR SIR, I LIVE IN KOLKATA & I AM A VINYL COLLECTOR. TODAY I NOTICED MANY BUBBLES HAVE DEVELOPED ON THE SURFACE OF THE RECORD. NOW THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO REMOVE THOSE BUBBLES FROM THE SURFACE? ANY SHORTCUT HOMELY TIPS FOR ME BECAUSE MY TONEARM IS TREMBLING/DANCING AND IT IS A PRE-USED RECORD. THANKS
Time to throw the record may be?
Cool!!!
what is the difference besides the body?
More connections, and support for MC as well as gain settings.
@@Recordology gain settings for MC only? I just don’t understand whether it’s worth paying twice as much or not for a budget player.
For both mc and mm I believe. I wouldn’t recommend paying the extra. Go for the basic…..sounds the same to me. Also fyi you have to power it on each time, it was not designed to stay on 24/7 like the Pluto from U-Turn. I would recommend that one.
thanks a lot for the feedback. there is no Pluto U-Turn in my city, I will buy then iFi Audio Zen Air PHONO or schiit mani phono.
03:01 *output