iFi Audio iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 Headphone Amplifier
ICAN PHANTOM 1.5 REFINED FLAGSHIP ANNOUNCED
iFi Audio has announced the new iFi Audio iCAN PHANTOM 1.5, an updated version of its flagship headphone amplifier.
The new iFi Audio iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 model retains the original’s focus on accommodating a wide range of headphones, from sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) through to planar magnetic and electrostatic designs, while adding a number of usability and control refinements.
IFI AUDIO ICAN PHANTOM 1.5 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
The iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 features two separate, switchable Class A input stages: a discrete solid-state stage and a valve stage using matched General Electric 5670 tubes. A Tube+ mode is also included, reducing loop gain and negative feedback to produce a warmer presentation. The three options are intended to provide different tonal characteristics, with Solid-State offering pace and immediacy, Tube providing a more fluid character, and Tube+ adding further tonal warmth.
iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 SONIC CONTROLS
The amplifier includes a three-step XBass circuit for adjusting low-frequency emphasis and an XSpace circuit designed to widen the perceived soundstage. XSpace has separate matrices for headphone and speaker use. Gain settings have also been revised, with 0dB, 12dB and 24dB now available, compared with 0dB, 9dB and 18dB on the previous model.
ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE SUPPORT
An integrated iESL energiser is included for electrostatic headphones, removing the need for a separate external energiser. According to iFi, the system delivers up to 640V.
Read our review of the original iFi iCAN PHANTOM here
UPDATED CONTROLS AND DISPLAY
The iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 retains the original True Differential Balanced, PureWavePRO circuit design and capacitive power supply, while adding several changes aimed at day-to-day operation. A new VU meter provides real-time level monitoring, while the user interface has been redesigned to match the company’s iDSD PHANTOM.
Gain staging has been expanded to 24dB, with IEMatch attenuation increased to up to 12dB for single-ended connections and 24dB for balanced connections. The volume control has also been revised with buffered pads for a smoother rotation. An anti-fingerprint coating has been applied to the top glass and screen.
NEXIS APP UPDATES
Control via iFi’s Nexis app has been expanded to include a reset button, product renaming and real-time tube health monitoring. Existing functions include remote control, diagnostics and over-the-air firmware updates.
IFI AUDIO ICAN PHANTOM 1.5 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 is available now priced at £3,749, €3,749 or $3,749 USD.
HiFi PiG says: The iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 looks to be an update focused less on radically changing the concept and more on making an already versatile headphone amplifier easier to tailor and use, particularly for listeners with several different types of headphones.
