Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Closer in sound to the M3 than to the M1.
  • Music played in a consistently involving fashion.
  • Sounded consistently big, easy, organic, and involving.
  • Allows the listener to experience the forest in a new way.
  • Music tumbled out hypnotically, and it was impossible to resist hearing the whole thing in one listen.

Product Considerations

  • If it departed at all from tonal neutrality, it would have to be described as just a wee bit dark overall.
  • May make the best-sounding recordings seem timbrally dead and blunted, because it inverts the phase of the music signal overall—speaker leads must be swapped.
  • Audiophiles who place a greater emphasis on stereo imaging may be a little disappointed.
  • Preamp compatibility might be an issue with the Conqueror (hiss issues).
  • Heavier than the norm.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Audio Note M3: The M3 still sounds even bigger, easier, and more organic.

Takeaway: The Audio Note M2 Balanced is a high-quality preamp that brings musical ease and rightness to the system, making listening sessions tranquil and meditative. It's a great choice for those seeking an involving and organic listening experience.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Compared to their other products

We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.

DAC 0.1x

  • Positioning: Entry-level model in the Audio Note DAC lineup.
  • Description: Features a 1x oversampling technology that avoids digital filtering, which is unique compared to higher models that may include more complex circuitry. Uses a Philips TDA1543 chip and a 6111WA valve output stage, making it ideal for small rooms or budget-conscious users who still want quality tube sound.

DAC 1.1x

  • Positioning: Positioned as a step above the entry-level, offering enhanced performance.
  • Description: Improves upon the 0.1x with an 18-bit AD1865 chip, providing a richer sound experience. Maintains the no-oversampling approach.

DAC 4.1x

  • Positioning: High-end model designed for serious audiophiles.
  • Description: Features advanced components like custom transformers and a sophisticated output stage, providing superior sound clarity and detail.

DAC 5

  • Positioning: Flagship model representing the pinnacle of Audio Note's DAC technology.
  • Description: Features the most advanced digital circuit and highest quality materials, including silver-wound transformers.
See all the brand's products

Read the reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer's notes

The Audio Note (UK) M2 Pre Amplifier has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 2 criteria: Pure Class A operation, Zero negative feedback, Single Ended circuit topology, Valve rectification.
  • Input Impedance: 100K Ohms - Line Level, 47K Ohms - Phono
  • Input Sensitivity: 126mV for 1V Output
  • Output Impedance: <10 Ohms
  • Weight: 7 kg
  • Dimensions: 140mm (h) x 295mm (w) x 450mm (d)
  • Mains Input: AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz
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Average Price
$500
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Brand Popularity
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Founded
1998

Our take on the brand

Audio Note UK is one of Europe's largest manufacturers of valve-based audio equipment, designing and producing nearly all components in-house, including transformers and capacitors. The brand has achieved cult status among audiophiles who appreciate its minimalist, non-oversampling approach and its emphasis on musicality over technical specifications.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Most data on ExtremeHiFi is proprietary—researched and reviewed after thousands of hours of loving labor. We archive our site's data and its pages on Archive.org and take legal action against those repurposing the data. We also fingerprint data to know when text and numbers came from us first.
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What if you spend a bit more?

PH-5
999
999
/
4
Reviews
Gold Note
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers a versatile range of adjustments, including nine input impedance choices and four gain options, to match various cartridges
  • Offers three different equalization curves (RIAA, Decca London, and American Columbia), unusual for phono stages in its price range
  • Produces a clean, smooth, lucid, and well-balanced sound that is uncolored and neutral, allowing for greater transparency and speed
  • Musical, smooth, coherent and dynamic, with a very good pace, rhythm, and timing
  • Touchscreen interface is easy and intuitive to use

Product Considerations

  • Moving magnet capacitance is set at 220pF and is not adjustable
  • Some reviewers express concern about potential RF interference from the digital display affecting the analog circuitry, particularly with sensitive MC cartridges
  • Instrumental images may be smaller than with other phono stages
  • May sound a little weightless compared to significantly more expensive phono preamps
  • Reviewers note the forthcoming PSU-5 power supply

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to a similarly priced phono stage, the Gold Note PH-5 provided greater insights into how Miles Davis played each note, and was more full-bodied and dynamic
  • The Pathos In the Groove was more spacious and shapely sounding but lacked the PH-5's sense of control and smoothness
  • Compared to the Gold Note PH-10, there's a remarkably similar sound, with a tad more weight to recordings played through the more expensive PH-10
  • The PH-5 sounds closer to the GrandiNote Celio MK IV—a bit richer, smoother, and more saturated—whereas the ESE Lab Nibiru is more about speed, precision, and transparency

