Phonitor is a success story. Designed and developed for the sound engineer to be able to mix on headphones Phonitor soon found a fan base among Hi-Fi aficionados around the world as they realized that they can enjoy 'their' music on headphones the way it was intended – without the super-stereo effect and with natural crosstalk.
For us it was only logical to develop optimized Hi-Fi versions for those who enjoy listening to music on headphones.
In contrast to the Phonitor x the Phonitor xe renounces the preamplifier function and unlike the Phonitor e it features the nice VU meters and the fully featured Phonitor Matrix.
Thus the Phonitor xe is the flagship amplifier for headphone enthusiasts.
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.
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 and disturb the look.
A switch on the front allows to toggle between front and rear outputs. This also allows you to compare headphones without plugging and unplugging.
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 renounced in the Phonitor xe as they are only of use in music production.
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
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. As a starting value select the 30° position.
Phonitor xe accepts almost all audio connections. Balanced via XLR or unbalanced via RCA connectors.
With the optional DAC, four additional digital sources can be added. From USB to the professional AES format, no wishes remain unfulfilled.
The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the optional digital-to-analogue converter, which thanks to its new architecture reproduces the finest sound details.
It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.
The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. Phonitor xe has two of them: One for PCM audio and one for DSD audio, since different roll-off frequencies are required.
And in contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using VOLTAiR technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom.
Balanced and unbalanced analog I/Os
Phonitor Matrix
Additional headphone outputs on the rear side (balanced and unbalanced)
Motorized ALPS “Big Blue“ Volume potentiometer (IR remote controllable – learns any IR remote control)
Laterality control: super-fine balance control
Maximum output power: 2 x 3.7W (120ohms)
Frequency response: 4Hz - 300kHz
THD+N: 0.00091%
Dynamic range: 135.5dB
Optional 32Bit/768kHz DAC768 (USB, coax, optical and AES/EBU)
DSD up to DSD4 (Quad Rate DSD, DSD256)
Windows® driver, Apple Class compliant
Whether you're seeking specific details about a product, or require advice on how it integrates with your existing setup, we're readily available to assist. Our team of specialists is on hand to help you make an informed decision.
If you're unable to find the information you need on our website, or wish to discuss custom solutions, please feel free to contact us. We provide consultation services designed to assist you in creating an ideal audio environment.
In addition to personalised advice, we also offer quotations for our products and services. If you're planning a project or considering a purchase and have found a better price elsewhere, let us know. We strive to offer competitive rates and will do our best to accommodate your budget. Email us your requirements and we will provide a detailed quote to help you plan your investment with clarity and confidence.
Email us now for tailored advice, bespoke quotations, and solutions that respect your budgetary considerations. sales@giraffeaudio.com
