Musicians, producers, and mixing/mastering engineers looking for a flexible DAC, headphone amplifier, and monitoring controller will find a lot to like in the Phonitor 3 DAC from SPL, featuring SPL's 120V technology for extended headroom and dynamics. To help you get more accurate headphone mixes, an analog Phonitor Matrix with adjustable controls is provided that replicates the soundstage from a pair of loudspeakers. The versatile unit can power a wide range of headphones via its 1/4" front panel output, while the rear-panel XLR outputs can be set up to drive balanced headphones or active monitors. Analog inputs and a variety of digital inputs provide access to a wide range of signal formats.
 
Exceptional Sound
- The Phonitor 3 DAC offers a connection for standard headphones with a stereo jack plug on the front. Thanks to the enormous output power, all types of headphones can be driven effortlessly. Get the advantages of SPL 120V technology, which rewards the listener with a detailed and vivid sound experience.
- On the rear of the device is a stereo output, which makes it a high-quality monitoring controller for any monitoring situation. Active speakers with integrated power amplifier or passive speakers in combination with a power amplifier can be connected at this output.
 
Analog and Digital Conectivity
- Up to six stereo sources can be connected. The source is selected via the Source switch.
- On the analog side, two analog stereo inputs are offered, each with two XLR line inputs. Professional analog players with balanced line-level outputs can be connected here.
- On the digital side, the Phonitor 3 DAC offers four digital stereo inputs.
- The USB-B input can be used to directly connect the DAW. No driver installation is required for operation with a Mac or an iDevice. Via USB, the Phonitor 3 DAC converts PCM audio signals with 32-bit resolution and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz as well as DSD signals with a resolution of up to DSD256.
- The input S/PDIF coaxial can also receive a two-channel signal (PCM audio) with sampling rates up to 192 kHz and a bitrate of 16- to 24-bit. Unbalanced 2-wire 75-ohm coaxial cables with RCA connectors are used for signal transmission.
- The S/PDIF optical input can also receive a two-channel signal (PCM audio) with sampling rates of up to 192 kHz and a bitrate of 16- to 24-bit. The input jack is an F05 jack.
- The AES input provides an input jack, which corresponds to a standard XLR input. An AES signal can transport two encoded PCM audio channels with a maximum sampling rate of 192 kHz and a bitrate of 16- to 24-bit.
 
No Compromise Monitoring
The Phonitor 3 is a full-fledged monitor controller that features the following
- Source selection
- Phonitor Matrix with Crossfeed, Speaker Angle, and Center Level (the latter can be switched off)
- Mono/Stereo
- Laterality control
- Solo L/R
- Phase inversion for L and R
- L/R Swap
- Output switchable to headphones or speakers
- Mute
- VU meters
 
Phonitor Matrix for Accurate Headphone Mixing
- One of the unique features of SPL headphone amplifiers is the SPL Phonitor Matrix. It enables mixing and mastering engineers to create more accurate mixes on headphones, which will translate better to all types of stereo speaker systems.
- The Phonitor Matrix is not only designed for professional use in the studio; it also enables the hi-fi enthusiast to enjoy music on headphones, like if it was played back on speakers.
 
The 120V Technology
- The 120V technology works with +/-60V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, SPL developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.
- The 120V technology is SPL's 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.
- The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and headroom, to provide a richly detailed, sonically nuanced listening experience.