Tech Lowdown

FAQs
• How is the ZEN Phono’s 4.4mm balanced output
wired?
It’s wired accordingly to the Sony standard.
• Can the ZEN Phono be powered on all the time?
Yes, it can be powered on constantly, but to be kind to the
planet, we suggest to power it off if you don’t intend to
use it.
• What does the ‘subsonic filter’ button do? And
should I have it engaged?
The subsonic filter removes extreme low frequencies
resulting from warped records (records that are not
perfectly flat). Such signals can cause the so-called
“woofer pumping” effect, excessive distortion and
possibly damage to speakers if the volume is set too high.
The way the filter is implemented in the ZEN Phono only
removes the unwanted (vertical) extreme low frequencies,
however actual bass signals present on the LP are allowed
to pass unaltered with a -3dB point of 16Hz (generally the
lowest signals that are cut on LP tend to be 32Hz and up).
You should engage this filter if your woofers show visible
“pumping” as in
this video.
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