Parasound ZC ZPre3 Preamplifier

Compact Control, Full‑Sized Sound

Drop the Zpre3 into your system and small setups feel big: sources snap into focus, bass integrates cleanly with your sub, and switching stays effortless—no clutter, just control.

In a half‑width 1U chassis you get five analog inputs including a front‑panel Aux with +12 dB auto‑gain, variable & fixed outputs including a dedicated sub out, a true Home Theater Bypass that auto‑selects when the unit is off, and Control4‑ready 2‑way RS‑232 (plus 12 V trigger and IR) for smooth automation.

What listeners say

• “Great sounding preamp for price point and full of features for the compact size.” 
• “Everything sounds great on this unit… a packed, small package.” 

Specifications:

Frequency Response:
10 Hz - 40 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:(20 Hz - 20 kHz)
<0.015%

Interchannel Crosstalk:
62 dB at 20 kHz

Input Sensitivity :
250 mV = 1 V output
Total gain = 12dB (volume set to 100)
Unity Gain = Volume set to 88
Maximum Output: 3.5 V

Input Impedance:
24k Ω

Output Impedance:
470 Ω

S/N Ratio:
>100 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
>90 dB, input shorted, unweighted

DC Trigger Output:
12Vdc, 50ma

AC Power Requirement:
5 Watts powered on
0.5 Watts in standby
100 - 250 VAC 50/60 Hz

Dimensions
Width: 8.5" (220 mm)
Depth: 10" (254 mm)
Depth: 12" (305 mm) with AC cord and cables connected
Height, with feet: 2" (51 mm)
Height, without feet: 1.75" (45 mm), 1U

Weight
Net: 4.0 lbs (1.8 kg)
Shipping: 7.0 lbs (3.1 kg)

Features:

• Front panel LCD function display with dimming
• Automatic turn on volume memory
• Favorite volume memory with remote control button
• 2-way RS232 w/ exact volume control & feedback
• Discrete commands for all functions
• Rename inputs to match connected source
• 5 audio inputs including a front panel Aux input
• Bypass input integrates easily w/ a Sonos Connect® etc.
• 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
• Control4 Driver available
• Rack mount kit sold separately