Z p h o n o P h o n o P r e a m p l i f i e r
Zphono Phono Preamplifier
O w n e r’s G u i d e
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ThankYou for Choosing Parasound
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. Please take a few moments to review this manual so you may enjoy all the benefits of your
new Zphono’s unique features.
Please inspect the unit now and contact your Parasound Dealer promptly if you see evidence of shipping
damage. Save the carton and packing inserts in case you move or in the event you need to ship your
amplifier for repair. Before you proceed, locate the serial number on the rear panel or underside of the unit
and record it here for future reference:
Serial # ________________________________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date__________________________________________________________________________________
Parasound Dealer ______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number ________________________________________________________________________________
115v - 230v AC Voltage Selector Switch
This switch is found on the chassis bottom. Make sure the 115/230V switch is set for the correct AC line
(mains) voltage before you connect the Zphono’s power cord and before you install it. The unit may be seri-
ously damaged if this switch is set incorrectly.
2 3 0
AC Voltage Selector Switch.
Shown set for 230v.
Installation and Ventilation Requirements
The Zphono generates virtually no heat and does not require special ventilation. Since it has no front
panel controls it may be located near your other audio/video components, or hidden out of sight. Locate
the Zphono at least a few feet away from amplifiers or receivers. Sometimes their power transformer
radiate energy that will cause the Zphono to add a background “hum” that is audible at your speakers.
The AC power cords of other components (and the Zphono’s own AC cord) can also induce hum into the
audio input and output cables. Try to keep audio cables as far as possible from AC power cords. Try to
avoid running audio cables and AC cords parallel to each other. Audio cables should cross AC cords at
a 90 degree angle so they’re perpendicular.
Rack Mounting
The Zphono occupies only half the width of a single rack space in a standard 19" equipment rack. For rack
mounting, you can fasten it to another Parasound Z series model by using the Parasound SBS (Side-by-
Side) mounting kit. You can also mount a single Zphono in the rack with the accessory Zblank panel. The
SBS includes four rack mount bolts plus four pairs of plastic “shoulder washers.” The washers are impor-
tant because they insulate the Zphono front panel (and chassis) from the metal equipment rack and from
the four mounting bolts. Locate these washers on both sides of the front panel before the mounting bolts
are screwed into the rack rail.
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Rear Panel Connections and Controls
Make input and output connections before you attach the Zphono AC cord.
Unplug the Zphono AC before making any audio connections.
Input Connections
Insert the turntable’s left and right channel audio plugs into the Zphono L and R channel In (Input) jacks.
Connect the bare end of the turntable’s separate ground wire securely under the Zphono GND (Ground)
terminal screw.
Note: If you don’t have a flat blade screwdriver you can turn the GND screw with a small coin
Cartridge Selector Switch
Select MM for a moving magnet cartridge or MC for a moving coil cartridge.
If you are in doubt about your cartridge, try the MM switch position first.
AC Polarity
L
L
115V
/230V
60Hz
/50Hz
5W
Zphono
MM MC
Cartridge
R
R
GND
0.25A
Fuse
Only
Invert Normal
Zphono Phono Preamplifier
Parasound Products, Inc.
San Francisco, CA USA
In
Out
AC Voltage Selector On Bottom
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR.
Output Connections
Turn your control preamp or receiver’s volume down all the way before making connections. This will prevent
a loud burst of sound which could damage your other equipment. To be even safer, turn off the system’s
power first.
Connect cables from the Zphono L and R channel Out (Output) jacks to the L and R inputs on your control
preamplifier or receiver. Suitable input jacks will typically be labeled Audio, CD, Tuner, Aux, or Tape Play.
If your preamp or receiver has an input labeled Phono, do not use it.
Note: Eliminate any tension on the cables that could cause their plugs to become loose.
AC Line Cord
Plug the Zphono AC cord into an unswitched AC outlet that remains “live.” The Zphono should be left on all
the time to avoid annoying turn-on transient noises. Its power consumption is negligible, so please don’t
worry about switching it off.
Background Hum
Background hum is more likely to be a problem with a phono preamplifier than with other components
because it has far higher gain to amplify the small signals from the cartridge.
AC Polarity Switch
One of the most effective methods for reducing hum is to reverse the polarity of the unit’s AC connection.
However, AC plugs only fit into an outlet one way. The AC Polarity switch enables you to reverse the
AC polarity without moving the AC plug. The Normal position is usually correct, but if background hum
is audible you might eliminate it by moving the AC Polarity switch to Invert.
Note: Eliminating hum may require trial-and-error
- Leaving the turntable ground wire disconnected might decrease hum.
