Tom Evans who makes very nice phono stages made the following astute comment:
A rumble filter simply adds to the bass cut making your already “cut” records sound bass light. Plus, it “time-steps” the bass in relation to the higher frequencies (where our hearing is most sensitive) so much so it can confuse the ear into believing the bass is playing out of tempo.
iFi solution:
Since the very first iPHONO launched in 2012, we have used our own in-house ‘Subsonic Filter’. It made it into the iPHONO2 and the iPHONO3 and now, the ZEN Phono which is the very first time this filter is seen in such an affordable price level.
As there is only minimal vertical modulation remaining at very low frequencies with an an actual cut LP that is playable, we know that “vertical modulation” at low frequencies must be warp.
So we designed a filter to take advantage of this.
This is not artificial but real knowledge. By understanding fully how LPs are cut and replayed, it is possible to filter record warp strongly without at the same time attenuating low bass or adding group delay.
The all-new iEMatch+
Give yourself and your music a break. No more noise from background source hiss and no more listening at ridiculously high volume so you get the ‘most’ out of your music.
Use iEMatch+. It works with all 3.5mm balanced devices. Switch between single-ended or balanced operation to suit your needs.
It gives you
- better sound
- increased dynamic range
- reduced background hiss
- clearer vocals

The perfect match
Just connect between your headphones/iEMs and the output of your smartphone, DAP (digital audio player) or music source to simply and instantly improve playback.
- Regains 16.24 Bit audio resolution
- 12.24dB noise reduction
- 0% frequency loss
Adjust the desired volume ‘on-the-go’ to ensure a safe, comfortable listening level whilst enjoying lower background noise and maximum dynamics.
Sensitivity solved
The iEMatch+ gives you two sensitivity settings:
- High – for high sensitivity headphones (reduces gain by 12dB)
- Ultra – for ultra sensitivity headphones (reduces gain by 24dB)
We suggest trying both to see which listening level works best with your headphones and your listening preferences.

Wired. And then some.
The minZ™ cable construction is a custom helix design. It is minimised in both capacitance and inductance.
The minZ™ helix construction also provides intrinsic shielding and protects the cable from RFI and EMI noise.
This ensures the cleanest possible transfer medium.