Flagship headphone amplifier combines Class A solid-state and tube stages, an integrated electrostatic energizer and more than 15W of output power
iFi Audio has introduced the iCAN PHANTOM 1.5, an updated version of its flagship headphone amplifier. The new model retains the core architecture of the original PHANTOM while expanding gain, improving IEM compatibility and adding updated interface and monitoring features.
Its defining feature is the ability to drive not only conventional dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, but also electrostatic headphones from the same chassis. The design is intended to cover everything from highly sensitive IEMs to some of the most demanding full-size headphones.
Class A Solid-State and Tube Stages
The iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 includes both a discrete Class A solid-state input stage and a Class A tube stage using GE 5670 valves.
Users can select between Solid-State, Tube and Tube+ operating modes, allowing the amplifier to offer different circuit topologies and sonic presentations without requiring separate amplifiers.
Output power is also substantial. Through its balanced outputs, the amplifier delivers more than 15W into 16 ohms and over 9W RMS into 32 ohms, giving it enough headroom for difficult planar magnetic designs.
Integrated iESL Electrostatic Energizer
One of the PHANTOM’s most unusual features is its integrated iESL electrostatic headphone energizer.
Electrostatic headphones normally require a dedicated amplifier or energizer because they operate with high bias voltages and a fundamentally different drive system from conventional headphones. The iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 integrates this circuitry directly into the amplifier and supports bias voltages of up to 640V.
That makes it possible to use dynamic, planar magnetic and electrostatic headphones within a single system rather than maintaining separate amplifiers for each type.
Expanded Gain and IEMatch
The 1.5 revision also changes the gain structure. The previous 0dB, 9dB and 18dB settings have been replaced by 0dB, 12dB and 24dB options.
At the opposite end of the sensitivity range, iFi has strengthened its IEMatch attenuation system for high-sensitivity earphones. Attenuation now reaches up to 12dB on single-ended outputs and up to 24dB on balanced outputs.
The result is a wider usable operating range, from extremely sensitive IEMs to power-hungry planar headphones.
Updated VU Meter and App Monitoring
The PHANTOM 1.5 also introduces a revised VU meter and display interface.
Through iFi’s Nexis app, users can access firmware updates and system information, including real-time monitoring of the internal tube status. This adds a useful maintenance element for a component built around both solid-state and valve circuitry.
The iFi iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 is priced at $3,749 in the United States and is available now.
Its price places it firmly in the flagship category, but its appeal lies in consolidation: a high-power planar headphone amplifier, tube amplifier, IEM-friendly output stage and electrostatic energizer are all housed in a single chassis.
Official Website : https://ifi-audio.com/products/ican-phantom-1-5
