Parasound ZC ZPhono

The reviewer hears clean, clear instrumental lines and treble purity, but does not directly assess hiss, hum, silence between notes or performance with difficult low-output MC cartridges. The phase switch is noted as potentially useful for finding the lowest hum level, but no listening verdict on noise is provided.

The ZPhono is described as bringing rich depth and detail to choral voices, compelling presence to Willie Nelson and Van Morrison vocals, and a shimmering beauty to bells and harp. The reviewer found it engaging enough to suggest it could prompt owners to revisit their vinyl collections.

Exceptional immediacy and rhythmic drive are central to the reviewer's description of the ZPhono. Drums are said to arrive with impressive smash and detail, while dynamic material carries an almost overwhelming sense of directness.

On dense recordings such as Dire Straits' "Telegraph Road," the ZPhono reportedly maintained exemplary separation between musical lines. The reviewer also heard enhanced depth in choral material, suggesting a presentation that keeps complex arrangements intelligible.

The ZPhono supports both MM and MC cartridges, with 46dB and 61dB gain respectively, making it more versatile than an MM-only budget stage. Its loading is fixed at 47k ohms for MM and 100 ohms for MC, however, so owners of cartridges that benefit from tailored resistance or capacitance settings have limited scope for adjustment.

Wall of Sound describes a sturdy case and solid build quality. The review also highlights the internal linear power supply, grounding post, voltage selector and AC-phase switch as thoughtful provisions in a compact unit.

At the reviewed price of $420 Canadian, the reviewer calls the ZPhono a "wonder" and a "killer piece of kit" for budget buyers. It received a Gold Star for its price-to-performance ratio, was strongly recommended over a Cambridge alternative, and was compelling enough for the reviewer to purchase the sample.