# Cambridge Audio Alva Duo vs iFi Zen Phono 3: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo (Cambridge Audio) and iFi Zen Phono 3 (iFi Audio) among phono preamps.

## Side by side

| Spec | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | iFi Zen Phono 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $399 | not published |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio | iFi Audio |
| Cartridge support | MM and MC | MM and MC, with 4 selectable modes: MM, MC High, MC Low, MC V-Low |
| Gain (dB) | MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz | 36-72 dB total range across the 4 gain modes |
| Snr (dB) | MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) | MM: 91 dB(A); MC High: 81 dB(A); MC Low: 89.6 dB(A); MC V-Low: 78.6 dB(A) |
| Riaa accuracy | ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) | ±0.15 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| Input capacitance pf | 100 | 100/200 pF selectable across MM and MC modes |
| Subsonic filter | Yes | Intelligent adaptive subsonic filter, filters record warp without attenuating bass or adding group delay |
| Thd percent | MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N) | as low as 0.0027% (MM mode, -91dB) |
| Output level | 300 mV nominal | Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, level varies by gain mode |

## Key differences

- Cartridge support: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM and MC vs iFi Zen Phono 3 MM and MC, with 4 selectable modes: MM, MC High, MC Low, MC V-Low
- Gain (dB): Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz vs iFi Zen Phono 3 36-72 dB total range across the 4 gain modes
- Snr (dB): Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) vs iFi Zen Phono 3 MM: 91 dB(A); MC High: 81 dB(A); MC Low: 89.6 dB(A); MC V-Low: 78.6 dB(A)
- Riaa accuracy: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) vs iFi Zen Phono 3 ±0.15 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Input capacitance pf: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo 100 vs iFi Zen Phono 3 100/200 pF selectable across MM and MC modes
- Subsonic filter: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Yes vs iFi Zen Phono 3 Intelligent adaptive subsonic filter, filters record warp without attenuating bass or adding group delay
- Thd percent: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N) vs iFi Zen Phono 3 as low as 0.0027% (MM mode, -91dB)
- Output level: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo 300 mV nominal vs iFi Zen Phono 3 Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, level varies by gain mode

## Sources

- Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/alva/alva-duo (cambridgeaudio.com, verified 2026-08-12)
- iFi Zen Phono 3: https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-phono/ (ifi-audio.com, verified 2026-08-12)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/cambridge-audio-alva-duo-vs-ifi-zen-phono-3/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ($399) vs iFi Zen Phono 3 (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/cambridge-audio-alva-duo-vs-ifi-zen-phono-3/
License: CC BY 4.0.