USED - Parasound Zphono XRM MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

Experience the Full Emotional Content of Your Vinyl

The Zphono XRM is Parasound’s latest phono preamplifier. It combines high performance with unprecedented versatility at a price that fills the gap between Parasound's popular Zphono and the internationally acclaimed Halo JC 3 Jr. Parasound built the Zphono XRM for vinyl lovers who are willing to spend $1,000 to $1,500 to upgrade their entry-level turntable/cartridge, but who are not interested in spending $800 or more to upgrade their phono preamp.

Most phono preamps don’t give buyers what they really want. The Parasound Zphono XRM delivers this must-have list and more! It offers convenient on-the-fly impedance adjustment for MC cartridges, a switchable rumble filter, a stereo-mono switch and balanced XLR outputs. Additionally, many phono preamps use 'wall warts' external power supply that can add noise to the audio signal. Zphono XRM uses a far superior high-capacity, low-noise, linear power supply that won't compromise your music.

The XRM gives you, the listener, the best possible opportunity to experience the full emotional content of vinyl. Independent circuits for MM and MC optimize the signal to noise ratio and sonic presentation. Balanced XLR outputs provide optimum rejection of external noise using common mode rejection (CMRR).

The is One Serious Phono Stage

The Zphono XRM uses an ultra-low distortion design (<0.02% THD) with ultra high-speed, low-noise op amps plus audiophile grade resistors and capacitors. It is RIAA accurate to within 0.2 dB. Input and output RCA jacks are gold plated. The unique half-rack width chassis (one rack space high) makes the XRM easy to place, especially in custom installations. But don't let the compact dimensions fool you. This is one serious phono stage. The XRM is powerful proof of Parasound’s continuing support of the vinyl renaissance.

Two Turntable Input Jacks

The Zphono XRM has separate input jacks and circuitry for MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil) cartridges. Connect your turntable’s signal cables to the Input jacks on the Zphono XRM that correspond to the type of cartridge you are using. You can connect two turntables simultaneously if one turntable has an MC cartridge and the other turntable has an MM cartridge. You can also use a turntable with two tonearms, provided one is equipped with an MC cartridge and the other with an MM cartridge. The front panel input select switch makes it easy to toggle back and forth between your MM and MC connection.

Balanced and Unbalanced Output Connections

The Zphono XRM Output jacks connect to the line level input jacks on your line stage preamplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver. Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output jacks are provided. If your preamplifier, integrated amp or receiver is equipped with balanced XLR inputs we recommend using the Zphono XRM Balanced XLR output jacks for the maximum rejection of external noise. The balanced and unbalanced jacks are active simultaneously.

On-the-Fly MC Input Impedance Adjustment

The Zphono XRM’s impedance adjust 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. The design of the XRM lets you experiment with the MC impedance control on-the-fly while you are listening to music and ultimately use whichever load setting you feel results in the best performance of your system.

MC and MM Cartridge Gain Options

MC and MM phono cartridge gain options let you select the appropriate gain for your cartridge. The most typical settings are 40 dB for MM and 60 dB for MC. This is a good place to start, but you may want to experiment to see what sounds best in your system. (We suggest turning off the Zphono XRM before making gain changes to prevent an audible "pop" noise.

MC Gain Options consist of 50dB for high output moving coil cartridges and 60dB for low output moving coil cartridges whose output is less than 0.5mV. MM Gain Options consist of 40dB for most moving magnet cartridges and 50dB for low output moving magnet cartridges.

Rumble Filter Switch

The Zphono XRM's rumble filter switch reduces audio output below 40Hz. This 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.

Stereo/Mono Mode Switch

A nice feature of the XRM which you don't usually find in phono preamps in its price range is a stereo/mono mode switch. Selecting Mono parallels the left and right stereo channels into mono. Why would you want to do this? Many older mono records and some older stereo records might sound cleaner when you select mono. (The normal position is Stereo.)

