SPL Phonitor 3 DAC – Headphone Amplifier, Monitoring Controller & DAC

The SPL Phonitor 3 DAC is the ultimate reference-grade headphone amplifier, monitoring controller, and DAC, designed for professional producers, sound engineers, and mastering specialists. Featuring SPL’s proprietary 120V technology, the Phonitor 3 DAC delivers unparalleled dynamic range, superior headroom, and the highest fidelity monitoring—whether on headphones or loudspeakers.

Key Features

• 120V Technology: Industry-leading signal-to-noise ratio, ultra-wide dynamic range, and precise detail.
• Integrated DAC768v2: Converts PCM audio at 32-bit/768 kHz and supports DSD256 for ultra-high-resolution playback.
• Six Stereo Inputs: 2x analog (XLR) and 4x digital (USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF coaxial, SPDIF optical).
• Phonitor Matrix: Revolutionary headphone monitoring system for accurate stereo imaging.
• Professional Monitoring Features: L/R Swap, Phase Inversion, Mono/Stereo Switching, Solo L/R.
• High-Powered Headphone Output: Drives any headphone effortlessly, with 5W output power.
• Preamp & Direct Output: Connect active speakers or power amplifiers for high-fidelity speaker monitoring.

Precision DAC with Unmatched Sound Quality

The Phonitor 3 DAC integrates AKM’s AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND™ premium DAC chip, ensuring ultra-low distortion and enhanced dynamic range. Coupled with SPL’s unique SLP120 “Super Low-Pass” Filter, this DAC delivers breathtaking sonic performance with an analog richness unmatched in the digital domain.

Multiple Digital & Analog Inputs

• USB (Type B): Plug & play with Mac/iOS, supports PCM up to 768 kHz & DSD256.
• AES/EBU (XLR): Balanced digital input, supports up to 192 kHz.
• SPDIF Coaxial: RCA input for digital audio up to 192 kHz.
• SPDIF Optical: Toslink input, supports up to 192 kHz (use high-quality optical cables for best performance).
• Analog Inputs: 2x XLR stereo inputs for professional-grade playback.

Phonitor Matrix – Mixing & Mastering on Headphones

Phonitor Matrix simulates the experience of listening on loudspeakers, correcting stereo image and interaural time/level differences for fatigue-free and accurate headphone monitoring.

• Crossfeed: Adjustable blending of stereo signals for a natural soundstage.
• Angle: Fixed at 30° to simulate standard studio monitor placement.
• Center Level: -1 dB attenuation for realistic stereo imaging.

Advanced Monitoring Controls

• Solo L/R: Isolate left or right audio channels.
• Phase Inversion: Flip phase of left or right channel for precise mixing.
• L/R Swap: Reverse stereo image without modifying DAW settings.
• Mono/Stereo Switching: Quickly check mono compatibility.

Specifications

Analog Inputs & Outputs:

• XLR (Balanced): 2x Analog Inputs
• Maximum Input & Output Gain: 32.5 dBu
• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
• Output Impedance: 75 Ω

Digital Inputs (DAC768v2):

• AES/EBU (XLR): PCM Sample Rates: 44.1 – 192 kHz
• Coaxial SPDIF (RCA): PCM Sample Rates: 44.1 – 192 kHz
• Optical SPDIF (Toslink): PCM Sample Rates: 44.1 – 192 kHz (Use glass fiber for 176.4/192 kHz)
• USB (Type B): PCM: 44.1 – 768 kHz | DSD: DSD64 – DSD256

Headphone Amplifier:

• Output Power (250Ω): 2x 5W
• Output Power (32Ω): 2x 1W
• THD+N: 0.0003%
• Noise (A-weighted): -102 dBu
• Dynamic Range: 134.5 dB

Internal Power Supply:

• Operating Voltage: ±60V (Analog), +12V (LEDs & Relays)
• Power Consumption: Max 40W

Dimensions & Weight:

• W x H x D: 278 x 100 x 300 mm (11 x 4 x 11.81 inches)
• Weight: 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs)
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 kg (12.5 lbs)

With cutting-edge DAC technology, 120V analog monitoring, and Phonitor Matrix, the SPL Phonitor 3 DAC is the definitive choice for professional headphone and speaker monitoring.