For vinyl enthusiasts, the phono preamplifier is one of the most critical components in the signal chain. It's the unsung hero that takes the delicate, low-level signal from your turntable's cartridge and amplifies it to a line-level signal your audio system can work with.
At Parasound, our Z-series offers two exceptional options: the classic Zphono and the feature-rich Zphono XRM. While both deliver the clean, quiet performance Parasound is known for, they cater to slightly different users and systems. Let's explore the differences to help you decide which is the right fit for your vinyl setup.
The Foundation: Parasound Zphono
The Zphono has been a mainstay for a reason. It's a straightforward, high-performance phono preamp designed to do one job and do it exceptionally well.
It supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges with a simple switch on the back. The internal circuitry is designed for ultra-low noise and accurate RIAA equalization, ensuring that what comes out is a faithful representation of what's in the record grooves.
Who is the Zphono for? It's the perfect choice for the vinyl lover who wants a set-it-and-forget-it solution. If you have a single turntable with a high-quality MM or MC cartridge and don't need to frequently adjust settings, the Zphono provides pristine, reliable performance in a compact, no-fuss package.
It's pure, simple, high-fidelity sound.
The Enthusiast's Choice: Parasound Zphono XRM
The Zphono XRM takes everything great about the Zphono and adds a suite of features aimed at the dedicated vinyl enthusiast who loves to tweak and optimize their sound.
Key advantages of the Zphono XRM include:
Dual Inputs for Two Turntables
Unlike the Zphono's single switchable input, the XRM has completely separate input jacks and circuitry for MM and MC cartridges. That means you can keep two turntables — one MM, one MC — connected at the same time and switch between them with a selector right on the front panel. No rewiring, no fuss.
Variable Impedance Control for MC Cartridges
A continuously adjustable knob on the rear panel lets you set the load impedance for your moving coil cartridge anywhere from 50 to 1050 ohms — no fiddly DIP switches. Different MC cartridges can perform differently with different loads, allowing you to fine-tune the cartridge's tonal balance and overall presentation.
Selectable Gain
Both inputs offer two gain settings: 40 or 50 dB for MM, and 50 or 60 dB for MC, so you can match the preamp's output to your cartridge and the rest of your system.
Balanced XLR Outputs
In addition to standard RCA outputs, the XRM includes balanced XLR outputs. In systems that support them, balanced connections offer superior noise rejection, which is especially beneficial over longer cable runs — and the balanced outputs deliver an extra 6 dB of gain, a welcome boost for low-output cartridges.
Rumble Filter and Mono Switch
The front panel also features a switchable rumble filter — a steep 18 dB per octave high-pass filter at 40 Hz — to cut out very low-frequency noise from warped records or turntable motor vibration.
A mono switch is invaluable for listeners with collections of mono recordings, as it can reduce surface noise and center the image for a more authentic listening experience.
Who is the Zphono XRM for?
This preamp is for the vinyl tweaker, the collector with multiple cartridges or turntables, or the audiophile who wants ultimate control over their system's synergy. If you enjoy experimenting with cartridge loading, run two tables, or have a collection that includes vintage mono pressings, the XRM's features are indispensable.
Which One Is Right for You?
There is no “loser” in this comparison. The choice comes down to your needs and how you engage with your vinyl hobby.
- Choose the Zphono if you value simplicity, have a single turntable setup, and want excellent, straightforward performance without extra controls.
- Choose the Zphono XRM if you are an avid enthusiast who wants to fine-tune cartridge performance, runs two turntables or a balanced audio system, or needs tools like a mono switch and rumble filter for a diverse record collection.
Both preamps share the same Parasound DNA of quality engineering and musical sound. The right choice is simply the one that best complements your system and your listening style.
