Parasound ZC ZPhonoXRM MM/MC Phono Preamp, Balanced XLR

The Parasound ZC ZPhonoXRM is a compact half-width MM and MC phono preamplifier with balanced XLR outputs, dual turntable inputs, and continuously variable MC cartridge loading from 50 to 1050 ohms. It sits between the ZPhono entry-level stage and the JC 3 Jr reference stage in the Parasound phono preamplifier range.

Separate input jacks and dedicated circuitry for MM and MC cartridges allow two turntables to be connected simultaneously, one with an MM cartridge and one with an MC cartridge, with a front-panel input select switch to toggle between them. The MC impedance adjust knob allows real-time loading changes while listening, so the ideal impedance for any MC cartridge can be found by ear without switching the unit off. ProHiFi is an authorised Parasound dealer in India.

MM gain is switchable between 40dB and 50dB (unbalanced) or 46dB and 56dB (balanced). MC gain is switchable between 50dB for high-output MC cartridges and 60dB for low-output MC cartridges below 0.5mV. Balanced XLR and RCA outputs are active simultaneously. A front-panel rumble filter at 40Hz with 18dB per octave roll-off and a stereo/mono mode switch are included. The internal linear power supply avoids wall-wart noise. The voltage selector on the unit's base covers 115V or 230V.

Australian Hi-Fi called it outstanding in every respect, with excellent channel separation, ultra-low distortion, and vanishingly low noise. Analog Planet's Michael Fremer found it aggressively priced and noted that finding a better MM-only phono preamp for the same money would be difficult. Unique Radio Belgium and Netherlands concluded the reviewer bought one immediately after testing it.

Key Features

• Dual inputs: separate MM and MC circuits for two turntables
• MM gain: 40/50dB unbalanced; 46/56dB balanced
• MC gain: 50/60dB unbalanced; 56/66dB balanced
• Variable MC loading: 50 to 1050 ohm, adjustable on the fly
• MM input impedance: 47k ohm
• Balanced XLR and RCA outputs (both active simultaneously)
• RIAA accuracy within 0.2dB; THD below 0.02%
• Front panel input select, mono/stereo switch, rumble filter switch
• Rumble filter: 40Hz high-pass, 18dB per octave
• Internal linear power supply; no wall-wart
• 115/230V selectable on base; India 230V compatible
• Half-width 1U chassis; 220 x 51 x 254mm; 1.8kg; Black
• Australian Hi-Fi Highly Recommended; Analog Planet Recommended; Unique Radio Recommended

Warranty:

3-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Parasound ZC ZPhonoXRM

The ZPhonoXRM is the right choice for vinyl listeners who want the flexibility to connect two turntables simultaneously, fine-tune MC cartridge loading in real time, and access balanced XLR outputs at a compact, accessible price. The combination of variable 50-1050 ohm MC loading, switchable gain for both MM and MC, mono switch for older records, and a linear internal power supply gives it a feature set that typically costs considerably more. Analog Planet's Michael Fremer made the point directly: finding a better MM-only phono stage for the same money would be difficult, and the ZPhonoXRM does considerably more than that. For Indian audiophiles building a vinyl system alongside the ZPre3 and ZAmp V3, or feeding a higher-end integrated amplifier directly, it is the natural step up from the ZPhono.

Ideal for

• Vinyl listeners with both MM and MC turntables who want dual inputs and front-panel switching
• MC cartridge owners wanting real-time variable impedance adjustment from 50 to 1050 ohms
• Systems requiring balanced XLR phono output at a compact price
• Mono LP collectors needing the front-panel mono switch
• ZC Series builds alongside the ZPre3 and ZAmp V3
• Those wanting an internal linear power supply instead of a wall-wart stage

Technical Specifications