SPL PHONITOR 3 DAC

Phonitor Matrix Headphone Amplifier with DAC and Monitor Controller

• Headphone amplifier and monitor controller in a single device, based on SPL 120V analog technology
• Integrated DAC with AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND chip, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256
• Analog Phonitor Matrix with Crossfeed, speaker angle, and center level controls for mixing through headphones just like on monitors
• Up to six stereo sources: two analog XLR inputs and four digital inputs (USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical)
• XLR stereo output for monitors and quick switching between headphones, speakers, and mute
• Dynamic range of 134.3 dB and THD of just 0.0009%

The SPL Phonitor 3 DAC combines a reference-grade headphone amplifier, a high-quality digital-to-analog converter, and a monitor controller for your speakers all in a single device. It is designed for producers, sound engineers, and mastering engineers who work with digital sources or directly from a DAW and want a single, reliable, and transparent listening center. At its core is SPL 120V technology, the same technology the German manufacturer uses in its mastering consoles.

SPL 120V Technology: Headroom and Dynamics for Critical Listening

The analog section operates at 120 V supply voltages, which are much higher than those of traditional audio circuits. In practice, this means a maximum input and output level of 32.5 dBu, a dynamic range of 134.3 dB, and a noise floor of -102 dBu (A-weighted): such a wide headroom allows you to hear peaks and transients without any unwanted compression, providing an accurate and detailed sound image on which to base your mixing and mastering decisions.

High-Power Headphone Amplifier for All Types of Headphones

The front-panel headphone output via a 6.35 mm TRS jack has a source impedance of just 0.18 Ω and a large power reserve. It effortlessly drives both high-impedance studio headphones and lower-impedance, less-efficient models, maintaining control over low frequencies and transparency in the high frequencies.

Integrated DAC with AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND chip

The Phonitor 3 DAC’s converter is derived from the latest version of the SPL DAC768v2 and uses the AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND chip, which is prized for its low distortion and extended dynamic range compared to the previous generation. It converts PCM signals up to 32-bit and 768 kHz and DSD signals up to DSD256, so you can listen to your high-resolution bounces and reference masters with the same quality.

Four digital inputs and direct connection to your DAW via USB

On the digital side, you’ll find USB, AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF, and optical inputs. The USB Type-B port lets you connect the Phonitor 3 DAC directly to your computer running a DAW: on Macs and iPads/iPhones, it works without installing drivers, for an instant setup even when on the go.

Phonitor Matrix: Mixing Through Headphones with the Perspective of Monitors

Headphone listening completely separates the two channels, whereas with speakers, each ear hears both speakers. The analog Phonitor Matrix recreates this perception with three controls: Crossfeed, speaker angle, and center level. The result is a stereo image in headphones that’s consistent with that of your monitors, allowing you to make decisions about panning, reverb, and levels that translate accurately to any listening system.

SPL Monitor Controller for Studio and Mastering

On the back panel, the XLR stereo output transforms the Phonitor 3 DAC into a full-featured monitor controller for your speakers. The output switch toggles between headphones and monitors with a single action, while in the middle position (Mute), no signal is sent to the outputs.

Six Stereo Sources and Dedicated Quality Control Features

You can connect up to six stereo sources and select them using the Source selector: in addition to the four digital inputs, there are two balanced line-level stereo analog inputs via XLR, ideal for professional players or a console bus. The Mono/Stereo, Left/Right Solo, phase reversal, and L/R swap controls for each channel help you check for mono compatibility, phase issues, and mix balance. The 45 mm volume knob offers smooth and precise adjustment.

Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

The internal linear power supply with a shielded toroidal transformer ensures stability and a low noise floor—a critical feature in a device that remains powered on every day at the heart of your listening setup.

SPL Phonitor 3 DAC Technical Specifications

• Type: Headphone amplifier with DAC and monitor controller
• Analog technology: SPL 120V
• Maximum input and output level: 32.5 dBu
• Input impedance (XLR): 20 kΩ
• Output impedance (XLR): 75 Ω
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz
• THD (1 kHz, 0 dBu): 0.0009%
• Noise (A-weighted): -102 dBu
• Crosstalk (1 kHz): -95 dB
• Dynamic range: 134.3 dB
• DAC: SPL DAC768v2 with AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND chip
• Supported formats: PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD256
• Digital inputs: USB Type B, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial, optical
• Analog inputs: 2 stereo channels via 4 x balanced XLR
• Analog outputs: 1 stereo pair via 2 balanced XLR connectors
• Headphone output: 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS jack, source impedance 0.18 Ω
• Phonitor Matrix: Crossfeed, speaker angle, center level
• Controls: Source selector, Mono/Stereo, Left/Right Solo, L and R phase inversion, L/R swap, switchable headphone/speaker output with Mute
• Volume knob: 45 mm
• Power supply: internal linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer
• Mains voltage (selectable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz