Class-Leading Versatility and Features, Compact Footprint: Parasound ZPhono XRM MM/MC Phono Preamplifier Features Internal Power Supply, Balanced XLR Outputs, and More
Analog Planet founder and vinyl honcho Michael Fremer summarizes the worth of the Parasound ZPhono XRM as well as anyone when he beams it "is a compact, versatile MM/MC phono preamplifier that offers flexibility and features not usually found at this price point including gold-plated balanced XLR outputs (and gold-plated single-ended RCA outputs), a mono switch, an 18dB/octave rumble filter, and, for its MC input, continuously variable loading from 50 ohms to 1050 ohms." Ideal for budget-conscious listeners as well as those tight on space, the 2 x 8.5 x 10-inch (HWD) mighty mini even comes with an internally mounted linear high-capacity power supply – far superior to wall-wart types. Plus, ZPhono XRM (the "XRM" stands for "XLR, rumble, mono") allows you to simultaneously connect two turntables. Sweet!
RIAA accurate to within 0.2dB and easily accommodating to future cartridge or turntable upgrades, ZPhono XRM plays with incredible quiet and revealing detail. Its measured specs (less than 0.02% THD, for starters) put it in its own class within its price echelon. Ditto its MM and MC gain options as well as the top-grade parts, which include high-speed op amps, audiophile resistors and capacitors, and vibration-resistant chassis. When it comes right down to it, ZPhono XRM brings a level of features, ease, fidelity, and engineering often seen in phonostages that add another digit to the cost. High-end analog values don't come much better. 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guaranteed.
"Parasound has so aggressively priced this, and it offers so much sonic performance for the money, finding a better MM-only phono preamp for around the same money it might be difficult (as would finding a similarly priced phono preamp with such detailed and well-measuring specifications)!"
– Michael Fremer, Analog Planet
"Recordings played with the ZPhono XRM sounded richer and fuller, with much more detail. You would be hard-pressed to find these features in a similarly priced phonostage, if at all."
– David Blummenstein, Dagogo
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.02% at 1 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio, MM 40 dB Setting:
> 94 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 90 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Signal to Noise Ratio, MM 50 dB Setting:
> 94 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 90 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Signal to Noise Ratio, MC 50 dB Setting:
> 92 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 88 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Signal to Noise Ratio, MC 60 dB Setting:
> 82 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 80 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Inter-channel Crosstalk: > 80 dB at 1 kHz
Input Impedance:
MM: 47k Ω
MC: 50-1050 Ω
Output Impedance:
Unbalanced: 150 Ω
Balanced: 150 Ω per leg
Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 4mV Input: 40 dB:
5 mV for 500mV output
50 dB: 5 mV for 1.5 Volts output
60 dB: 5 mV for 3 Volts output
Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 1V Output:
40 dB: 10 mV for 1.0 Volt output
50 dB: 3.5 mV for 1.0 Volt output
60 dB: 1.8 mV for 1.0 Volt 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
Dimensions (WDH): 8.5" x 10" x 2"
Weight: 3.9 lbs.
User Manual (PDF, 1.8 MB)
