1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
115 – 230v AC Selector Switch
Ventilation Requirements
Remote Control Handset
Typical Problems and Remedies
If You Require Assistance
Warranty Repair
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2
INTRODUCTION
Thank You for Choosing Parasound
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of this precision Parasound audio component.
The Parasound Zpre2 Preamplifier is the second generation of one of the world’s most
popular and proven preamplifiers. It has been designed for a wide variety of applications,
including multi-room, multi-zone installations, desktop audio, PC-Mac audio, bedroom or den
systems. The versatility of the Zpre2 allows many connection and configuration options,
so please be sure to read this manual thoroughly before you begin installation.
Unpacking
Carefully unpack your Zpre2 and these accessories:
Detachable AC power cord
Remote control handset with two AAA batteries
Two trigger wires, one with 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs, one with a 2.5mm and a 3.5mm mini plug
Please inspect the unit now and contact your Parasound Dealer promptly if you see evidence
of shipping damage. Save the carton and packing inserts in case you move or in the event you
need to ship your amplifier for repair. Before you proceed, locate the serial number on the rear
panel or underside of the unit and record it here for future reference:
OWNERSHIP REFERENCE INFORMATION
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3
AC VOLTAGE, INSTALLATION, AND RACK MOUNTING
115v - 230v AC Voltage Selector Switch
This switch is found on the chassis bottom. The 115V position of this switch is correct for North
America; most other countries require setting it to 230V. Make sure the 115/230V switch is set
for the correct AC line (mains) voltage before you connect the Zpre2’s power cord and before
you install it. The unit may be seriously damaged if this switch is set incorrectly.
AC Voltage Selector Switch.
Shown set for 230v
Installation and Ventilation Requirements
Install your Zpre2 away from heat sources such as heating ducts, radiators, or other heat producing
components. Always position the Zpre2 horizontally.
Observe the following ventilation guidelines when installing the Zpre2 in an equipment rack or any
other enclosed space:
We recommend that you place the Zpre2 beneath, rather than above, a power amplifier. Do
not install the Zpre2 in an unventilated equipment cabinet or compartment. Pockets of heat
can build up even in cabinets with open front and back sides. Therefore, a ventilation fan is
highly recommended.
Rack Mounting
The Zpre2 occupies only half the width of a single rack space in a standard 19" equipment
rack. For rack mounting, you can fasten it to another Parasound Z Custom model by using the
Parasound SBS (Side-by-Side) mounting kit. You can also mount a single Zpre2 in the rack with
the accessory Zblank panel. The SBS includes four rack mount bolts plus four pairs of plastic
“shoulder washers.”The washers are important because they insulate the Zpre2 front panel (and
chassis) from the metal equipment rack and from the four mounting bolts. Locate these washers
on both sides of the front panel before the mounting bolts are screwed into the rack rail.
Zpre2
SBS
Zblank panel
Behind Panels
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REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS
Disconnect the AC cord before making or changing any input, output or trigger wire connections.
Make sure there is no strain or tension on any wires that could cause them to pull loose.
s,
o, C
Preamp
AC Voltage Selector On Bottom
12V Trigger
Audio In Jacks
The Zpre2 has input jacks for up to four audio sources. These are identical line level inputs,
however the In 1-Priority jacks have a special automatic select function which will affect which
source you decide to connect to them. See Remote Control, Priority Input Switching to help
you make this decision.
1
Video In
2
Video Out
Audio Out
1 - Priori
Fixed-Rec Vari
ZPre2 Zone Preamplifier
AC Voltage Selector On Bottom
Parasound Products, Inc. San Francisco, CA USA
Video In Jacks
The Zpre2 has input jacks to accommodate up to four composite video sources. The video
inputs correspond to the same numbered audio input and are switched at the same time.
Audio Out Jacks
Main - Variable Out jacks connect to your power amplifier. Their output level is controlled by
the Zpre2 volume control.
Fixed – Rec Out jacks feed a recorder or system controller for which a fixed output level is prefer-
able. The signal at the Fixed - Rec output jacks does not vary as the volume control is adjusted.
Video Output Jacks
The Video Out jack feeds your TV or video monitor.
The Rec Out jack feeds your video recorder. In fact, these jacks carry the same video signal and
you may certainly use the Rec Out jack to connect a second video display.
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REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued
RS-232 Control
You can ignore this switch if you are using a single Zpre2 in your system.
to control up to four Zpre2s in four zones independently with a single remote
handset or IR-based system controller.
Ext Remote
Zone
1
2
3
4
I
The Zone switch and remote handset factory default settings are both 1. If you
move the Zone switch to another number you’ll also have to reprogram the
remote handset with the same zone number (see Remote Control).
The Zone switch selects a new IR zone code only when the Zpre2 is turned off. If you
move the Zone switch to select a new IR zone code while the Zpre2 is turned on, you’ll need to
turn it off for a few seconds, then on again.
