6 Australian Hi-Fi ˹˹˹ƖŘˁʊǒǔǞƖƋɁȧ
PARASOUND | ATC
PARASOUND
XRM PHONO
PREAMPLIFIER
Parasound’s new $1,199 Zphono XRM phono preamplifier bridges the
price gap between its entry-level Zphono ($399) and its award-winning
Halo JC 3 Jr, which retails for $2,995. The new Zphono XRM includes
balanced XLR outputs, a switchable rumble filter, a mono/stereo
switch, plus a continuously variable load adjustment for moving-coil
cartridges that allows adjustment between 50Ω and 1050Ω. Separate
input jacks and independent circuits for MC and MM cartridges mean
that you can use dual turntables, each fitted with a different cartridge.
‘Our current Zphono is the ideal product for entry-level vinyl lovers,’
saidRichardSchram, ofParasound.‘We’venoticedthefast-growing
popularityof moreexpensiveturntablesandincreasinglyhigh-performance
MMandMCcartridges.WiththeZphonoXRM’sadjustableloadimpedance
knob(ratherthanDIPswitches)MCcartridgeuserscaneasilymakeon-the-
flyadjustmentsto achievethebestsound.Andwithitsrumble
filterandmono/stereoswitching,theZphonoXRMprovideseven
morecontrolforseriousvinyllovers.’
Thestereo/monoswitchontheZphonoXRMaddsthe
leftandrightchannelstogethersouserscanoptimisesound
qualitywhenplayingmonoLPs,howeverusingthe‘mono’
settingcanalsoimprovesoundqualitywhenplayingworn,
scratchedorpoorly-stampedstereoLPs.‘Havinga mono/
stereoswitchis a reallyusefulfeature,’ saidClaverHarper,
ofNationalAVSolutions,whichdistributesParasoundin
Australia,‘yetit’sonethat’sonlysometimesfittedto high-priced
phono preamps, and almost never found on phono preamps selling at the
Zphono XRM’s price.’
Harper told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine that he was also impressed
that Parasound had been able to fit such an effective high-pass filter
to the Zphono XRM. ‘If you switch on the Zphono’s rumble filter, you’ll
switch in an 18dB per octave high-pass filter which will totally remove any
rumble actually recorded on the LP itself, but it will also prevent environ-
mental noise caused by mechanically transmitted vibration in your listening
room from muddying your system’s low-frequency sound.’
The Zphono XRM has gold-plated single-ended RCA output jacks
and balanced gold-plated XLR outputs with a high common mode
rejection ratio (CMRR) to reject external sources of noise. Significantly,
rather than using a low-cost ‘plug pack’ power supply, the Parasound
Zphono XRM has a properly-designed, high-capacity/low-noise power
supply built in. Available now, the Parasound Zphono XRM sells for
$1,199.For more information, contact National AV Solutions on
(02) 9949 9349 or visit http://www.networkav.com.auNEW ATC DISTRIBUTOR
Pure Music Group is now the official distributor for all hi-fi loudspeak-
ers and electronic components (amplifiers, CD players, and DACs)
manufactured by famous UK company ATC (Acoustic Transducer
Company). ‘We have long admired ATC products and the brand because
of its no-nonsense design ethos toward pure engineering excellence and
impeccable craftsmanship,’ said Rom Beyerle, of Pure Music Group.
‘ATC continues to design and manufacture all of their speakers, drive units
and electronics in-house, which remains one of the many ways they are able
to maintain such incredibly high quality and reliability whilst consistently
improving through investment R&D towards new products and technologies.’
Originally a manufacturer of passive and
active loudspeaker systems for domestic and
professional use, ATC, which was founded
by Australian-born Billy Woodman and is
now managed by his son, William Wood-
man, recently expanded its range to include
hi-fi components such as the CDA2 Preamp/
CD Player/DAC and the SIA2-100 compact
form-factor integrated amplifier with DAC.
‘At a time when high-end audio is seeing more
and more boutique products on the market, with
increasingly high price tags, we are thrilled to be
partnering with a manufacturer whose ultimate
goal remains first-class sound, but delivers
products at real-world prices within reach of any
dedicated music lover, without sacrificing on
quality or craftsmanship,’ said Beyerle. ‘Through
decisive design principles and manufacture, ATC
is able to sustain tremendous sound quality and
the lauded ATC sonic signature right throughout
its range.’
‘In addition to maintaining existing ATC dealers across the country,
we plan to add additional dealers so we can re-invigorate this much-loved
brand in Australia, and we’ll work with our retailers to ensure great prices
and excellent support and service,’ said Beyerle. ‘Customers considering new
loudspeakers at any price point should absolutely seek out an audition of an
ATCloudspeakerandhearthedifferenceforthemselves.’For more information, contact Pure Music Group on
(04) 0950 4805 or visit http://www.puremusicgroup.com