SPL Phonitor Xe red

SPL Phonitor Xe: The Pinnacle of Headphone Amplification

The SPL Phonitor Xe represents the culmination of German expertise in high-end headphone amplification. This preamplifier combines advanced technology with meticulous craftsmanship. Equipped with proprietary VOLTAiR 120V technology and the Phonitor Matrix, it transforms headphone listening into an experience akin to that of acoustic speakers, while retaining the intimacy of headphones. Its versatile connectivity and power allow it to drive virtually all headphone models on the market with great precision.

A Design Without Compromise

The Phonitor Xe boasts an elegant yet robust design, with an aluminum chassis available in three finishes: silver, black, or red. Weighing 5.1 kg, its solid construction immediately reflects its premium quality. The front panel is dominated by two retro-style analog VU meters that display the input levels of the left and right channels. These indicators are not just aesthetic; they provide precise visualization of audio signals.

Volume control is handled via a large 45 mm potentiometer featuring the renowned Alps RK27 “Big Blue,” offering an exceptional tactile feel. This motorized potentiometer can be remotely controlled by any infrared remote, a practical feature that sets this model apart from many competitors.

VOLTAiR Technology: The Heart of Sonic Excellence

VOLTAiR technology is the Phonitor Xe’s major innovation. Unlike conventional amplifiers that typically operate at ±15V or ±18V, the Phonitor Xe uses an internal voltage of ±60V. This approach achieves exceptional technical performance with an impressive dynamic range of 135.5 dB on the standard jack output and 130.5 dB on the balanced XLR output.

This proprietary technology results in remarkably transparent sound reproduction, with natural transient response and no compression, even during the most complex musical passages. The extended frequency range of 10 Hz to 300 kHz (-3 dB) ensures faithful reproduction of all sonic details.

The Phonitor Matrix: Redefining Headphone Listening

One of the most innovative features of the Phonitor Xe is its Phonitor Matrix, which addresses a fundamental issue with headphone listening. Almost all music productions are mixed and mastered on speakers, but headphone listening presents significant acoustic differences.

The Phonitor Matrix recreates speaker listening conditions by simulating:

• Natural crossfeed (the sound from the left speaker reaching the right ear and vice versa)
• High-frequency filtering due to human anatomy
• Variable listening angles depending on speaker positioning

This analog technology eliminates the “super stereo” effect often experienced with headphones, where channel separation is artificially exaggerated. The result is a more natural soundstage and less listener fatigue, even during long listening sessions. Four different listening angles can be selected, allowing you to tailor the sound presentation to your preferences.

Exceptional Connectivity and Versatility

The Phonitor Xe offers comprehensive connectivity to seamlessly integrate into any high-end audio system. It features multiple analog inputs, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections. The version with the optional DAC768v2 module adds digital inputs such as USB, coaxial S/PDIF, optical Toslink, and AES/EBU, enabling direct connection to virtually any digital source.

On the output side, the Phonitor Xe provides connections for standard headphones via a 6.35 mm jack and for balanced headphones via a 4-pin XLR, available both on the front and rear of the device. This configuration allows simultaneous use of different types of headphones without constant plugging and unplugging.

Power and Control for All Headphones

With an impressive output power of up to 2 x 8 watts, the Phonitor Xe can efficiently drive all headphones on the market, from low-impedance models to the most demanding ones. This power reserve translates into exceptional dynamics and total absence of compression, even with the most challenging headphones.

The lateral balance control, a unique feature, allows fine adjustment of the left-right balance to compensate for potential hearing or headphone asymmetries. A mode selector also enables switching between stereo and mono reproduction, useful for checking mono compatibility of a recording or identifying phase issues.

DAC768v2 Module: The Reference Digital Option

For those seeking an all-in-one solution, the Phonitor Xe can be equipped with the optional DAC768v2 module. This high-precision digital-to-analog converter uses the AK4493 SEQ chip, capable of processing PCM signals up to 32-bit/768 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD256.

This module transforms the Phonitor Xe into a complete solution for digital sources, eliminating the need for a separate external DAC. The conversion quality matches the rest of the device, with remarkable transparency and precision that preserve the integrity of the original digital signal.

