SPL has launched the headphone amplifier and monitor controller 'Phonitor 3'.
The Phonitor 3 is the successor to the now-discontinued Phonitor 2 and, unlike the previously released 'Phonitor 3 DAC', is an analog product without a DA converter.
This product can switch between three analog line-level stereo input sources through the rear-panel XLR sockets.
On the front, there are left/right solo switches, channel-specific polarity reversal options, left/right swap functions, and stereo and mono listening modes. There is also an output mute function and a switch to reduce the level on the front-panel VU meters by -6dB or -12dB to accommodate higher signal levels.
According to SPL, the purpose of the Phonitor 3 is to enable users to monitor with the same spatial perception in a headphone listening environment as they would with their speaker system.
The Phonitor Matrix equipped in the Phonitor 3 allows for a speaker-like listening experience by adjusting the crossfeed between the left and right channels and simulating various speaker angles, SPL stated.
Additionally, the Centre knob ensures that the phantom center image level remains consistent between headphones and monitors. The matrix function can be turned on and off via the front-panel switch, offering two modes: 'crosstalk and angle only' (Cr/A) or 'crosstalk, angle, and centre image level' (All).
The Phonitor 3 can be used with an additional Expansion Rack kit. This kit transforms the device into a 2U rackmount unit and adds three pairs of outputs.
The SPL Phonitor 3 is currently available for $2,110, and the Phonitor 3 with the Expansion Rack kit is priced at $2,542. More details can be found on the SPL website.
This article was published in partnership with Monthly Mixing.