- Hum might be reduced if you connect the turntable’s ground wire directly to your control preamp or
receiver, instead of the Zphono.
- You may need to connect an additional ground wire between the Zphono GND terminal and the metal
chassis of your control preamp or receiver.
- Experiment with how the audio cables and AC cords are positioned. Moving a cord or cable to a different
position often reduces hum.
Maintaining your Zphono
Your Zphono requires no periodic maintenance and has no user serviceable parts inside. To avoid the risk of
electric shock, do not remove its top cover. To keep it clean use only a soft cloth and never use any solvents
or abrasives. Fingerprints may be removed with a soft cloth moistened only with a few drops of water.
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Typical Problems and Remedies
No sound
- Is the green indicator lit? Check that AC is live.
- Check that input and output cables are secure.
- Make sure the control preamp/receiver is switched to the correct input.
- Is the record playing? Check the tonearm’s cueing device.
Background Hum
- Move the AC Polarity switch to Invert.
- Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other.
- Try different routes for the audio cables and AC cords.
- Move the Zphono away from components with large power transformers.
- Connect the Zphono GND to the receiver’s chassis with a separate wire.
Distorted Sound
- Move the MM-MC switch to MM.
Weak Sound
- Move the MM-MC switch to MC.
IfYou Require Assistance
Call your Parasound dealer first. If the dealer can’t help you with your problem we encourage you to call
Parasound’s Technical Service Department, toll-free at 1-866-770-8324, Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm Pacific
time. We can suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform. If we determine that your Zselect
should be returned to Parasound or an Authorized Parasound Warranty Center for inspection and possible
servicing, we will provide the location of a warranty center near you or shipping instructions for the unit’s
return to Parasound.
Before You Return Any Unit to Parasound for Service
Before you send your unit to Parasound, you will need to obtain a specific Return Authorization (RA) number
and shipping instructions from Parasound’s Technical Department. The RA number must be clearly marked
on the outer carton. Use the original factory packing materials and arrange adequate insurance to cover its
value. You must include a copy of your purchase receipt, since this document establishes the validity of this
unit’s warranty. Warranty repairs are only performed by Parasound or Parasound Authorized warranty centers
when your purchase receipt is from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.
Units Will Be Refused by Parasound Under the Following Conditions
1. Unit was sent without the Parasound-assigned RA number marked on the carton.
2. Unit was sent in an unsuitable shipping carton, likely to have been damaged in transit.
3. Unit has inadequate packing, unit likely to have been damaged in transit.
4. Unit was shipped collect for shipping charges. We do not accept collect shipments.
5. Unit was shipped via the US Postal Service.
6. Unit was sent to an address other than the address instructed by our Technical Department.
Note: The shipping address is not the same as Parasound’s office address.
Warranty Repair
Read your accompanying Parasound Limited Warranty carefully to understand the applicable rights and
limitations. This section provides instructions for obtaining repairs, both for units covered under the
Parasound Limited Warranty and for units or situations which are outside the Warranty.
Unit is not eligible for repair under the terms of the Parasound warranty if:
1. Unit was not purchased from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.
2. Unit’s serial number was removed, modified, or defaced.
3. Unit shows evidence of abuse and/or misuse.
4. Unit was modified in any way.
5. A prior repair was attempted by an unauthorized repair station.
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Zphono
SBS Behind Panels
Zblank panel
Zphono Specifications
Input Sensitivity for 1.1v Output: MM: 5 mV;
MC: 0.9 mV
Rack Mount Accessories - May be Purchased Separately
SBS: Bracket and bolts to attach two Z series units
side-by-side in a standard 19" equipment rack.
Signal to Noise Ratio: MM: 84 dB; MC: 58 dB
Input Impedance: 47 k ohms
1
3
Zblank: 9 ⁄2" x 1 ⁄4" blank panel, required to mount a
single Z series unit; Zblank kit includes one SBS.
Input Overload: MM: 200 mV, MC: 36 mV
RIAA Accuracy: 0.25 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
AC Power: 115 V - 230 V / 60 Hz - 50 Hz, 5 W
Net and Shipping Weight
4 lbs., 1.8 kg; 6 lbs., 2.7 kg
Dimensions
1
9 ⁄2" Wide
10" Deep with connectors
3
2" High with feet, 1 ⁄4" panel only
241 x 254 x 50mm, 44.1mm panel only
®
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Customer Service 415-397-7100 / Technical Dept. 415-675-7272 / Fax 415-397-0144
Rev 0.91
© Parasound Products, Inc. 2004
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