Ext (External) Remote Jack
Your Zpre2 accepts the infrared signal of any popular infrared repeater system to facilitate
remote control operation from another room or when it is installed within a closed cabinet.
This connector is a 1/8” (3.5 mm) two conductor mini jack; its center conductor (plug tip) is +,
its outer conductor (plug sleeve) is – .
Unlike Parasound Surround Controllers, the Zpre2 Ext Remote input does not require an
amplified IR connecting block.
Automatic Turn On Options
For convenience the Zpre2 can be triggered to turn on automatically when a suitable voltage is
applied to its 12V In (input) jack. When automatic turn on is selected the Zpre2 front panel Power
button is disabled so that on/off is determined solely by the triggering system master controller.
RS-232 Control Jack
This is a DB9 serial port which accepts commands from your system controller (“write”) and feeds
back status to be displayed (“read”).The following can be controlled and displayed:
- Power on
- Input selected
- Volume was adjusted via RS-232
- Mute on
Note: The RS-232 will feedback when volume level is changed by the RS-232, but not if it is
adjusted with the front panel knob or remote control handset. The RS-232
“read” does not display the actual level because it uses an analog volume
control which cannot show its setting. In most instances this won’t be an issue,
In
Out Auto Man
Auto On
since volume level is immediately heard as satisfactory, too high or too low.
12V Trigger
“Write” and “Read” RS-232 codes for the Zpre2 are available at our website,
Auto - Man (Manual)Turn On Switch
Auto position
When the Auto - Man switch is set to its Auto position, the Zpre2 is turned on and off with an
external +9 V to + 12 V voltage from your controller or preamplifier. When the external voltage
ceases the Zpre2 will turn off immediately.
Note: The Auto switch position disables the front panel Power button.
Man Position
When the Auto - Man switch is in its Man (manual) position, the auto turn on function is
disabled and the Zpre2 must be turned on and off manually with the Power button on its front
panel or its remote control.
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REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued
12VTrigger Jacks
In Trigger Jack
The Zpre2 12V input uses a 2.5 mm sub-mini jack. To trigger the Zpre2, plug
one end of the provided cord into this jack and the other end into the source
component’s trigger output. Some components, including Parasound Surround
Controllers, use 3.5 mm trigger output jacks, so we have also included a trigger
mote
wire with 2.5mm and a 3.5mm mini plugs. If the control component’s trigger
output is a + and - terminal, you can cut the 2.5 mm plug off one end of the
included trigger wire and attach the bare wires to these terminals. The lead with
In
Out Auto Man
Auto On
12V Trigger
the white stripe on it corresponds to the plug’s tip and the unmarked lead cor-
responds to the sleeve of the plug.
If the trigger voltage source is DC, the trigger plug tip must be + (positive)
and its sleeve – (negative). The Zpre2 trigger current draw is a negligible 15 mA.
Out Trigger Jack
This jack is live whenever the Zpre2 is turned on. This enables the Zpre2 to turn a companion
amplifier (or other component) on and off automatically. The triggered component must be
equipped with a 12V trigger circuit. Connect the Zpre2 12V output jack to the triggered
component’s trigger input jack using the provided trigger wire with the 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs.
Note: Most Parasound Power Amplifiers use a 2.5mm 12V trigger input jack.
If the triggered component’s trigger input is a + and - terminal, as in earlier Parasound Power
Amplifier models, you can cut the 2.5 mm plug off one end of this trigger wire and attach the
bare wires to the input terminals. The lead with the white stripe on it corresponds to the plug’s
tip and the unmarked lead corresponds to the sleeve of the plug.
Note: The trigger voltage source is DC and the trigger plug tip is + (positive) and
its sleeve – (negative). The Zpre2 trigger output maximum current capability is 150 mA.
AC Power Connections and AC Grounding
If possible, plug your Zpre2 into the same AC outlet that your accompanying audio components
(particularly your source components and power amplifier) are plugged into. The ground potential
between different AC outlets may be higher or lower, resulting in audible hum.
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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND DISPLAY
Power Button
Press the Power button once to turn the Zpre2 on, press it again to turn it off.
Note: The Power button is inoperative when the rear panel Auto On switch is set to Auto.
(Headphone) Jack
The headphone jack accepts a 1/8” (3.5 mm) mini plug. The Main audio out is muted when the
headphone plug inserts into this jack, but the output to the Fixed – Rec jacks remains live.
Bass andTreble Knobs
These control tone. Maximum boost and cut is 10dB for each control. At their center mid-point
you will feel a click-stop. At this point there is no cut or boost and frequency response is flat.
Input Knob
The input knob selects input sources. Audio and Video inputs are selected together.
