SPL Phonitor XE Desktop Headphone Amplifier with Optional DAC

The SPL Phonitor xe Headphone Amplifier is the ultimate standalone device for headphone enthusiasts who want the perfect solution without compromise.

Highlights

DUAL POWER AMP

• Balanced headphones can be connected to the 4-pin XLR socket. The Phonitor xe has a built-in advanced dual power amp that drives headphones balanced with twice the power of the standard 1/4" jack. This tightens the bass response and makes the overall playback even more relaxed and transparent. Both the standard and the 4-pin headphone outputs can be used simultaneously.

HEADPHONE OUTPUTS

• The Phonitor xe features both balanced and standard headphone output sockets on the front and on the back. Permanently connected headphones can be put in the rear sockets so that the headphone cable does not get in the way. A switch on the front allows to toggle between front and rear outputs. This also allows you to compare headphones without plugging and unplugging.

OPTIMIZED PHONITOR MATRIX

• The Phonitor Matrix is identical to the Phonitor x and purely designed for audio playback. Unlike the professional version Phonitor 2, features like Center Level, Solo and Polarity are not included in the Phonitor xe as they are only of use in music production.

CROSSFEED

• The Crossfeed switch allows you to adjust the frequency-dependent crossfeed simulation of both channels by adjustments of interaural level difference – as if this characteristic would be heard from monitors when in their own room ambience. One can compare variations in crossfeed values as approximating the influence of different room sizes and characteristics on a given loudspeaker setup. This adjustment can be made in six steps ranging from “minimum” to “maximum”. Crossfeed interacts with the Angle value to simulate the width of a stereo image.

ANGLE

• The Angle switch provides for frequency-dependent simulation of your stereo image width by adjustments of interaural time difference. This influences the moment in time at which a signal’s wave form arrives at the ear and corresponds to a particular variation in the angle of an actual loudspeaker pair. The time constants of the interaural time differences between the left and right channels occur within a range of 90 to 635 microseconds.

REMOTE CONTROL

• To control the Volume you can use any IR remote control. The cool part is that the Phonitor xe learns your remote! You can use the remote control of your CD player for instance. Assign Volume Up and Volume Down to any button and let the Phonitor xe learn them.

Tech Specifications

XLR inputs

• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• Impedance: ca. 20 kohms
• CMR: -82 dBu (at 1 kHz)
• Max. Input level: +32.5 dBu
• RCA inputs
• Unbalanced
• Impedance: ca. 10 kohms
• Max. Input level: +32.5 dBu
• Digital inputs (optional) / sample rates
• Coaxial SPDIF (RCA) - sample rates PCM (kHz): 44.1, 48 , 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
• Optical TOSLINK (F06) sample rates PCM (kHz): 44.1, 48 , 88.2, 96
• USB (B) PCM sample rates (kHz): 44.1, 48 , 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768
• DSD 1, 2 and 4 (DoP)
• AES sample rates PCM (kHz): 44.1, 48 , 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192

Balanced headphone output

• Neutrik 4-pin XLR connector (front and rear side)
• Pin wiring: 1 = L (+), 2 = L (-), 3 = R (+), 4 = R (-)
• Impedance: 0.36 ohms
• Damping factor: 180 @ 40 ohms
• Frequency range: 10 Hz to 300 kHz ( -3 dB)
• Crosstalk at 1 kHz: -90 dB
• THD & N: 0.00082 % (at 0 dBu, 1 kHz, 100 kohms load)
• Noise (A-weighted): -98 dBu
• Dynamic range: 130.5 dB

Standard headphone output

• 6.35 mm TRS connector (front and rear side)
• Pin wiring: Tip = Left, ring = right, sleeve = GND
• Impedance: 0.18 ohm
• Attenuation factor: 180 @ 40 ohms
• Frequency range: 10 Hz to 300 kHz ( -3 dB)
• Crosstalk at 1 kHz: -90 dB
• THD & N: 0.00082% (at 0 dBu, 1 kHz, 100 kohms load)
• Noise (A-weighted): -103 dB
• Dynamic range: 135.5 dB
• Max. Output power (at +30 dBu @ 1 kHz)
• 2 x 1 W at 600 Ohm impedance
• 2 x 2 W at 300 Ohm impedance
• 2x 3.7 W at 120 Ohm impedance
• 2x 2.9 W at 47 Ohm impedance
• 2x 2.7 W at 32 Ohm impedance

Internal operating voltages

• Analog: +/- 60 V
• Digital: + 5 V and + 3.3 V (optional DAC768)

Power supply

• Mains voltage (switchable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: 230 V: T 500 mA; 115 V: T 1 A
• Power consumption: max 40 VA
• Stand-by power consumption: 0.7 W

Dimensions (incl. feet)

• (WxHxD) 10.94 x 3.94 x 12.99 in (278 x 100 x 330 mm)

Weight

• 11.24 lbs (5.1 kg), unit only

What's In The Box?

SPL Phonitor XE headphone amp comes nicely packed and protected. The packaging also includes the power cable, user manual with Phonitor Matrix adjustment instructions, and a warranty card.

Drivers for Windows can be found on the SPL’s official webpage. Drivers for Mac OS are not required.