# Cambridge Audio Alva Duo vs Parasound Zphono: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo (Cambridge Audio) and Parasound Zphono (Parasound) among phono preamps. Parasound Zphono is the cheaper of the two at $200.

## Side by side

| Spec | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Parasound Zphono |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $399 | $200 |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio | Parasound |
| Cartridge support | MM and MC | MM and MC, switchable gain |
| Gain (dB) | MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz | MM: 46 dB; MC: 61 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Snr (dB) | MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) | MM: 84 dB; MC: 58 dB |
| Riaa accuracy | ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) | ±0.25 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| Input capacitance pf | 100 | 150 |
| Subsonic filter | Yes | — |
| Thd percent | MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N) | — |
| Output level | 300 mV nominal | 1.1 V |

## Key differences

- Cartridge support: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM and MC vs Parasound Zphono MM and MC, switchable gain
- Gain (dB): Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz vs Parasound Zphono MM: 46 dB; MC: 61 dB @ 1 kHz
- Snr (dB): Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) vs Parasound Zphono MM: 84 dB; MC: 58 dB
- Riaa accuracy: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) vs Parasound Zphono ±0.25 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Input capacitance pf: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo 100 vs Parasound Zphono 150
- Output level: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo 300 mV nominal vs Parasound Zphono 1.1 V

## Sources

- Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/alva/alva-duo (cambridgeaudio.com, verified 2026-08-12)
- Parasound Zphono: https://www.parasound.com/products/zc-zphono (parasound.com, verified 2026-08-12)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/cambridge-audio-alva-duo-vs-parasound-zphono/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ($399) vs Parasound Zphono ($200) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/cambridge-audio-alva-duo-vs-parasound-zphono/
License: CC BY 4.0.