The Parasound ZC ZAmp V3 is a compact half-width stereo power amplifier delivering 45 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 60 watts into 4 ohms, and 90 watts bridged into mono. It uses a fully discrete Class AB circuit with a toroidal transformer, a signal-to-noise ratio above 116dB, and a front-panel headphone output, all in a slim 1U half-width chassis.
Gold-plated RCA inputs with looping line outputs allow the ZAmp V3 to be daisy-chained to additional amplifiers or to a powered subwoofer without a splitter. Auto turn-on via 9-12V trigger, front-panel status indicators for AC presence and channel operating status, and gold-plated 5-way speaker terminals complete the practical feature set. ProHiFi is an authorised Parasound dealer in India.
Positive Feedback's John Marks called it very feisty, noting he was really taken by its sound quality and its ability to drive loudspeakers of lower efficiency, concluding it is a stellar bargain. HiFi Choice UK described the system as delivering a full sound that is clear and easy on the ears, with a very convincing performance across the spectrum. Unique Radio Netherlands reviewed the ZAmp V3 alongside the ZPre3 in December 2024, confirming the combination as a fine compact pre and power pairing.
Key Features
- 45W x 2 into 8 ohm; 60W x 2 into 4 ohm; 90W bridged mono
- Fully discrete Class AB circuit; toroidal transformer
- 12A peak current per channel; dynamic headroom 1.5dB
- SNR greater than 116dB A-weighted
- Front-panel headphone output
- Gold-plated RCA inputs with looping line outputs
- Gold-plated 5-way speaker terminals
- Auto turn-on by 9-12V trigger
- Front-panel AC and channel status indicators
- Half-width 1U chassis; 216 x 44 x 254mm; 3.2kg; Black
- Positive Feedback Stellar Bargain; HiFi Choice UK Recommended; Unique Radio Netherlands Recommended 2024
Warranty:
3-year manufacturer's warranty
Why Consider the Parasound ZC ZAmp V3
The ZAmp V3 is the right choice for listeners who want compact, discrete Class AB amplification for a secondary room, a desktop system, or a multi-zone installation where half-width form factor is needed. The looping line output makes it easy to add a powered subwoofer or daisy-chain to a second amplifier without a signal splitter, and the bridged mono mode at 90 watts gives a useful power reserve for demanding single-channel applications. John Marks' description of it as a stellar bargain with the ability to drive lower-efficiency speakers has been echoed consistently across reviewers spanning a decade. Paired with the ZPre3, it forms a matched half-width pre and power combination that fits into spaces no full-size component can reach.
Ideal for
- Secondary listening rooms, desktop systems, or compact zone installations
- Systems pairing with the Parasound ZC ZPre3 as a matched half-width pre and power combination
- Setups needing looping line output for subwoofer or additional amplifier connection
- Headphone listeners wanting a front-panel output directly from the power amplifier
- Rack-mounted multi-room installations using 12V trigger control
- Bridged mono applications at 90W for more power from a single compact unit
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Power Output |
| Stereo (8 ohm, both channels) |
45W x 2 (RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz) |
| Stereo (4 ohm, both channels) |
60W x 2 (RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz) |
| Bridged Mono (8 ohm) |
90W x 1 (RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz) |
| Peak Current per Channel |
12 amps |
| Dynamic Headroom |
1.5dB |
| Circuit Design |
| Topology |
Fully discrete Class AB |
| Power Supply |
Toroidal transformer |
| Performance |
| Frequency Response |
5Hz to 100kHz, plus 0 / minus 3dB |
| THD at Full Power |
Less than 0.07% |
| THD at Typical Levels |
Less than 0.02% |
| Intermodulation Distortion |
Less than 0.05% |
| SNR (A-weighted) |
Greater than 116dB |
| Crosstalk at 1kHz |
80dB |
| Crosstalk at 20kHz |
60dB |
| Input Impedance |
33k ohm |
| Input Sensitivity |
600mV; 1.5V for full output |
| Inputs and Outputs |
| RCA Inputs |
1 pair per channel (gold-plated) |
| Looping Line Outputs |
1 pair (gold-plated RCA; replicates input signal) |
| Speaker Terminals |
Gold-plated 5-way |
| Headphone Output |
Yes (front panel) |
| Control |
| Trigger |
9-12V auto turn-on |
| Front Panel Indicators |
AC present; left and right channel status |
| General |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
216 x 44 x 254 mm (with feet) |
| Weight |
3.2 kg |
| Available Finishes |
Black |
| Chassis |
Half-width 1U; rack mount kit available separately |
| Country of Design |
United States |
| Awards |
Positive Feedback Stellar Bargain (John Marks 2016); HiFi Choice UK Recommended 2014; Unique Radio Netherlands Recommended 2024 |
