icOn Zen – When Less Truly Is More
The Essence of Simplicity
The new icOn Zen is the spiritual successor to our much-loved icOn 4 Zen, refined with experience from the acclaimed icOn 5 series. It keeps the musical transparency and effortless dynamics of its bigger brother, but at a much more accessible price.
That’s 45% less than the icOn 5 Single-Ended — yet it retains the same sonic purity and design philosophy.
Experience the Zen of Music
Elegant, minimalist, and musically transparent — the icOn Zen is more than a preamplifier. It’s the missing link between your sources and your soul.
€2,590.00
Excluding VAT.
Not sure which options you need? Read the guide to every option
How ordering works
Every icOn is built to order. Once you place an order we confirm the expected delivery date and send you an invoice — this is not an instant card checkout. Build and delivery normally takes around 2–3 weeks.
20% VAT applies within the UK. Orders from outside the UK may attract local VAT, an administration fee, import tax or customs fees on clearance. Read the full terms
Free shipping
Worldwide, on every product
2-year warranty
Return to base, parts and labour
10-day trial
Full refund if it isn't for you
Built in Manchester
Handbuilt by Pal Nagy, one at a time
In detail
What you're getting
Features and technical details:
- 68 steps over an 66 dB attenuation range, from +3 dB to -63 dB
- Fine 1 dB steps across the entire attenuation range
- Unbalanced operation with custom autoformers by Dave Slagle
- Two inputs (1 RCA + 1 RCA or XLR), 2 RCA +1 XLR outputs (operating in parallel)
- Optional Input Extender for total of 5 inputs
- Improved linearity and transparency thanks to new, lower-inductance autoformers with 80% Ni cores
- Maximum input level: 6V RMS (17 Vpp, 18dBu)
- Less, than 0.001% distortion, 130 dB dynamic range, and +/-0.1 dB linearity from 20Hz to 20kHz
- Balance, mute and standby functions
- Favourite setting memory for start up*
- Smart stereo/mono operation for mono LP collectors (Left only, Right only or combined L+R mono, stereo)*
- Large (0.8") 2-digit orange display with 2 brightness levels and night mode (shows dB values or step numbers)
- Apple remote-compatible CNC machined IR remote controller (refurbished original Apple remote +$50)
- Precision optical encoder and touch button for manual control
- 90mm high satin-silver enclosure (W 124mm x L 260mm) with dark gunmetal CNC-machined faceplate
- Expandable input option: add the new (coming soon) Input Extender (+1 RCA & 2 XLR sockets) for $499
- 2 years warranty
- * These features are not available in other icOn models
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Specifications
At a glance
Additional information
| I/O connectors | 1 RCA+ 1 XLR IN, 1 RCA+ 1 XLR OUT, 2+2 RCA |
|---|---|
| Input expander | No, Yes (+800€) |
The Ear · Best Hi-Fi of 2024
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The Ear — Editor's Choice
From an owner
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Before you order
Need a hand deciding?
Pal answers every technical question personally. If you are unsure which model or which options suit your system, just ask.
Which options do I need?
Every configuration choice explained in plain English — I/O, autoformer type, tilt control and display colour.
Full specifications
Side-by-side comparison of all three models, plus downloadable owner's manuals.
Ask Pal directly
Impedance matching, system pairing, delivery — answered by the person who builds them.
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