Фонокорректоры — Parasound ZC ZPhonoXRM

The Zphono XRM, also designated ZC ZPhonoXRM by Parasound, is an entry-level phono stage from the American brand Parasound, with inputs for moving magnet and moving coil designs. It sells for USD 400, uses a half-rack-width case one rack unit high, and Parasound covers parts and labour for one year.

Key specs that matter

Two separate input pairs, each with its own circuitry, are provided - one for MM and one for MC - which lets a pair of record decks remain plugged in together. The MM input presents 47k ohm and 150 pF, while MC loading is variable from 50 to 1,050 ohm. Gain is switchable - 40 or 50 dB for MM and 50 or 60 dB for MC on the RCA outputs, with each setting 6 dB higher on the balanced XLR outputs. RIAA equalisation holds within 0.2 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD is 0.02% at 1 kHz and crosstalk between channels exceeds 80 dB. The IHF A-weighted noise figure exceeds 94 dB at both MM gain settings, above 92 dB for MC at 50 dB and above 82 dB for MC at 60 dB. Output impedance is 150 ohm unbalanced and 150 ohm per leg balanced. With feet the case is 216 mm wide, 254 mm deep and 51 mm high, and it weighs 1.8 kg.

Engineering and use context

The circuit relies on high-speed low-noise op-amps, audio-grade resistors and capacitors, and gold-plated RCA jacks, and it runs from an internal linear power supply. The front panel carries three switches - input select, stereo or mono, and a rumble filter. The filter is a 40 Hz high-pass with an 18 dB per octave slope. MC impedance is set with a rotary knob on the rear panel, so the load can be tuned continuously instead of choosing from fixed steps. A ground terminal is fitted for the tonearm lead, and Parasound notes it may also need linking to an audio ground on the preamplifier. The unit consumes 7 W when on and nothing in standby, runs on 120 V or 230 V mains at 50 or 60 Hz, and needs about 30 cm of depth once cables are attached.

Pairing

The higher MC gain setting, especially through XLR, gives enough gain for low-output moving coil cartridges, while the lower MM step suits magnets with a higher output. Balanced outputs allow a direct link to preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers or active speakers fitted with balanced sockets, while the RCA pair connects to the ordinary line-level sockets found on stereo amplifiers and receivers.

Alternatives

The Parasound Halo JC 3+ is a larger full-width phono preamplifier offering 48 dB of MM gain and 64 dB of MC gain with MC loading variable from 50 to 550 ohm.