Comparison with Other Models in the Range

The Phonitor Xe stands as the flagship model in SPL’s range dedicated exclusively to headphone amplification. Unlike the Phonitor X, which can also serve as a preamplifier for speakers thanks to its balanced outputs, the Xe focuses solely on excellence in headphone reproduction.

Compared to the less expensive Phonitor se, the Xe offers even more impressive build quality, superior technical performance, and greater flexibility, justifying its price, which is twice as high. It also stands out from the entry-level Phonitor One and One D models with significantly higher power and extended features.

Professional and Audiophile Applications

Although primarily designed for audiophiles, the Phonitor Xe also finds its place in professional studios. Its origins trace back to the needs of sound engineers and producers seeking a tool that allows mixing on headphones with the same precision as studio monitors.

The Phonitor Matrix is particularly useful for professionals, as it enables them to hear how a mix would sound on different listening systems. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for music production, mastering, and any situation where precise sound reproduction is essential.

Headphone Amplifier

Controls and Display

• Mechanical VU meters: Precise visualization of left and right input levels.
• Laterality control: Fine adjustment of the sound center to balance left/right hearing.
• Adjustment via infrared remote control or 45 mm rotary knob for optimal precision.

General Concept

• Phonitor Matrix technology, VOLTAiR, and retro design with VU meter.
• Multiple inputs: XLR and RCA for extended compatibility with various headphones.
• High output power: Suitable for all headphones, from the lowest to the highest impedance.
• Sound quality: Neutrality, precision, and musicality for a perfect listening experience.
• Transforms headphone listening into an experience close to speakers, with detailed sound.
• Multiple stereo sources: Up to 6 sources, including digital inputs with the optional DAC (USB, COAX, OPTICAL, AES).

Connectivity

Inputs

• XLR inputs (Neutrik, balanced):
  • Impedance: 20 kohms
  • Common-mode rejection: -82 dBu (1 kHz)
  • Maximum input level: +32.5 dBu
• RCA inputs (Unbalanced):
  • Impedance: 10 kohms
  • Maximum input level: +32.5 dBu
• Digital inputs (optional):
  • SPDIF coaxial (RCA): PCM up to 192 kHz
  • TOSLINK optical (F06): PCM up to 96 kHz
  • USB (B): PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD (1, 2, and 4)
  • AES: PCM up to 192 kHz

Outputs

• Balanced headphone output (XLR 4-pin):
  • Impedance: 0.36 ohms
  • Frequency range: 10 Hz to 300 kHz (-3 dB)
  • Dynamic range: 130.5 dB
  • Damping factor: 180 at 40 ohms
• Standard headphone output (TRS 6.35 mm):
  • Impedance: 0.18 ohms
  • Frequency range: 10 Hz to 300 kHz (-3 dB)
  • Dynamic range: 135.5 dB
  • Damping factor: 180 at 40 ohms

Output Power

• Maximum power (at +30 dBu @ 1 kHz):
  • 2 x 1 W at 600 ohms
  • 2 x 2 W at 300 ohms
  • 2 x 3.7 W at 120 ohms
  • 2 x 2.9 W at 47 ohms
  • 2 x 2.7 W at 32 ohms

Advanced Technologies

• Phonitor Matrix:
  • Stereo correction for headphones, eliminates the “super stereo” effect.
  • Crossfeed and angle: Adjusts the signal for natural, fatigue-free listening.
  • Center focus: Adjusts the volume of the stereo image center for an authentic soundstage.
• VOLTAiR:
  • Proprietary technology for detailed, distortion-free sound.
  • High-quality components for precise and vibrant sound reproduction.

DAC768v2 (optional)

• AK4493 SEQ DAC chip: 32-bit resolution, sampling rate up to 768 kHz.
  • Supports DSD up to DSD512.
  • SLP120 analog filter for smooth and precise reproduction.

Power Supply and Voltages

• Internal voltages:
  • Analog: +/- 60 V
  • Digital: +5 V and +3.3 V (optional DAC768)
• Power supply:
  • Mains voltage: 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
  • Fuses: 230 V: T 500 mA; 115 V: T 1 A
  • Consumption: max 40 VA
  • Standby consumption: 0.7 W

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (incl. feet): 278 x 100 x 330 mm
• Weight:
  • Unit: 5.1 kg
  • Shipping: 6.25 kg