Takeaway: The Gold Note PH-5 is a versatile phono stage that sounds musical and natural. It provides many options to adjust the sound, and it is an affordable way to get great performance from vinyl records.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
PH-5
page
Product Page
GFP-915
999
999
/
3
Reviews
ADCOM
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Straightforward, high-quality preamp that does everything asked of it, very well
  • Includes tone control knobs for bass and treble to personalize the listening experience
  • Allows turntable users to switch between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) modes
  • Features seven source audio inputs, a front-panel 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.1, optical and USB inputs, as well as a phono stage for turntables

Product Considerations

  • Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, while present, is not super high resolution compared with Wi-Fi and may not appeal to those seeking a more robust streaming experience
  • Has no balanced inputs

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Against Rotel's RC-1572 MKII, the Adcom GFP-915 wins in many audiophile categories, such as a lower reported total harmonic distortion and noise floor
  • The Schiit Freya S stereo preamp at $599 is another solid, no-frills audiophile option that can compare to the Adcom GFP-915
  • The NAD C 3050 integrated amp's HDMI switching, internal DAC, Bluetooth 5.4 and phono stage might sway one to spend a few hundred more dollars than the Adcom

Takeaway: The Adcom GFP-915 is a traditional stereo preamp that delivers quality performance and offers a range of useful features for audiophiles. It is a worthwhile option for those seeking a simple and effective way to manage audio sources and volume control.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
GFP-915
page
Product Page
Kara F
799
799
/
3
Reviews
Schiit
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Features a fully discreet headphone amplifier built-in that sounds good
  • Offers flexibility with passive, low gain, and high gain settings, not commonly found at its price point
  • Build quality feels good, with a nice textured black finish
  • Features a precise 128-step attenuator for accurate left-right balance, unusual for a $699 preamplifier
  • Features a metal remote with volume, mute, and input selection

Product Considerations

  • One reviewer experienced the Kara going into protection mode and muting the sound when adjusting the volume quickly—requiring a power cycle to resolve
  • One reviewer said they prefer the RCA input and output sound
  • XLR inputs for stereo mode are not available

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Schiit Freya S: It replaces the Freya S and has significant upgrades, including a headphone jack and a more powerful power transformer
  • Vs Pass Labs HPA1: The Pass Labs is a better-sounding pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier overall, but is significantly more expensive

Takeaway: The Kara preamplifier offers great flexibility with gain options and a good-sounding headphone amplifier. It's a well-built component that could be a good addition to an audio setup, especially if clarity is valued.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Kara F
page
Product Page
Phono Box DS3 B
799
799
/
2
Reviews
Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Balanced connections improve sound, though stellar audio is available via RCA inputs
  • Tighter and continuous control over load impedance via a potentiometer control
  • Discrete circuit design offers a more neutral sound than integrated circuits
  • Two turntables can be connected at once, one with XLRs and one with RCAs
  • Expanded soundstage and individual instrument placement both horizontally and vertically

Product Considerations

  • Turntable with XLR outputs needed to experience its best features
  • More expensive if balanced connection features are not being used
  • Tube box will push coloration into the mix, so tubes need careful system matching
  • Balanced outputs and moving coil cartridge are needed to reveal the sort of detail that vinyl aficionados champion

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs NAD Phono Preamp PP-1: Allows for markedly more detail and separation between instruments
  • Vs Phono Box S3 B: Integrates all the technology from the SB3 and adds in a few extra features, as well as a potentiometer
  • Vs Projects Tubebox DS3: The sound is far more clear, and the weighted treble and upper spectrum sound more pronounced

Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B unlocks the potential of a turntable, enhancing the listening experience with more dynamics, details, and soundstage. It's a versatile phono preamp with remarkably neutral and detailed sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Phono Box DS3 B
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

