ZC ZPhonoXRM
Exceptional Vinyl Performance, A Price No One Beats
The Zphono XRM redefines what a budget phono stage can do—and it outperforms many models costing double or more. With front-panel controls, dual MM/MC inputs, and XLR/RCA outputs, this compact half-rack powerhouse delivers clarity, warmth, and flexibility that serious vinyl fans crave.
Featuring precision RIAA EQ, variable MC loading from 50–1050 Ω, low-noise circuitry, and a clean linear power supply, the Zphono XRM gives your records a transparent, lifelike sound—without costing a fortune.
Praised by reviewers
- “…does everything you could possibly want a phono preamplifier to do—both sonically and electronically—magnificently well. Highly recommended.” — Australian Hi‑Fi
- “…offers flexibility and features not usually found at this price point … plus an internally mounted low‑noise linear supply.” — Analog Planet (Michael Fremer).
Awards & Recognition
-
Sound+Image (Australia) — Phono Stage of the Year (2021).
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
Input Capacitance
150 pF
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)
Shipping: 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg)
- 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 opamps
- Audiophile grade resistors and capacitors
- Gold-plated RCA input and output jacks
- Unique half-rack width chassis; 1 rack space high
The Shoestring Audiophile, May 2019
"Overall, the Parasound XRM phono preamp is one of the most pleasing pieces of equipment I've used in my system. I've been pulling out lots of vinyl in the weeks since it arrived and been enjoying it immensely. That, in essence, is the most important endorsement I can give the Parasound XRM."
What HI-FI? (Australia), October 2020
"The Parasound Zphono XRM does everything you could possibly want a phono preamplifier to do – both sonically and electronically – magnificently well. Overall, the Parasound Zphono XRM performed outstandingly well on the test bench, returning a flat, extended frequency response, excellent channel separation, ultra-low distortion and vanishingly low noise. Highly recommended."
Analog Planet (Michael Fremer), March 2020
"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)."
Unique Radio (Belgium & Netherlands) June 2019
"I really like the Zphono XRM and decided to buy it. It is a great upgrade for me and I use it every time I listen to one of my two turntables. My compliments for this great device!"
Dagogo February 2019
"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 phono stage, if at all."