iFi Audio iCAN Phantom 1.5

Reference headphone amplifier for virtually any headphone

The iFi Audio iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 is a high-end analog headphone amplifier designed to optimally drive virtually any headphone. From sensitive IEMs and dynamic headphones to demanding planar magnetic and electrostatic models: the PHANTOM 1.5 combines very high output power with extensive options for precisely tuning the amplifier to the connected headphones.

The balanced outputs can deliver over 15,000 mW into 16 ohms, while the single-ended outputs deliver up to over 5,760 mW. For high-impedance headphones, more than 27V is available at 600 ohms, and for electrostatic headphones, the PHANTOM 1.5 can deliver up to 640V. Three gain settings—0 dB, 12 dB, and 24 dB—allow for optimal performance with both highly sensitive IEMs and hard-to-drive headphones.

Solid-State, Tube, and Tube+

A unique feature of the iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 is the choice between fully separate solid-state and tube input stages. The discrete Class A solid-state circuit uses J-FETs and is designed for a highly transparent and accurate sound reproduction. For a different sonic character, you can switch to the Class A tube stage featuring a manually selected and computer-matched pair of General Electric 5670 tubes.

The tube stage features two settings: Tube and Tube+. Tube adds the character of the tube circuit, while Tube+ further reduces the amount of negative feedback, allowing the natural harmonics of the tubes to come through more prominently. This makes it easy to tailor the sound to your headphones, the music, and your personal preferences.

PureWave PRO Fully Balanced Amplification

Internally, the iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 utilizes iFi’s True Differential Balanced design. The signal path is fully differential from input to output, with the left and right channels amplified separately and both the positive and negative signals having their own amplifier circuits. This PureWave PRO architecture is designed to minimize noise and crosstalk.

The volume control is also designed to complement this approach. iFi uses a motorized ALPS potentiometer from Japan—developed specifically for the PHANTOM—with six separate sections. This ensures that the fully balanced design is maintained even in the volume control.

One amplifier for an entire headphone collection

Whereas sensitive IEMs, powerful planar headphones, and electrostatic models would normally require different amplifiers, the iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 combines these capabilities into a single device. Thanks to its wide power range, various gain settings, and the choice between solid-state and tube amplification, the amplifier can be easily adapted to a wide variety of headphones and listening preferences.

As a result, the iFi audio iCAN PHANTOM 1.5 is not only intended as a powerful headphone amplifier but also as a central reference point for an extensive high-end headphone collection.