Description
Unlock professional‑grade vinyl playback without the high‑end price tag with the Parasound Zphono XRM Phono Preamplifier - an exceptionally versatile MM/MC phono stage packed with audiophile features and polished performance.
Key Features
- Dedicated MM & MC inputs with front‑panel selector for seamless switching or dual turntable setup
- Variable MC loading (50‑1,050 Ω) and switchable MM gain (40 dB / 50 dB) to precisely match cartridge output
- Switchable rumble filter (40 Hz high‑pass, 18 dB/oct) and stereo/mono mode for playback flexibility and vintage disc compatibility
- Dual outputs: balanced XLR for noise‑free integration, plus RCA for standard systems
- Internal linear power supply, avoiding noisy wall‑wart designs and enhancing sonic purity
- Precision design including RIAA accuracy within ±0.2 dB, ultra‑low distortion (< 0.02% THD), and excellent S/N performance (MM ≈ 94 dB, MC ≈ 92 dB)
- Compact half‑rack 1U chassis (8.5″ wide), premium build quality, and 5‑year warranty
What You’ll Hear
- Silence when vinyl is silent - background hiss is essentially eliminated thanks to high S/N ratio and quality power design
- Greater detail, clarity, and depth, thanks to accurate RIAA equalization and exceptional channel separation
- Tighter, fuller low end without mud or rumble - even on legacy pressings or budget turntables
Why Choose Zphono XRM?
The Z‑Phono XRM bridges the gap between entry‑level and high‑end phono stages: delivering studio‑level features at a mid‑tier price point. It outpaces many pricier units on both flexibility and accurate performance.
Perfect for vinyl enthusiasts upgrading from built‑in preamps or first‑tier stages, or those using both MM and MC turntables and craving on‑the‑fly adjustment without complexity. It also plays well with mono LPs and older pressings via its mono switch and rumble filter.
Specifications
| Frequency Response | 20-20 kHz, ±0.2 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.02% at 1 kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio, MM 40 dB Setting | > 94 dB (IHF A-weighted) > 90 dB (unweighted) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio, MM 50 dB Setting | > 94 dB (IHF A-weighted) > 90 dB (unweighted) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio, MC 50 dB Setting | > 92 dB (IHF A-weighted) > 88 dB (unweighted) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio, MC 60 dB Setting | > 82 dB (IHF A-weighted) > 80 dB (unweighted) |
| Inter-channel Crosstalk | > 80 dB at 1 kHz |
| Input Impedance | MM: 47k Ω MC: 50–1050 Ω |
| Input Capacitance | 150 pF |
| Output Impedance | Unbalanced: 150 Ω Balanced: 150 Ω per leg |
| Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 4mV Input |
40 dB: 5 mV for 500 mV output 50 dB: 5 mV for 1.5 V output 60 dB: 5 mV for 3 V output |
| Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 1V Output |
40 dB: 10 mV for 1.0 V output 50 dB: 3.5 mV for 1.0 V output 60 dB: 1.8 mV for 1.0 V output |
| Total Gain |
40 dB / 50 dB / 60 dB (unbalanced output) 46 dB / 56 dB / 66 dB (balanced output) |
| Rumble Filter | 40 Hz high pass, 18 dB/oct. |
| AC Power Requirement |
Standby: 0 watts Power On: 7 watts 115 VAC or 230 VAC, 50–60 Hz (selectable on bottom) |
| Dimensions |
Width: 8.5" (220 mm) Depth: 10" (254 mm) Depth (with cables): 12" (305 mm) Height (with feet): 2" (51 mm) Height (without feet): 1.75" (45 mm), 1U |
| Weight |
Net: 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg) Shipping: 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
Parasound Reviews
- GLGus L.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5 months agoThis is exactly the sound I was looking for
My equipment consists of a ProJect X1 turntable with 9-inch carbon fiber tonearm, Sumiko Moonstone cartridge and a Vista Audio Phono-2 pre amp.
For years, I enjoyed the lush sound of the Moonstone, but when the Ortofon MC-X series came out, I was ready to make the switch to MC cartridges to experience the wider and deeper soundstage. I had an unused set of balanced inputs on my preamp that I wanted to try out with vinyl as well, and the XRM would give me that option.
I tried the new MC-X20 cartridge with the same settings on both preamps and while the Vista has a slightly wider soundstage than the Parasound, the XRMs soundstage is taller and deeper with much more detailed instrument separation. Layered nuances became really apparent and the noise floor is almost non existent.
The Vista with its A/C wall wart was somewhat noisy in my system and I was never happy at higher 75+ dB listening sessions. With the Parasound, I have no noise issue and benefited from an additional 6dB gain for the MC cartridge when using the XLR output.
After multiple listening sessions. I settled on +60 dB MC gain and 175-ohm loading and Jim Hall, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ben Webster and Chet Baker feel like permanent live performers inside my listening room. Sound from the XRM is not as forward in your face as the Vista, but the lingering tones of the trumpet notes, piano keystrokes and snare drum brushes are eerily realistic with pinpoint detail.
I had purchased the XRM as a…
- JVJim V. D.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 weeks agoNice to have a Parasound dealer in So Cal!
Pleased RockonAV is an authorized Parasound dealer in So Cal. Purchase was perfect.