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Parasound Debuts New Zpre3 Half-Rack Width Stereo Preamp

zpre3_black_angle_300-0816Parasound has introduced the Zpre3, its third generation stereo preamplifier for custom installation, in its Z-Custom half-rack-width product line. The compact Parasound Zpre3 is a five-source stereo preamplifier designed to deliver to sound like a big one. It will be useful to professional custom installers, with a unique feature set that includes discrete IR remote commands, a rear panel IR input, 12V trigger output and two-way RS232 with direct volume control in 1dB increments. Automatic RS232 feedback allows for easy integration with keypads or touch-screen control systems such as Crestron, AMX, Control4, Savant and Elan.

Additional 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 like the Sonos Connect. The bypass input is automatically selected when the Zpre3 is powered off, allowing users to operate their streaming devices without the need to turn the Zpre3 on first.

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.

The Parasound Z-Custom Zpre3 will be available in September, will list for $449. Here are all the tech specs.

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