I've heard them...... I did not spend a ton of time with the older Zphono as I just signed on as Parasound dealer last year. But from what I can remember of the original, it's at least as good sound wise as it was (and likely a touch better overall). Add in the extra features, and I think the XRM is really a pretty nice stage at it's price point.
Cool. Thanks ! Is the sound signature pretty similar would you say with a little something extra from the Zphono to the XRM ? I really like the Zphono sound signature so if it is the same with the XRM with some nice extra something added that sounds real good !!!
Can't speak for the XRM but the JC3 Jr mostly retains the Z-Phono sound, just with lower noise floor, larger soundstage and more detail. Parasound gear has always sounded very neutral to my ears. Their preamps have a claimed RIAA accuracy of 0.2 db and I believe it. There are lusher/warmer stages out there but I really question the accuracy of their EQ curves. IMO, the job of any SS preamp, whether line-level or phono, is to impart as little character on the sound as possible, to be as flat as possible. That's mostly what one gets with Parasound products. The inherent properties of the vinyl medium are supposed to make it more harmonic/lusher/warmer than digital. If it's not, the problem lies somewhere in the turntable/cartridge synergy and setup, IME.
Wow, that actually looks like a lot for $595!! Even though it was smart for Parasound to hit this price point (which btw is probably the price point where MOST stages are sold) --- this is no doubt going to drag some of the sales away from the JC3 Jr.... a side by side in MM mode with the Jr would be interesting.
Yea, it does seem like a lot of value at that price. Looks pretty complicated inside for a phono preamp, lot of parts, all through hole too, and I count 8 opamps, most of them dual packages, that's a lot of circuitry if you think about what is in each of those IC packages. Of course, if it sounds good and provides the flexibility one wants, that's all that matters ...
That is not a "Parasound only" philosophy, it is more a tenant of audio gear design! And moreover why the JC2 linestage does not have tone controls, or anything for that matter, between the input and output - as close to the "straight wire" as you can get! Agreed on the JC3, but in phono pre world lack of configurability can hurt sales more than help -- many are looking for flexibility in the phono pre area!
Agreed. I was on the phone with Richard (Parasound Pres) the other day on aonther topic, and the topic drifted to the topic of the JC3+ and subsequent Jr. Just as the motivation of the Jr was to cut the price of the "cost is no concern" JC3+ in half, and appeal to more in a better sales price point --- the XRM is that times two!! But something that was not as evident in the 3+ ---> Jr genesis, where there are major / significant design, component and architecture difference between the two --- the XRM is more like the Jr in that it is a "trimmed down" Jr priced VERY competitively. I personally always found the Jr a tad over-priced for what it delivered....... but of course YMMV. But then again, so is the 3+, and why I bought ,my 3+ for $2K instead of $3K!!
Well, I bought one. AudioAdvisor is giving a $150US trade-in for old phono preamps if you buy one, so I couldn't resist. So far I've run it with my Audio-Technica VM610MONO MM on a 10" Audio-Technica tonearm. Bass was a bit shy, but it's great with horns and timbre, playing a mono pressing of the first album by The Bee Gees. Dead silent, too. That mono button is a must-have feature for me. I plan to put a bunch of hours on it this weekend to see how it breaks in.
Alright, I had some serious listening time with the XRM this weekend. And I like it! First, I compared it to my Ray Samuels Audio F-117 Nighthawk phono stage. This unit is no slouch; fast, effortless, and good with detail. But I found the XRM slightly better with detail retrieval, and better with soundstaging, especially front-to-back. The XRM seriously sounds good in mono; I had a real good time listening to The Association and Doris Day LPs with the XRM and my mono cart. I love being to go from a stereo cart to a mono cart just by flipping two switches. I found I was able to get more bass out of the XRM by putting it on Herbie's Tenderfeet and deadening the top with a Ziplock bag of sand (yeah, I know, but it's all I had lying around). I'm keeping the XRM, and Audio Advisor is giving me $150 credit for a trade-in phono stage.
My old regular Zphono has plenty deep clean bass. I hope the XRM isn’t going for almost too clean sound and cuts some of the bass down (sometimes this happens in phono amps)
Anymore reviews? I read the Freire review but it was too short and not a lot of detail imo. I wish he gone into more depth IMO. Gave it a good review tho at least !
I've been using one off and on here for the past year or so and I still think it's a fantastic value. IMHO one of the better sub $750 stages on the market at this time.
I'm looking at the XRM as well, it's down to that or the MoFi Studio Phono to pair with my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO. Both have a mono switch which is a must for me. The Mofi is $200 cheaper so kind of leaning that way but still haven't ruled the XRM out.
Might be considering this to go with my Yamaha AS2200/Klipsch RB5. Not sure if the Yammie internal phono is going to perform the way I want. I’ve had good luck with my old Zphono on my AV preamp/Parasound system with Denon DL110. Maybe I can pair this up with AT750SH and call it a day and be done !
Probably going to stick with my old Zphono I think especially if I keep going with my DL110 or get a Denon 301mkii which I might do. It seems that the XRM is not as warmer sounding like the original Zphono from what I am gathering. I would be afraid of getting too lean a sound with the XRM and those carts .. imo .. anyone else can chime in ?
It just doesn’t seem like there are a lot of XRM reviews out there . Still considering buying one if I upgrade to 301 mkii Denon cart MC
I was thinking jc3 jr but still in the back of my mind I should save some funds and just go with this XRM and pair it with the Denon 301mkii I have been wanting to upgrade from my DL110 and Regular Zphono. To go with my AS2200/Klipsch setup. !! It seems I am reading mixed messaging on the XRM. Some peeps really like it and some not so much. I am wondering what the true sound sig really is. It seems like from what I gather it could retain the sound signature of the original Zphono only better. But the older review I read said it didn’t like it was lean sounding. … too bad there aren’t more reviews out there for the XRM. I might just have to try it .. I think AA gives a 30 day audition. Decisions! Lol
I also have a Denon 301 MKII and it pairs beautifully with the XRM. Been running this set-up for around 2 years.
Good to hear !! I think you just saved me a ton of $$$$. I would imagine the XRM has to punch way above its price point and be compatible with a good Denon like the high end DL301MKII! My old Zphono punches way above its weight … looks like I am heading in The XRM direction .. thanks
