Compact phono preamp

The ZEN Air Phono 2 is a dedicated phono preamp built to bring out the full character of your vinyl collection. It replaces the basic phono stages found in most turntables and amplifiers with a low-noise design, highly accurate RIAA equalization, and support for both MM and MC cartridges. With thoughtful engineering like an intelligent subsonic filter and symmetrical circuitry, it gives your records a cleaner, more detailed signal before it reaches the rest of your system.

Accurate RIAA playback

Vinyl records are cut using inverse RIAA equalization, which must be precisely reversed during playback. The ZEN Air Phono 2 applies this correction with a tight ±0.15dB tolerance across 20Hz to 20kHz. That level of accuracy ensures tonal balance stays intact. Bass, mids, and highs are restored as intended, without coloration or drift.

Low noise floor that reveals detail

Phono signals are extremely small, which makes noise a constant issue. With an equivalent input noise as low as -151dBV, the ZEN Air Phono 2 keeps background noise well below the level of musical detail. Quiet passages remain clean, and subtle textures come through more clearly, especially on well-recorded pressings.

Intelligent subsonic filtering

Warped records can introduce low-frequency rumble that muddies playback. The built-in subsonic filter targets this unwanted movement without cutting into audible bass. By treating vertical and lateral groove information differently, it removes rumble while preserving the weight and depth of the original recording.

MM and MC cartridge support

Whether you're running a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge, the ZEN Air Phono 2 adapts easily. A rear switch adjusts gain to match your cartridge type, ensuring proper amplification without guesswork. This flexibility makes it easy to upgrade cartridges over time without replacing your phono stage.

Symmetrical circuit design

The internal layout uses a symmetrical channel design, which helps reduce noise and improve channel separation. While not fully balanced, this approach brings some of the same benefits: cleaner signal paths, stronger output, and more stable stereo imaging.

Built for real-world systems

Compact and efficient, the ZEN Air Phono 2 fits easily into a desktop or living room system. It runs on a simple 5V power supply and consumes less than 1.8W, making it easy to integrate without adding complexity or heat.

Product highlights

• Dedicated phono preamp for vinyl playback
  
• Supports MM and MC cartridges with switchable gain
  
• ±0.15dB RIAA equalization accuracy
  
• Ultra-low noise floor for improved detail retrieval
  
• Intelligent subsonic filter removes warp-induced rumble
  
• Symmetrical circuit layout for improved channel separation
  
• Compact desktop form factor
  
• Low power consumption design

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.6 x 1.4 inches (158 x 117 x 35mm)
  
• Weight: 0.72 lbs (323g)
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.15dB)
  
• Maximum output voltage: 6.5V RMS
  
• Power consumption: <1.8W
  
• Power requirement: DC 5V/1A (center positive)
  
• SNR: 86dB (MM), 40dB (MC)
  
• THD+N: 0.005% (MM), 0.036% (MC)
  
• EIN: -126dBV (MM), -146dBV (MC)

What’s included

• ZEN Air Phono 2 phono preamp
  
• Power supply
  
• User documentation