iFi Audio iCAN PHANTOM

The iFi Audio iCAN PHANTOM represents the pinnacle of headphone amplification, offering exceptional versatility and performance for the most demanding audiophiles. This high-end preamplifier pushes the boundaries of audio technology to deliver an unparalleled listening experience, whether using dynamic, planar, or electrostatic headphones.

A Concentration of Technology Dedicated to Audio

The iCAN PHANTOM is the result of years of research and development at iFi Audio. It incorporates the brand’s best technologies into a single device with a sophisticated architecture. Its two-tiered design houses multi-layered circuits optimized for peak sound performance.

The robust aluminum casing ensures excellent isolation from electromagnetic interference. A smoked glass panel on the top allows you to admire the internal components, including the glowing audio tubes that give the device a unique aesthetic.

Unprecedented Flexibility

One of the most remarkable features of the iCAN PHANTOM is its ability to adapt to all types of audiophile headphones. It offers outputs for dynamic and planar headphones (6.35mm jack, 4-pin XLR, etc.) as well as a dedicated section for electrostatic headphones with adjustable bias voltages.

This versatility extends to the inputs as well, with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections to fully utilize high-end audio sources. The iCAN PHANTOM can also serve as the central preamplifier in a complete hi-fi system.

A Customizable Sound Signature

iFi Audio has equipped the iCAN PHANTOM with two distinct input stages: one tube-based and the other transistor-based. Users can switch in real-time between these two sound profiles to match their preferences or the musical style being played.

The transistor mode emphasizes speed and impact, while the tube mode adds warmth and smoothness. A third “Tube+” mode further enhances the tube influence for a more pronounced coloration. This flexibility allows the iCAN PHANTOM to cater to all tastes.

Colossal Power Under Control

With an output power of up to 15W in balanced mode, the iCAN PHANTOM can effortlessly drive the most demanding headphones. This power reserve translates into exceptional dynamics and perfect control of the drivers, even at high volumes.

For electrostatic headphones that require high voltage, the amplifier can deliver up to 640V thanks to its innovative capacitive power supply. This “virtual battery pack” ensures perfectly stable and noise-free power delivery.

Advanced Audio Features

True to iFi Audio’s philosophy, the iCAN PHANTOM incorporates several proprietary technologies to enhance the listening experience:

• XBass: A sophisticated analog circuit that naturally boosts low frequencies, ideal for compensating for the shortcomings of certain headphones.

• XSpace: An analog processing feature that expands the soundstage for greater immersion, particularly appreciated with closed-back headphones.

These features can be activated or deactivated at will, depending on the user’s preferences.

A Modern User Interface

The iCAN PHANTOM stands out with its advanced user interface, combining touch controls on the front panel with a color OLED display. Navigating through the various settings is more intuitive than with traditional amplifiers.

iFi Audio takes it a step further with its Nexis system, which allows the device to be controlled via a smartphone app. This connectivity opens the door to extended features such as diagnostic information display or firmware updates.

Technical Specifications

Design

• High-fidelity headphone amplifier and preamplifier
• Compatible with dynamic and electrostatic headphones
• Tube preamplification (General Electric 5670) or transistor-based
• XBass bass enhancement (toggleable on/off)
• XSpace soundstage expansion (toggleable on/off)
• iEMatch technology to adjust power for sensitive headphones
• ALPS volume potentiometer

Connectivity

• 3 RCA inputs
• 1 XLR input
• 1 mini-jack 3.5 mm headphone output
• 1 XLR 4-pin headphone output
• 1 dual XLR 3-pin headphone output (6.35 mm jack connector in the center)
• 1 fixed-voltage 230 V 5-pin electrostatic headphone output
• 1 variable-voltage 5-pin electrostatic headphone output
• 1 XLR preamplifier output
• 1 RCA preamplifier output

General Parameters

• Selectable gain: 0 dB, 9 dB, 18 dB
• Frequency response: 0.5 Hz to 500 kHz (-3 dB)
• Dimensions: 256 × 185 × 120 mm
• Net weight: 4.2 kg

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)

• Balanced:
  • Solid-state: ≤ 0.0015%
  • Tube: ≤ 0.007%
  • Tube+: ≤ 0.002%
• Unbalanced:
  • Solid-state: ≤ 0.006%
  • Tube: ≤ 0.012%
  • Tube+: ≤ 0.2%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

• Balanced: > 145 dB(A)
• Unbalanced: > 130 dB(A)

Output Power and Voltage

Maximum Power

• Balanced: > 15,000 mW (at 16 Ω)
• Unbalanced: > 5,760 mW (at 16 Ω)

Effective Power

• Balanced: > 9,030 mW (at 32 Ω)
• Unbalanced: > 3,120 mW (at 32 Ω)

Maximum Voltage

• Balanced: > 27.0 V (at 600 Ω)
• Unbalanced: > 14.0 V (at 600 Ω)

Effective Voltage

• Balanced: > 20.9 V (at 600 Ω)
• Unbalanced: > 10.9 V (at 600 Ω)

Electrostatic Voltage

• Custom/Professional: 640 V RMS max.
• Normal: 320 V RMS max.

Power Supply

• DC input voltage: 12 V / 4 A, 15 V / 3 A (Phantom iCAN)
• AC input voltage: 85 - 265 V, 50/60 Hz (iPower Elite)
• Power consumption: < 27 W at idle, 75 W max.