Audiophile dual-turntable MM & MC phono preamplifier • independent Moving Magnet (MM) & Moving Coil (MC) inputs with front-panel switching • continuously variable MC input impedance (50 Ω – 1,050 Ω) • selectable 40 dB, 50 dB, & 60 dB gain stages • balanced XLR & unbalanced RCA outputs • mono summing mode for vintage LPs & cartridge setup • switchable 40 Hz rumble subsonic filter • internal linear power supply with shielded toroid transformer • compact half-rack Z-Series steel chassis
The Parasound Zphono XRM Phono Preamplifier elevates vinyl playback with studio-grade quietness, dual-turntable convenience, and precision cartridge loading typically reserved for reference-level preamplifiers. Engineered within Parasound’s compact half-rack Z-Series steel chassis, this high-performance phono stage allows simultaneous connection of two separate turntables (or two tonearms)—one dedicated Moving Magnet (MM) input and one dedicated Moving Coil (MC) input—selectable directly from the front panel. Outfitted with a continuously variable MC impedance dial spanning 50 to 1,050 ohms, three selectable gain settings (40 dB, 50 dB, and 60 dB), true balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, a mono summing switch for quieter playback of monaural records, and a switchable 40 Hz subsonic rumble filter, it unlocks maximum nuance, dynamic contrast, and analog warmth from any phono cartridge.
Key Features & Innovations
Dedicated Dual Inputs for MM & MC Turntables — the Parasound Zphono XRM Phono Preamplifier features independent rear-panel RCA input pairs for Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, letting you keep two turntables or tonearms permanently wired and toggle between them instantly via the front-panel selector button.
Continuously Variable MC Impedance & 3-Step Gain Control — provides a precision rear-panel rotary dial to fine-tune Moving Coil load impedance seamlessly from 50 Ω to 1,050 Ω, paired with selectable 40 dB (MM), 50 dB (High-Output MC / Low-Output MM), and 60 dB (Low-Output MC) gain switches.
True Balanced XLR & Unbalanced RCA Outputs — incorporates a dedicated balanced output stage with Neutrik XLR jacks alongside gold-plated RCA outputs, rejecting external electromagnetic interference over long cable runs to preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.
Front-Panel Mono Mode & 40 Hz Subsonic Rumble Filter — includes a true mono summing switch that blends left and right channels to dramatically reduce surface noise and groove wear artifacts on vintage mono LPs, plus a steep 40 Hz high-pass filter to eliminate woofer pumping from warped vinyl.
Internal Shielded Toroidal Linear Power Supply — eschews noisy wall-wart switching adapters in favor of an internal linear power supply anchored by a shielded toroidal power transformer and dual-mono voltage regulation for ultra-quiet backgrounds.
FAQ — Parasound Zphono XRM
Can I keep two turntables connected to the Parasound Zphono XRM Phono Preamplifier at the same time?
Yes. The Parasound Zphono XRM Phono Preamplifier provides completely independent rear-panel RCA jacks for an MM turntable and an MC turntable, allowing you to switch between both decks from the front panel without swapping cables.
Can I use both the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs simultaneously?
Yes. Both the balanced XLR outputs and unbalanced RCA outputs are active simultaneously, allowing you to feed a primary stereo preamplifier via XLR while sending a secondary signal to a headphone amplifier or analog recorder via RCA.
How does the Mono button improve vintage vinyl playback?
Pressing the front-panel Mono switch sums the left and right channels, which cancels out vertical stylus motion noise caused by dust, scratches, and groove wear on monaural LPs while also helping verify cartridge azimuth alignment.
Is the Zphono XRM rack-mountable?
Yes. It utilizes Parasound's standard 1U half-rack Z-Series chassis footprint and can be mounted side-by-side with another Z-Series component (or singly) using the optional Parasound Zrack or SBS rack-mount kit.
Why Buy From Us
Authorized Parasound dealer offering 100% genuine factory-sealed phono preamplifiers backed by full manufacturer warranty protection
Experienced analog vinyl specialists available to help dial in exact MC load impedance, gain matching, and balanced XLR routing
Dedicated post-purchase technical support for grounding optimization, cartridge upgrades, and system integration
Fast, fully insured priority delivery in reinforced manufacturer protective packaging on every order
Related & System Matches
Technics SL-1500CS or SL-1210GR2 direct drive turntables
Sumiko Rainier, Olympia, or Moonstone audiophile phono cartridges
Benchmark LA4 or Rogue Audio RP-1 v2 stereo line preamplifiers
AudioQuest Evergreen or Water balanced XLR and grounded RCA phono cables
