iFi Audio iCAN Phantom - Reference-Class Headphone Amplifier, Pre-amp & Energiser for Electrostatic Headphones

THE ROLLS-ROYCE OF FLAGSHIPS
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 utilised by its multi-layer circuit design. Its enclosure is sturdily constructed from aluminium, with the bottom layer sporting cable connections front and back, and the top layer offering tactile controls and a colourful OLED display. The iCAN Phantom also comes with an attractive, easy to use aluminium, high quality, remote control.

A TALE OF TWO INPUT STAGES
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 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.

ELECTROSTATICALLY GOOD
Most headphones create sound by using dynamic (or moving coil) drivers to move air. A smaller number use planar magnetic diaphragms, which are different in form and operation, but still use magnetic fields to cause motion. At the high end of the headphone scene there is another, rare but fabulous sounding driver type – electrostatic headphones. Electrostatic drivers need an separate energiser. The iCAN Phantom incorporates our original standalone iESL energiser technology with regular amplifier technology to make a single amplifier that can handle every headphone type.

BIAS VOLTAGE SIMPLIFIED
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.

EVERY CONNECTION COVERED
iCAN Phantom supplies a wide array of balanced and single-ended connection options. The headphone outputs are at the front, with the source inputs and preamp outputs at the rear. See the source output connections in the technical specifications below.

IFI NEXIS – NETWORK CONNECTED CONTROL
The iCAN Phantom is the first product to incorporate iFi Nexis, a module which 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.