Product Features

Dual inputs for two turntables (1 MM & 1 MC)
Front panel input select switch
Front panel mono/stereo mode switch
Front panel rumble filter switch
Balanced and unbalanced outputs
Variable MC impedance adjustment of 50-1050 ohms
MM Gain options of 40 dB or 50 dB unbalanced (46 dB/56 dB balanced)
MC Gain options of 50 dB or 60 dB unbalanced (56 dB/66 dB balanced)
RIAA accurate to within 0.2 dB
Ultra-low distortion (<0.02% THD)
Ultra high-speed, low-noise op amps
Audiophile grade resistors and capacitors
Gold-plated RCA input and output jacks
Unique half-rack width chassis; 1 rack space high

Product Specs

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, 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 (Selected on bottom)

Dimensions

Width: 8.5” (220 mm)
Depth: 10” (254 mm)
Depth: 12” (305 mm) - cables connected
Height, with feet: 2” (51 mm)
Height, without feet: 1.75” (45 mm), 1U

Weight

Net: 3.9 lbs. (1.8kg)

Audio Advisor “Used” Product Warranty

What This Warranty Covers

This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for used products purchased from Audio Advisor Inc. In the event your product fails, your sole remedy under this limited warranty shall be to return the product to Audio Advisor Inc. At the option of Audio Advisor Inc. the product will be repaired without charge for parts/labor or replaced.

Scope of Duration

The warranty period for "Used" condition units sold by Audio Advisor Inc. The warranty period for "Used” is one (1) year from date of purchase. These units have all been previously used and are specifically warrantied only for sales from Audio Advisor.

Shipping

You are responsible to pay for the safe and proper shipment of the warrantied product to Audio Advisor. Under this limited warranty, Audio Advisor will pay the cost of returning the repaired or replacement product to you.

What This Warranty Does Not Cover

This warranty does not cover damage due to: Failures arising from accident, catastrophe, misuse, neglect, or failure to properly connect and operate the Product in accordance with the accompanying instructions or specifications; Failures of any kind in Products which evidence any tampering, alteration, defacement of their serial numbers; Attempted servicing by anyone other than Audio Advisor; Failures arising from improper installation of the Product or incompatibility of other components in the system of which the Product is a part; Lack of routine maintenance; Connection to an improper voltage supply; Alterations or modification to the unit; Batteries or failure of or damage to Products caused by batteries; Fire, lightning, flood, "Acts of God", or other contingencies beyond the control of Audio Advisor Inc. Audio Advisor shall have no liability or obligation of any kind with respect to any of the foregoing types of failures.

Limitations on Persons and Products Covered

This warranty, and all rights provided hereunder, are limited to the original owner. In the event that the original owner transfers ownership of the Product prior to expiration of the applicable term stated in "Scope of Duration" above, this Warranty shall terminate in its entirety upon the date of such transfer. In no event will liability to you exceed the original purchase price of your unit. This warranty does not cover the cost of custom installation, customer instruction, setup adjustments, or signal reception problems. Consequential and incidental damages are not covered under this warranty. However, some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. In the event that your warrantied product cannot be repaired, Audio Advisor will either replace or refund the cost of the unit. We reserve the right to replace any out-of-stock, discontinued, or limited edition products with a comparable product. Discontinued products may not be available for warranty replacement.

Warranty Service Within North America

If you have a problem with your “Used” product purchase, Contact Audio Advisor at 1-800-942-0220. To receive warranty service, you must first obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number prior to returning any item. The RMA number must be on all returned items. If it is not clearly marked, Audio Advisor will return the package back to you, freight collect.

Packaging and Shipping

The original packaging should be used for the safe transit of your “Used” unit to the warranty repair center. You are responsible for the cost of shipping the product to the RMA designated repair center. You should insure the product for its full retail value in the event it gets lost or damaged in transit. Audio Advisor is not responsible for damage incurred during the transit of products sent to us. Shipping your product in non-factory packaging may void this warranty.

State Law

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

Product Manual

"...the Zphono XRM packs in all the high-end performance, power and functionality you could ever want from a phono preamp."

"The Parasound Zphono XRM does everything you could possibly want a phono preamplifier to do – both sonically and electronically – magnificently well. Highly recommended."

- Australian Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi?, October 2020

Parasound