A versatile phono preamp

The Parasound Zphono XRM offers two separate input stages one for a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge, and one for a moving coil cartridge so you can connect two ‘tables simultaneously. The MC stage offers variable load impedance, allowing precise cartridge loading to match high- or low-output MC cartridges. Both inputs offer switchable gain.

The front panel also has a defeatable 40Hz high-pass filter that helps eliminate subsonic rumble, and a stereo/mono switch that can particularly come in handy when playing older records. The back panel includes unbalanced stereo RCA outputs, and balanced stereo XLR outputs for a more secure connection and superior noise rejection.

Product highlights:

• compatible with moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridges
• dual inputs (one MM, one MC) let you connect two turntables simultaneously
• low-noise linear power supply
• optional rack mount kit available

Front panel:

• MM/MC input selector
• stereo/mono switch
• rumble filter on/off (40 Hz high pass, 18 dB/octave)

Rear panel:

• MC input stage:
• stereo RCA input
• variable impedance knob for precise cartridge loading
• switchable gain for moving coil cartridges (+50dB/+60dB)
• MM input stage:
• stereo RCA input
• switchable gain for moving magnet cartridges (+50dB/+40dB)
• balanced stereo XLR and unbalanced stereo RCA outputs
• removable power cord

Performance specs:

• signal-to-noise ratio: 92 dB (MC +50dB setting); 82 dB (MC +60dB setting); 94 dB (MM)
• THD: 0.02%
• input impedance: 47k ohms (MM); 50-1,050 ohms (MC)

Dimensions and warranty:

• 8-5/8″W x 2-1/8″H x 12″D (half-rack space, 1U rack height)
• weight: 3.9 lbs.
• warranty: 5 years
• Our 60-day money-back guarantee
• MFR # ZPHONO XRM

What’s in the box:

• Parasound Zphono XRM owner’s manual
• Phono preamplifier
• 6′ AC power cord
• Owner’s Guide

Features & specs

Product Research

Features

MM/MC Compatible: The Paraound Zphono XRM phono preamp has separate input jacks and circuitry for MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil) cartridges. There is a MM/MC selector switch on the front-panel to indicate which type of cartridge you are using.

• MC Gain Options: 50dB or 60dB
• 50dB: for high-output moving coil cartridges
• 60dB: for low output moving coil cartridges with an output less than 0.5mV
• MM Gain Options: 40dB or 50 dB
• 40dB: appropriate for most moving magnet cartridges
• 50dB: for low output moving magnet cartridges

MC Input Impedance Adjustment: The Zphono XRM’s rear-panel Impedance Adjustment knob allows you to fine tune the input impedance for MC cartridges over a range of 50 ohms to 1050 ohms. Cartridge manufacturers recommend what they consider to be an optimal load impedance. However, their published specification won’t necessarily give you the best results in your system. We encourage you to experiment with this control and use whichever load impedance you feel results in the best performance of your system.

Separate Unbalanced RCA Inputs: The Parasound Zphono XRM is equipped with two sets of unbalanced RCA stereo jacks. It has separate inputs for turntables with MM (moving magnet) or MC (moving coil) cartridges, allowing you to connect two different types of turntables. Connect your turntable to the Zphono XRM’s stereo RCA inputs. Connect your AV receiver or integrated amplifier to the Zphono XRM’s stereo RCA outputs.

Unbalanced & Balanced Outputs: Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output jacks are provided to connect the Zphono XRM to the line-level input jacks on your line stage preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or receiver. Balanced XLR connection offer maximum rejection of external noise, compared to unbalanced RCA connection. The balanced and unbalanced jacks are active simultaneously.

Stereo/Mono Mode: Selecting Mono mode parallels the left and right stereo channels into mono audio playback. Many older mono records and some older stereo records might sound cleaner when you select Mono mode. The normal position is Stereo. This switch is located on the front-panel

Rumble Filter: The Rumble Filter reduces audio output below 40Hz. This front-panel switch is especially useful if your turntable is susceptible to feedback from your speakers and subwoofer or if you hear footsteps when you walk near the turntable. Some older records may also be pressed with audible rumble. If you are hearing low frequency “rumble” in your speakers this filter will help reduce it.

Ground Screw: Connect the ground wire of your turntable to the Zphono XRM’s ground terminal to prevent against hum.

Detachable AC Power Cord: The included 6′ AC power cord will need to be plugged into the back of the Zphono XRM and into an AC wall outlet or surge protector/line conditioner (sold separately – see Accessories Tab).

Optional Rack Mount Kit: The Zphono XRM occupies only half the width of a single rack space in a standard 19″ equipment rack. You can mount a single Zphono XRM in a 1U rack space or fasten it to another Parasound Z series component using the ZRK Rack mount kit (sold separately – see Accessories Tab).