A Prominent British Hi-Fi Brand Just Introduced an Affordable Way to Upgrade Your Vinyl System

According to the brand, it promises “an audiophile-grade vinyl experience at an entry-level price point.

Close-up of a dark blue audio device with a textured diamond pattern and a black brushed metal front panel featuring a power button and MM/MC indicators.

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Published April 30, 2026

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Most of today’s entry-level turntables already have a built-in phono preamplifier (aka phono stage). If they don’t, they require an external one. But even turntables integrated with a phono preamp, which can be switched off so you can use an external one, which is superior.

The job of a phono preamp is vital to every vinyl hi-fi system. It amplifies the weak signal from the phono cartridge so your speakers can play it at a reasonable volume. The best ones also equalize the signal (to stay true to the RIAA playback equalization curve) so that the record sounds as close as possible to the original recording.

Without a phono preamplifier, you simply wouldn’t hear anything. Your records would be quiet.

The cool thing is that external phono preamplifiers are one of the most upgradable (and affordable) components. And they’re great for hi-fi tinkers, as a phono preamplifier can change the sound of your system.

For those in the market for an affordable phono preamp for their entry-level turntable, iFi Audio has just introduced one for you to consider.

iFi Zen Air Phono 2

Oval-shaped audio device with brushed metal front panel, power and subsonic filter buttons, and MM/MC indicator lights. — The British audio maker has introduced the Zen Air Phono 2, an updated version of its entry-level phono preamplifier.

The Zen Air Phono 2 is a new-and-improved version of the company’s original entry-level phono preamplifier, the Zen Air Phono, which was released in 2022.

This second-generation model looks and works quite similarly to its predecessor. Both are compatible with turntables that have either moving-magnet (MM) or moving-coil (MC) cartridges. And both have switchable gains to correct settings for your cartridge.

Close-up of a black audio amplifier with gold knobs and a connected cable on a reflective surface. — According to the brand, the Zen Air Phono 2 delivers “an audiophile-grade vinyl experience at an entry-level price point.”

Faithful, accurate playback

But thanks to new tech and updated internals, the Zen Air Phono 2 promises more accurate playback.

It features a more accurate RIAA equalizer (+/-0.15dB). With this level of accuracy, iFi claims that the Zen Air Phono 2 can “deliver true, accurate music playback, that faithfully represents the intent of the original artists and recording engineers.”

Additionally, the Zen Air Phono 2 features a new high-current power supply design that delivers a super-silent noise floor. This helps ensure records sound as detail-rich and accurate as possible.

Rear view of a black iFi Zen Phono 2 audio device showing RCA input/output ports, ground connector, gain switch, and DC 5V power input. — The iFi Zen Air Phono 2 features switchable gain and supports both MM and MC cartridges.

If your turntable is integrated with its own phono preamplifier, and it’s switchable (so can be turned off), iFi claims it’s seriously worth considering upgrading to the Zen Air Phono 2.

According to the brand, it “provides a drastically improved listening experience compared to the built-in phono stages of record players and amplifiers, offering an ultra-low noise floor for enhanced detail, and a precise RIAA EQ for authentic playback, as the artist and engineers intended.”

Close-up of a black audio amplifier with gold knobs and a large volume dial on a reflective surface. — iFi claims the Zen Air Phono 2 “provides a drastically improved listening experience compared to the built-in phono stages of record players and amplifiers.”

Availability and pricing

The Zen Air Phono 2 isn’t quite as affordable as its predecessor, which was priced at $99 (and can still be bought on third-party sites like Amazon), but it’s still pretty attainable at $129.

It’s available now.

Dark blue audio device with a textured top surface and black front panel featuring knobs and indicator lights.

iFi Zen Air Phono 2

$129 at iFi Audio

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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