BOX X5
139
/
Released
2024
Fosi
Fosi Audio BOX X5 Mini Phono Preamp supports MM and MC cartridges, provides 4-level gain adjustment, and provides RIAA equalization accuracy. Supporting MM/MC cartridges, BOX X5 is compatible with most turntables, along with 4 adjustable gain levels of 38/48/56/66 dB. It utilizes high-precision capacitors and resistors, ensuring minimal noise for audio purity.
Check on Amazon
Fosi Audio makes quality hifi accessible worldwide by offering a diverse range of amplifiers, preamps, and DACs that blend modern engineering with vintage-inspired design. Their products are engineered for versatility and power, serving both audiophiles and gamers with impressive performance at competitive prices. With a strong reputation built on solid reviews and customer focus, Fosi Audio stands out as a go-to brand for enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound without breaking the bank.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Good sound quality, warm with lows and highs present, and a quiet noise floor
  • Supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
  • Adjustable gain settings to match different cartridge output levels
  • Metal construction for durability and shielding
  • Offers DIY upgradeability with a socketed op-amp that can be swapped to change the sound signature

Product Considerations

  • The ground post is positioned close to the power input, which can be inconvenient
  • To power it off, one must press and hold the power button instead of pressing it quickly to turn it on, which is not intuitive
  • Lacks a headphone jack
  • Does not have a subsonic filter or capacitive loading switch

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Schiit Audio phono preamp, the Fosi Audio Box X5 is on par or better than the Schiit Audio phono preamp generation one version

Takeaway: The Fosi Audio Box X5 is a great value phono preamp that provides good sound quality and versatile features for both MM and MC cartridges. It is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a built-in preamp or start with their first turntable.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Fosi Audio makes quality hifi accessible worldwide by offering a diverse range of amplifiers, preamps, and DACs that blend modern engineering with vintage-inspired design. Their products are engineered for versatility and power, serving both audiophiles and gamers with impressive performance at competitive prices. With a strong reputation built on solid reviews and customer focus, Fosi Audio stands out as a go-to brand for enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound without breaking the bank.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
BOX X5
Page
Product Page
ZEN Phono 3
249
/
Released
2024
iFi
For record lovers, new and old. The ZEN Phono 3 redefines what your turntable can do. Its intelligent subsonic filter corrects warped LPs, while an ultra-quiet noise floor and adaptable loading options unlock a new level of clarity from your cartridge.
Check on Amazon
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • A very low noise floor, even with high gain settings for moving coil cartridges
  • Various gain settings for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, making it versatile
  • An 'intelligent' subsonic filter effectively reduces rumble without negatively impacting bass frequencies
  • A balanced 4.4mm output, which is uncommon in phono stages at this price point
  • Impressive sound quality for its price, including a wide soundstage and good dynamics

Product Considerations

  • Large diameter RCA plugs may not fit due to the small chassis
  • The number of load settings is stated inconsistently across sources, with some stating four and others stating three
  • Connecting RCA and balance output together simultaneously to two different amplifiers can result in noticeable humming noise
  • One reviewer mentioned a 'clinical' sound that might pair better with warmer cartridges, though this was addressed by changing the setup

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The ZEN Phono 3 has a wider soundstage and better dynamics than the iFi Zenfone Stage
  • The ZEN Phono 3 has deeper bass than the Accuphase AD-60, but slightly less clarity and definition in the bass region
  • The ZEN Phono 3 delivers a larger, beefier—and more rhythmic sound than the built-in phono stage in the U-Turn Orbit Special
  • The ZEN Phono 3 produces significantly less noise than the Musical Fidelity M5SI phono stage

Takeaway: The ZEN Phono 3 is a valuable phono stage that provides a clean and dynamic sound, along with features typically found in more expensive units. It is especially useful for those looking to upgrade from a basic phono stage or for vinyl enthusiasts who want to explore different cartridge types.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
ZEN Phono 3
Page
Product Page
Skoll
399
/
Released
2023
Schiit
Skoll is the highest performance, most flexible, least expensive balanced phono preamp available today. Put it in your system, sit down in your chair, and adjust everything with the included remote control. You'll give up nothing to the big-boy phono preamps out there—while keeping a much fatter wallet!
Check on Amazon
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers a full feature set including balanced XLR inputs and outputs, typically found in more expensive units
  • Provides remote control functionality for adjusting gain, loading, and filters from the listening position
  • Delivers detailed, clean, and modern sound reproduction, with good transient clarity and precision, and quiet backgrounds
  • Offers versatile settings for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
  • Improves system sound, adding clarity and a warmer feel compared to budget options