This adjusts the relative volume of the left and right channels. In its center position the channel
The Level knob adjusts listening level. Because it is motor-driven for remote control operation,
you will notice some resistance when turning it by hand.
Display Indicators
Inputs 1 2 3 4 – Indicates the selected audio and video inputs.
green: In 1 is selected, priority auto select function not engaged.
orange: Priority auto select function enabled and Input 1 was selected manually or automati-
cally by an audio signal.
red: Priority auto select function enabled and another input is selected. After priority auto
select is enabled 1 will only appear red if no audio signal is present at the Audio In 1 jacks.
Mute red: Lights when the main audio output is muted.
Zone green: Flashes green when the Zpre2 accepts a command from the remote handset.
Zone red: Flashes red when the Zpre2 rejects a command from the remote handset because
the remote and the Zpre2 IR zone codes are different.
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REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The PTZ-1 remote control has a range of approximately 20 - 25 feet (6 - 7.5 meters). Use only
AAA alkaline batteries in the handset and insert them according to the + and – polarity markings
in the battery compartment. The PTZ-1 Off, On, Mute Volume, In 1-4 buttons, Zpre2 Pre Set and Z
1-4 IR Zone # buttons are for the Zpre2. The tuner buttons control the matching Parasound Ztuner.
On and Off Buttons
These have the same function as the Power button on the front panel.
Press On to turn the Zpre2 on. The display will illuminate.
Press Off to turn the Zpre2 off.
These separate buttons enable programming unambiguous “hard”
off and on commands into a system controller or to create a macro
sequence for a learning-type remote control.
Note: These buttons will not function when the rear panel
Auto-Man switch is set to Auto.
Pressing the Mute button once mutes the signal at the Main Out
jacks and Mute will glow red in the display. It does not mute the
signal at the Fixed level out jacks or the headphone jack. Press the
Mute button a second time to cancel mute.
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These buttons control the rotation of the front panel motorized Level
knob, to increase and decrease listening volume levels.
Preamp Input Buttons
The primary purpose of the four buttons just below Preamp, 1/Priority,
2, 3, 4, is to select the Audio and Video source inputs 1-4.
Preamp buttons 5-7 do not function with the Zpre2.
Preamp 1 / Priority Auto Select Button
You can program the Zpre2 to automatically select Audio and Video
Inputs 1 when an audio signal is present at the Audio In 1 jacks. With this priority,
Preamp Input 1 will override inputs 2, 3, or 4, even if one of them was already selected.
To enable the Input 1 / Priority auto select function, press and hold the
Preamp 1 button for about 3-4 seconds until the Input 1 indicator changes
from green to red or orange.
1 Indicator Function
Green
Priority auto select is not engaged and In 1 is selected manually.
Priority auto select is enabled and In I is selected manually.
Orange
Orange
Priority for In 1 is enabled and In 1 is selected automatically because
an audio signal is present.
Red
Red
Priority auto select for In 1 is enabled and another input is selected.
Priority auto select for In 1 is enabled, but no audio signal is present at
the Audio 1 In jacks.
Note: After the Audio In 1 source stops playing the In 1 indicator will remain orange until you
select another input manually. You can select another input when the 1 indicator is green or red.
If 1 glows orange you can select another input only if no audio signal is present or if you disen-
gage the Priority auto select. To disable Input 1 Priority auto select press and hold the Preamp 1
button for about 3-4 seconds until the 1 indicator glows green.
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REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS continued
With this handy feature the Zpre2 will automatically switch to your favorite source component
whenever it’s playing. If you use the Zpre2 to control a DVD player, tuner and satellite receiver
in your bedroom, you can connect its Audio In 1 jacks to the feed from a distant main system
controller. Its program will be selected automatically when it’s playing.
Pre Set Button
The Pre Set button is used only for reprogramming the remote
handset IR zone code. You don’t have to worry about this button
if you only have a single Zpre2 in your system. If your Zpre2
is not responding to the remote, please read the following
information.
The remote handset will not operate the Zpre2 unless its IR zone code number matches the
Zpre2 Zone switch setting (and the front panel Zone flashes green). The factory settings for the
remote handset and the unit’s Zone switch are both 1. If you change the Zone switch on the
Zpre2 to a new number you’ll also need to change the remote handset IR zone code to the
same number.
Programming a new IR Zone Code Number
To reprogram the remote press you must press two buttons at the same time; press both
the Zpre2 Pre Set button and the desired IR Zone # button for a few seconds. When the new
IR zone code is successfully programmed Zone will flash green when you press any remote
button. Zone will flash red if the new IR zone code wasn’t successfully programmed.
MaintainingYour Zpre2
Your Parasound Zpre2 Preamplifier requires no periodic maintenance other than an occasional
admiring glance. It has no user-serviceable parts inside. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do
not remove its top cover. The exterior can be cleaned with a soft cloth pre-moistened only with
a few drops of water or glass cleaner.
