SPL Phonitor 3 Desktop DAC with Rack Expander

SPL 2086 Overview

By using the mono/stereo and L/R phase inversion switch in combination, it is possible to only monitor the mid or side signals. When the switch is set to Mono and phase inversion is active for L or R, only the side signal is played back.

If the phase inversion is switched off, the mono signal corresponding to the mid signal is played back. Separate monitoring of the mid and side signals has become a widespread standard for many mixing and mastering engineers.

Everything at a Glance

Two mechanical VU meters visualize the input levels for the left and right audio channels. The VU Cal switch can be used to reduce the signal visualized on the VU meters by -6 or -12 dB. Thus, the VU meters operate in the ideal display range even at very high input levels.

Phonitor Matrix

The Revolution: Phonitor Matrix

One of the unique features of SPL headphone amplifiers is the SPL Phonitor Matrix. It enables mixing and mastering engineers to create perfect mixes on headphones, which will translate optimally to all types of stereo speaker systems.

But 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, as if it was played back on speakers.

How It Works: Angle Adjustment

With the Angle switch you adjust the interaural time difference, which is related to the placement of the speakers. The interaural time difference is frequency-corrected because the sound is reflected and absorbed by the head in a nonlinear fashion.

How It Works: Crossfeed Adjustment

With the Crossfeed switch you can adjust the interaural level difference. The level difference is comparable to the influence of different room sizes and their reflection and absorption characteristics. The interaural level difference is frequency-corrected because the sound is reflected and absorbed by the head in a nonlinear fashion.

Extra Features

Preamp Out or Direct Out

With a DIP switch on the rear of the device, the volume control for the rear stereo output can be switched out of the signal path. It is also possible to output the Phonitor Matrix to the stereo output on the rear panel of the device, regardless of whether this is configured as Preamp Out (with volume control) or Direct Out (without volume control).

If headphones have a rather low sensivity, no problem. With DIP switch 1 on the rear of the device, the level at the headphone output can be increased by 12 dB.

120V Technology

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, SPL has developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of ± 60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers.

This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers. The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and headroom, sonically, in terms of richness of detail and a relaxed listening experience.

SPL Expansion Rack

The SPL Expansion Rack is not only a 19" rack housing for the Phonitor 3 DAC, it also expands the connection possibilities. This allows the Phonitor 3 DAC to become a monitor controller for up to four stereo speaker pairs.