Parasound XRM

Overview

The Parasound XRM Phono Preamplifier brings Parasound's design heritage to a compact, high value phono stage built to serve both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. It is voiced for clean, quiet, and dynamically honest vinyl playback, with careful RIAA equalization and a low noise gain structure that lets the character of your cartridge and records come through clearly.

Flexible loading and gain options make the XRM adaptable to a wide range of cartridges, from higher output moving magnets to lower output moving coils. The goal is neutrality and detail retrieval without editorializing the sound, giving you a stable foundation for a growing analog system. As part of the Parasound family, it is engineered around the priorities of accuracy and long term reliability that the brand is known for.

As an authorized Parasound dealer, All Elite Audio supplies the XRM with full factory warranty support and setup guidance so you can match it correctly to your turntable and cartridge.

Key Features

• Supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
• Accurate RIAA equalization for tonally faithful playback
• Low noise gain stage for quiet backgrounds
• Selectable cartridge loading for precise matching
• Selectable gain settings to suit MM and MC output levels
• Parasound engineering focused on neutrality and detail
• Compact chassis that integrates easily into any system
• Stable performance for a growing analog front end

How the XRM Compares

Parasound XRM vs Parasound JC3+

The JC3+ sits higher in the Parasound range and carries John Curl Halo design with more elaborate power supply and shielding. It targets listeners chasing the lowest possible noise floor and maximum resolution with demanding low output moving coils. The XRM offers the same core priorities of accuracy and quiet operation in a more compact and accessible package. See the Parasound JC3+.

Parasound XRM vs MoFi UltraPhono Pro

The MoFi UltraPhono Pro adds a headphone amplifier and a distinctly hands on, feature driven approach to phono duties. The Parasound XRM is more focused on delivering a clean, neutral MM and MC stage as a dedicated line output component. Choose based on whether you value onboard headphone playback or a purist single purpose design. See the MoFi UltraPhono Pro.

Parasound XRM vs Luxman E-250

The Luxman E-250 reflects a Japanese voicing tradition with its own tonal character and build approach. The Parasound XRM emphasizes American engineering aimed at neutrality and low noise across MM and MC cartridges. Both are capable dedicated phono stages, so the decision comes down to sonic character and system fit. See the Luxman E-250.

Recommended Turntables and Cartridges

The XRM pairs well with quality belt and direct drive turntables and both MM and MC cartridges, letting you tune loading and gain to the cartridge you choose.

• Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB A fully manual belt drive turntable that provides a stable, low resonance platform to feed the XRM's clean gain stage.
• Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP A professional direct drive deck with strong speed stability that complements the accuracy focus of the XRM.
• AT-VM740xML MM Cartridge A high performance microlinear moving magnet cartridge that takes full advantage of the XRM's MM gain and loading for detailed playback.
• AT-OC9XEB MC Cartridge A dual moving coil cartridge that lets you use the XRM's MC mode for a lower output, high resolution presentation.
• Ortofon MC X10 An accessible moving coil option that matches well with the XRM's selectable MC loading and gain for a refined analog sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Parasound XRM support moving coil cartridges?
Yes. The XRM supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with selectable gain and loading.

Does it also work with moving magnet cartridges?
Yes. The XRM has an MM setting suited to standard moving magnet output levels.

Can I adjust cartridge loading?
Yes. The XRM provides selectable loading so you can match it to your cartridge's requirements.

Can I adjust gain?
Yes. Selectable gain settings let you accommodate both higher output MM and lower output MC cartridges.

What kind of output does the XRM use?
It provides a line-level RCA output that connects to a line input on your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

What input connections does it have?
It uses a single-ended RCA phono input with a ground terminal for your turntable.

Is a ground connection provided?
Yes. A ground terminal is included to help minimize hum from your turntable.

Will the XRM reduce noise from my vinyl setup?
The XRM is designed with a low noise gain stage to keep backgrounds quiet, though overall noise also depends on your turntable and cartridge.

Does the XRM color the sound?
It is voiced for neutrality and accuracy, aiming to pass along the character of your cartridge and records rather than adding its own signature.

How does the XRM compare to the Parasound JC3+?
The JC3+ sits higher in the range with John Curl Halo design and more elaborate power supply and shielding, while the XRM offers the same core accuracy and low noise in a more compact package.

Is the XRM a good match for a first serious turntable?
Yes. Its flexible MM and MC support makes it a strong foundation that can grow with different cartridges over time.

What turntables pair well with the XRM?
Quality belt and direct drive decks such as the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB or AT-LP140XP pair nicely with the XRM.

Which cartridges do you recommend?
The AT-VM740xML for moving magnet or the AT-OC9XEB and Ortofon MC X10 for moving coil are well matched to the XRM.

Do I still need a separate phono input on my amplifier?
No. The XRM provides the phono stage, so it connects to any standard line-level input.

Can I use the XRM with a Bluetooth turntable?
You would use the turntable's analog phono output into the XRM; the phono stage handles amplification and equalization for wired playback.

Does the XRM include a DAC or digital inputs?
No. The XRM is a dedicated analog phono preamplifier.

What warranty does the XRM carry?
It is covered by Parasound USA's warranty of 1 year parts and labor when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Is All Elite Audio an authorized Parasound dealer?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Parasound dealer, so your XRM comes with full factory warranty support.

Can you help me match the XRM to my cartridge?
Yes. Our team can advise on appropriate gain and loading settings for your specific cartridge and turntable.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized Parasound dealer offering genuine products, full factory warranty support, and expert setup guidance to get your analog system dialed in correctly.