Parasound Zpre3 Compact Two Channel Zone Pre-amplifier

Latest Greatest Version of Wildly Popular Half-Width Preamp

The Zpre3 is Parasound’s third generation stereo preamplifier in its Z-Series half-rack-width product line. It’s small size and high performance make the Zpre3 perfect not only for custom installation, but it’s also ideal for any space where a compact hi-fi or AV system is desired.

According to Parasound President Richard Schram, “We challenged ourselves in developing a line stage preamp with unique user interface features to make it an exceptionally useful tool for custom installers while endowing it with sound quality that will delight audio enthusiasts.”

Designed to Deliver Full-Size Audiophile Sound

The compact Parasound Zpre3 is a five-source stereo preamplifier designed to deliver full-size audiophile sound. Features include turn-on volume level select plus the choice of a favorite volume memory, making it easy for the user to jump directly to his/her most common listening level. A separate bypass input integrates with audio sources that have their own volume controls, such as AV receivers and streaming devices. The bypass input is automatically selected when the Zpre3 is powered off, allowing you to operate your streaming devices without the need to turn the Zpre3 on first.

The Connections You Need

The Parasound Zpre3 has four line-level audio inputs, a bypass input and a 3.5mm front panel auxiliary input. It offers separate fixed and variable level stereo outputs, plus separate fixed and variable mono outputs for subwoofers and architectural speakers. Each of the inputs on the front panel display can be conveniently renamed from a list of words the user can select rather than having to enter one character at a time.

A single knob adjusts volume, selects sources, and adjusts bass, treble and balance. The remote control has buttons for the above selections plus recall of a favorite volume memory and dimming the front panel display.

Custom Installation Goodies

Custom installers will appreciate a unique feature set that includes discrete IR remote commands, a rear panel IR input, 12V trigger output and two-way RS-232 with direct volume control in 1dB increments. Automatic RS-232 feedback allows for easy integration with keypads or touch-screen control systems such as Crestron®, AMX®, Control4®, Savant®, and Elan®.

Overview

• Compact five-source stereo preamplifier
• Front panel LCD function display with dimming
• Automatic turn on volume memory
• Favorite volume memory with remote control button
• 2-way RS232 with exact volume control and feedback
• Discrete commands for all functions
• Rename inputs to match connected source
• Five audio inputs including a front panel Aux input
• Bypass input integrates easily with streamers and other gear
• Bass, treble and balance adjustments by remote control
• Variable and fixed stereo outputs
• Variable and fixed mono/subwoofer outputs
• 12dB auto gain offset at front panel AUX to match levels of other sources
• 12V trigger output and rear panel IR input

Changes from Zpre2

• Front panel LCD display
• RS232 with exact volume control & feedback
• Bass, treble, and balanced control by remote
• Automatic turn on volume memory
• Favorite volume memory
• Bypass input and front panel Aux input
• Subwoofer and mono outputs

Specifications

• Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 40 kHz (+0 / -0.5dB)
• THD: <0.015% (20 Hz to 2 0kHz)
• Input Sensitivity: Total gain = 12dB (volume set to 100)
• S/N Ratio: > 100dB (A-weighted), > 90dB (unweighted)
• Dimensions: 8.5″ wide, 10″ deep (12″ with cables), 2″ high (1.75″ without feet)
• Weight: 4.0 lbs.