iFi iCAN Phantom - Headphone Amp / DAC

Fading into music

NEW Reference analog headphone amplifier with built-in electrostatic energizer featuring advanced user interface and networked control system.

A new extraordinary reference
iFi’s new reference analog headphone amplifier, the iCAN PHANTOM, takes the Pro iCAN, refines and improves 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 an advanced new user interface and networked control system.

The result? A headphone amplifier truly worthy of its flagship status.

Exemplary build quality, sophisticated technology, unrivaled specifications and remarkable versatility, expertly designed to bring every type of headphone to its full sonic potential. From ultra-sensitive IEMs, to the finest dynamic drivers and planar magnetic headphones, to the most power-hungry electrostatic designs, iCAN PHANTOM delivers a truly exceptional headphone experience, exquisitely tailored to the listener’s needs.

The iCAN PHANTOM also functions as a high-end preamplifier – to power a power amplifier and speakers (or amplified speakers) – allowing you to combine headphone and speaker listening in a single high-performance audio system.

The Rolls-Royce of flagships
The iCAN PHANTOM’s design gives the impression of two units, but it is actually a single dual-layer device, its entire depth fully utilized by the multi-layer circuit design. Its casing is robustly constructed from aluminum, with the bottom layer featuring front and rear cable connections, and the top layer offering touch controls and a colorful OLED display.

The top of the iCAN PHANTOM features a flush-mounted smoked glass panel that allows you to see the amplifier circuitry and its glowing audio tubes. Circular aluminum air vents ensure that the internal circuitry does not overheat.

When not in use, the sockets on the front or rear can be hidden by a neat aluminum panel that attaches magnetically. This panel also contains the data cards for the electrostatic bias voltage settings. The iCAN PHANTOM also comes with a high-quality aluminum remote control that is both attractive and easy to use.

A tale of two input phases
The iCAN PHANTOM features two input stages – one valve/tube, the other solid state – allowing the user to switch between them on the fly.

It is, in fact, like having three amplifiers in one, each with a different sonic presentation.

Solid state provides rhythm and immediacy. Tube mode adds fluidity and a dynamic, free-breathing quality. Tube+ accentuates the sonic influence of tubes, offering a charming, romantic warmth that can be adapted to, for example, acoustic and vocal musical styles.

The GE5670 tubes have an expected lifespan of approximately 10,000+ hours of use. When it comes time to replace them, the iCAN PHANTOM’s smoked glass panel can be easily removed for access, meaning the job can be completed in just a few minutes. The amplifier is also compatible with 6922 tubes.

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 shape and function but still use magnetic fields to cause movement. At the high end of the headphone scene is another rare but fabulous-sounding type of driver: electrostatic headphones.

Electrostatic drivers require a separate energizer. The iCAN PHANTOM incorporates our original standalone iESL energizer technology with regular amplifier technology to create a single amplifier that can handle any type of headphone with ease.

And all users benefit because the quality of components and intelligent circuit design needed to deliver such a high level of performance with electrostatic headphones also elevate the amplifier's performance with other types of headphones.

Simplified bias voltage
Electrostatic headphones have different requirements in terms of bias voltage.

The iCAN PHANTOM has two outputs for electrostatics: one set to the "normal" bias voltage of 230 V, the other offering a variable bias voltage between 500 V and 640 V, selected by the user. If the wrong voltage is selected, it is possible to damage the headphones.

To make this much less likely, the iCAN PHANTOM comes with a set of data cards specifying different bias voltages (supplied with the amplifier). Simply select the card that matches your headphones’ specifications and pop it into the card slot – there are cards for 500V, 540V, 580V, 600V, 620V and 640V, each with a handy guide on the back showing which brand of headphones are compatible with that voltage.

Every connection is covered
iCAN PHANTOM provides a wide range of balanced and single-ended connection options. The headphone outputs are on the front, with the source inputs and preamp outputs on the rear. Here's a summary:

Source Inputs: 1 Balanced XLR (L/R), 3 RCA (L/R)

Headphone Outputs: 1x 3-pin balanced XLR (L/R), 1x 4-pin balanced XLR, 1x 4.4mm balanced, 1x 6.3mm (positive phase), 1x 6.3mm (reversed phase) and 1x 3.5mm (includes S-Balanced technology to reduce distortion by 50%)

Headphone Electrostatic Outputs: 1 x 5-pin normal bias, 1 x 5-pin custom bias

Preamp Outputs: 1x Balanced XLR (L/R), 1x RCA (L/R)

iFi Nexis – Network Connected Control
iCAN PHANTOM is the first product to incorporate iFi Nexis, a module that combines with an app to provide a complete, scalable networked control system.

The functionality offered by Nexis will grow over time. At launch, the Nexis app allows your Android or iOS device to act as a “super remote” for the iCAN PHANTOM, providing access to additional features not accessible via the amplifier panel or standard remote.

The app can display diagnostic information and allow the user to monitor the operating conditions of the iCAN PHANTOM in real time, such as voltages, condition and expected life of vacuum tubes, etc. It can also be used to apply over-the-air updates to the iCAN PHANTOM firmware by downloading and installing update files via your home Wi-Fi network.

As the number of Nexis-enabled iFi devices grows and the app’s capabilities expand, a networked iFi “ecosystem” will develop: one app for all your needs, like a concierge service for iFi customers. It will allow additional software-based functionality to be provided and shared between existing iFi devices, as well as providing direct technical support and even potentially an online store within the app.