Parasound has just introduced a new phono preamplifier with an analogue-to-digital (A-D) converter. The new Parasound Zphono•USB can translate vinyl LPs into digital audio for MacIntosh or PC via USB.

The Parasound Zphono•USB is a high-quality analog phono preamplifier engineered for the optimum in playback quality for vinyl LPs. The Zphono•USB uses high quality parts and precision RIAA equalization to achieve extremely low levels of noise and distortion, and accurate frequency response.

Adjustable USB gain control and defeatable RIAA equalization are incorporated to improve the quality of audio transfers from LPs to digital. The USB gain control and USB clipping indicator are used to optimize the digital record-output levels for the optimum signal-to-noise ratio with all recording software programs. For applications where sophisticated digital music software is being used, the rear-panel RIAA defeat switch allows users to bypass the internal hardware-based RIAA phono equalization in favor of software-based digital equalization.

The Parasound Zphono•USB has a stereo input for MC or MM phono cartridges and two stereo line-level inputs to facilitate digital transfers of analog sources such as a tuner, CD player or tape deck. Rear-panel settings for MM-47 k, MC-47 k or MC-100 cartridges allow the user to select the ideal impedance matching for their phono cartridge. Front panel rumble-filter and mono/stereo switches are also available to refine the quality of phono playback for older LPs and mono LPs.

There is a single pair of fixed-level line-level outputs and a headphone output. The Zphono•USB has dual power transformers and analog power supplies to minimize noise and an AC polarity reverse switch to combat hum issues related to power line polarity.

The Parasound Zphono•USB is the newest of many Z-Series components, each of which is one rack-space high and only one half rack-space wide. These Z-Series products are popular as stand-alone components and they can be easily rack-mounted using optional inexpensive adaptors.

The Parasound Zphono•USB will be available in the first week of September with a MSRP of $350 U.S.

Specifications:

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.1% at 20 kHz

S/N Ratio MM:  > 74 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted / > 65 dB, input shorted, unweighted

S/N Ratio MC: > 63 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted / > 56 dB, input shorted, unweighted

S/N Ratio Line Inputs: > 103 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted / > 83 dB, input shorted, unweighted

Output Impedance: < 100

Phono Input Impedance: 47 k (MM) / 47 k or 100 (MC)

Input Sensitivity: 5 mV in for 1.1 V output (MM) / 0.5 mV in for 1.1V output (MC)

USB A – D Converter: 44.1kHz / 16 bit (CD Quality)

AC Power Requirement: 110-130 VAC, 60 Hz / 220-240 VAC, 50 Hz

Dimensions: W: 9.5” (242 mm); D 10” (254 mm); H: 2” (51 mm)

Weight: Net: 5 lbs. (2.3 kg) / Shipping: 8 lbs. (3.6 kg)

For more information, look to: www.parasound.com

About the Author: George de Sa

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