Product Considerations

  • Some users experienced a static or buzzing noise in the left channel, with inconsistent severity
  • The initial balanced input tests revealed D.C. issues, causing speaker drivers to alarmingly suck in and out
  • The unit's physical aesthetics are not particularly eye-popping or luxurious
  • The tiny silkscreened letters and icons associated with the front panel LEDs might be difficult to read
  • May not be ideal for systems already on the lean side, as it might not add warmth

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Schiit Manny, the Skoll is much quieter
  • Vs Michael Yee PFE1, the Skoll has less hum and more hiss
  • Vs Fosi Audio Box X4, the Skoll has better clarity

Takeaway: The Schiit Skoll is a versatile and feature-rich phono preamp that delivers impressive sound quality and customization options. It can be a great upgrade to get more enjoyment out of vinyl records.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Skoll
Page
Product Page
Phono Box S3 B
499
/
Released
2022
Pro-Ject
The Phono Box S3 B is an entry-level phono preamplifier that offers a fully balanced design in a neat, small package. We've packed this tiny chassis to the brim with high-end features. One of those is our new True Balanced Connection. At Pro-Ject, balanced connections were exclusive to our RS range of products until now. The Phono Box S3 B brings those features to an incredible new entry level.
Check on Amazon
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • True balanced connections reduce noise and increase detail, dynamics, and musicality
  • Settings are easily adjustable on the front panel, including impedance, capacitance, and gain
  • Well-made metal chassis is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges
  • Discrete circuits are used in its gain stages, which Pro-Ject believes delivers the best sound
  • Offers both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs and outputs

Product Considerations

  • Balanced cables are required for optimal performance if using balanced connections
  • Relay switching causes a time lag when switching impedance, capacitance, or gain

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Lehmannaudio Black Cube had more power in the low end, while the Pro-Ject tended toward a drier character

Takeaway: The Phono Box S3 B is a well-designed phono stage offering balanced connections, making it a great choice for those wanting to upgrade their vinyl listening experience. The adjustable settings and solid build quality make it a versatile and worthwhile addition to any system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Phono Box S3 B
Page
Product Page
ZEN Air
99
/
Released
2022
iFi
Rediscover the soul of vinyl. Engineered to reveal the true sound of records, this entry-level phono stage upgrades any record player by eliminating hiss, noise, and rumble – letting the music take centre stage.
Check on Amazon
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Handles both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges with a simple switch, making it adaptable for various setups
  • Delivers transparent and mostly neutral sonic performance with a hint of warmth, extracting impressive detail from records
  • Includes a subsonic filter to eliminate rumble from warped records without removing bass quality
  • Compact form factor and simple connections make it easy to integrate into any audio setup

Product Considerations

  • Lacks a dedicated power supply, including only a USB cable, which might require users to provide their own USB power source
  • Limited gain and impedance options compared to higher-end models restrict fine-tuning capabilities
  • The short USB power cable may require an extension cord for convenient placement
  • The plastic body, while sturdy, has a plasticky feel

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The iFi Zen Air offers much of the same sound as the iFi Zen Phono without extra fiddling or cost, achieving about 80% of the iFi Zen Phono's performance
  • The iFi Zen Air has a more natural feel than the original Schiit Mani and sounds warmer

Takeaway: The iFi Zen Air is an affordable and easy-to-use phono preamp that delivers good sound quality and detail, making it a great option for both new and experienced vinyl enthusiasts. Its ability to handle both MM and MC cartridges, combined with a subsonic filter, makes it a versatile addition to any vinyl setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
ZEN Air
Page
Product Page

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Closer in sound to the M3 than to the M1.
  • Music played in a consistently involving fashion.
  • Sounded consistently big, easy, organic, and involving.
  • Allows the listener to experience the forest in a new way.
  • Music tumbled out hypnotically, and it was impossible to resist hearing the whole thing in one listen.

Product Considerations

  • If it departed at all from tonal neutrality, it would have to be described as just a wee bit dark overall.
  • May make the best-sounding recordings seem timbrally dead and blunted, because it inverts the phase of the music signal overall—speaker leads must be swapped.
  • Audiophiles who place a greater emphasis on stereo imaging may be a little disappointed.
  • Preamp compatibility might be an issue with the Conqueror (hiss issues).
  • Heavier than the norm.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Audio Note M3: The M3 still sounds even bigger, easier, and more organic.

Takeaway: The Audio Note M2 Balanced is a high-quality preamp that brings musical ease and rightness to the system, making listening sessions tranquil and meditative. It's a great choice for those seeking an involving and organic listening experience.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

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