iFi Audio - iCAN Phantom - Reference-class Analog Headphone Amp

iFi Audio - iCAN Phantom - Reference-class Analog Headphone Amp

iFi’s new reference-class analog headphone amp, the iCAN Phantom, takes the Pro iCAN, refines and enhances every element of its circuitry to further elevate its performance, incorporates technology from the Pro iESL ­– previously a separate component – for electrostatic headphones, and adds a new, advanced user interface and network-connected control system.

Exemplary build quality, sophisticated technology, unrivaled specification, and remarkable versatility, expertly engineered to drive every headphone type to its full sonic potential. From ultra-sensitive IEMs, to the finest dynamic driver and planar magnetic headphones, to the most power-hungry electrostatic designs, the iCAN Phantom delivers a truly exceptional headphone experience – exquisitely tailored to the requirements of the listener.

The iCAN Phantom also performs as a high-end preamplifier – to feed a power amp and speakers (or powered speakers) – enabling headphone and speaker listening to be combined in a single high-performance audio system.

The iCAN Phantom’s design gives the appearance of two units but in fact, it is a single, dual-level device, the full depth of which is fully utilized by its multi-layer circuit design. Its enclosure is sturdily constructed from aluminum, with the bottom layer sporting cable connections front and back, and the top layer offering tactile controls and a colorful OLED display. The top of the iCAN Phantom incorporates a flush-fitting smoked glass panel enabling you to see the amp’s circuitry and its glowing audio valves. Circular aluminum vents ensure the circuitry within does not overheat.

When not in use the sockets at the front or back can be hidden by a neat aluminum panel that attaches magnetically. This panel also holds the data cards for the electrostatic bias voltage settings. The iCAN Phantom also comes with a remote control.

The iCAN Phantom sports two input stages – one valve/tube-based, the other solid-state – enabling the user to switch between the two in real-time. It is, indeed, like having three amplifiers in one, each with a different sonic presentation. Solid-state offers pace and immediacy. Tube mode adds fluidity and a free-breathing dynamic quality. Tube+ accentuates the sonic influence of the valves, delivering a spellbinding romantic warmth that may suit, for example, acoustic and vocal musical styles.

The GE5670 valves have an expected lifespan of around 10,000 hours of use. When the time eventually comes to replace them, the iCAN Phantom’s smoked glass panel is easily removed to provide access, meaning the job can be completed in minutes. The amp is compatible also with 6922 valves.

Electrostatic drivers need a separate energizer. The iCAN Phantom incorporates our original standalone iESL energizer technology with regular amplifier technology to make a single amplifier that can handle every headphone type with aplomb. And all users benefit as the component quality and clever circuit design required to deliver such a high level of performance with electrostatic headphones elevates the amp’s performance with other headphone types too.

Electrostatic headphones have varying requirements when it comes to bias voltage. The iCAN Phantom has two outputs for electrostatics – one set at the ‘normal’ bias voltage of 230V, the other offering variable bias voltage between 500V and 640V, selected by the user. If the wrong voltage is selected, it is possible to damage the headphones.

To make this far less likely, the iCAN Phantom has a series of data cards that specify different bias voltages (these are supplied with the amp). Simply select the card that matches the headphone’s specification and pop it in the card slot – there are cards for 500V, 540V 580V, 600V, 620V and 640V each with a handy guide on the back showing which headphone brand is compatible with that voltage.

The iCAN Phantom is the first product to incorporate iFi Nexis, a module that combines with an app to provide a comprehensive, scalable network-connected control system. The features that Nexis offers will grow over time. At launch, the Nexis app enables your Android or iOS device to act as a ‘super remote control’ for the iCAN Phantom, providing access to additional features not accessible via the amp’s fascia or standard remote control.