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ARE YOU HAVING DIFFICULTY?
No sound
- Check that AC is live.
- Check that input and output cables are secure at both ends.
- Make sure it is switched to the correct input.
- Is the unit on? Check setting of the Auto-Man switch.
Remote does not operate
- Zpre2 won’t respond to the remote control. Press remote’s Zone button then remote’s 1 button.
- Weak or dead batteries in remote. Replace batteries and please recycle old ones.
- IR Interference. Insure that the front panel IR receiver is not obscured or exposed
to direct sunlight or to an LCD or a plasma TV screen.
- If you can not select an input other than Input 1, turn off the Priority auto select feature by
holding the Preamp In 1 button down for 4 seconds (see page 8).
- IR zone code setting does not match the unit. Change zone numbers so they match.
- Incorrect remote. Must be Parasound PTZ-1 or using IR codes corresponding to PTZ-1.
Background Hum
- Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other.
- Try different routes for the audio cables and AC cords.
- Make sure insulating shoulder washers are used if unit is rack mounted.
- Try reversing the direction of the AC plugs in other components, one by one.
Distorted and Weak Sound
- Make sure the gain of the power amp is not set too low.
- Are you trying to use Zpre2 with a turntable? It does not have a built-in phono preamplifier
stage. You will need a phono preamp such as the matching Parasound Zphono.
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WARRANTY REPAIR
Call your Parasound dealer first. If the dealer can’t help you with your problem we encourage
you to call Parasound’s Technical Service Department, toll-free at 1-866-770-8324, Monday -
Friday, 8am - 4pm Pacific time. We can suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform.
If we determine that your Zpre2 should be returned to Parasound or an Authorized Parasound
Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, we will provide the location of a warranty
center near you or shipping instructions for the unit’s return to Parasound.
Before You Return Any Unit to Parasound for Service
Before you send your unit to Parasound, you will need to obtain a specific Return Authorization
(RA) number and shipping instructions from Parasound’s Technical Department. The RA num-
ber must be clearly marked on the outer carton. Use the original factory packing materials and
arrange adequate insurance to cover its value. You must include a copy of your purchase receipt,
since this document establishes the validity of this unit’s warranty. Warranty repairs are only
performed by Parasound or Parasound Authorized warranty centers when your purchase receipt
is from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.
Units Will Be Refused by Parasound Under the Following Conditions:
1. Unit was sent without the Parasound-assigned RA number marked on the carton.
2. Unit was sent in an unsuitable shipping carton, likely to have been damaged in transit.
3. Unit has inadequate packing, unit likely to have been damaged in transit.
4. Unit was shipped collect for shipping charges. We do not accept collect shipments.
5. Unit was shipped via the US Postal Service.
6. Unit was sent to an address other than the address instructed by our Technical Department.
Note: The shipping address is not the same as Parasound’s office address.
Warranty Repair
Read your accompanying Parasound Limited Warranty carefully to understand the applicable rights
and limitations. This section provides instructions for obtaining repairs, both for units covered
under the Parasound Limited Warranty and for units or situations which are outside the Warranty.
Unit is not eligible for repair under the terms of the Parasound warranty if:
1. Unit was not purchased from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or
Parasound Authorized Reseller.
2. You are not the original owner. The Parasound warranty is not transferable.
3. Unit’s serial number was removed, modified, or defaced.
4. Unit shows evidence of abuse and/or misuse.
5. Unit was modified in any way.
6. A prior repair was attempted by an unauthorized repair station.
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PARASOUND ZPRE2 SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response – Audio
10 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB
10 Hz - 50 kHz, +0/-0.8 dB
AC Power Requirement
110 - 120 V / 220 -240 V, 50 - 60 Hz
2 watt standby; 20 watts when turned on
Frequency Bandwidth – Composite Video
Dimensions
1
10 MHz
9 2Wide
10Deep with connectors
Total Harmonic Distortion
3
High with feet, 1 4panel only
0.006%
241 x 254 x 50mm, 44.1mm panel only
S/N Ratio
Net Weight
112 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
4.6 lbs, 2.1 kg
92 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Rack Mount Accessory
Input Impedance
May be Purchased Separately
SBS: Bracket and bolts to attach any two
Z Custom units side-by-side in a standard
19” equipment rack.
Input Sensitivity
150 mV for 1 V output
1
3
Zblank: 9 ⁄2x 1 ⁄4blank panel, required
to mount a single Zpre2 unit; Zblank kit
includes one SBS.
Maximum Output: 7.6 V
Crosstalk
83 dB at 1 kHz
Specifications and features subject to change
or improvement without notice.
76 dB at 20 kHz
Tone Controls
Bass +/- 8 dB at 100 Hz
Treble +/- 10 dB at 10 kHz
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NOTES
Rev 0.92
© Parasound Products, Inc. 2005
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