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Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
$399
Best Phono Preamps · head-to-head
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo vs Parasound Zphono
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Parasound Zphono is cheaper at $200. Every spec and price links to its source.
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Parasound
Parasound Zphono
$200Cheaper
Which is better: the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo or Parasound Zphono?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Parasound Zphono is the cheaper at $200.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Parasound Zphono |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $399 Cambridge Audio USA direct price | $200 Parasound direct/list price |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio | Parasound |
| Released | — | — |
| 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 |
Sources — Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: cambridgeaudio.com (verified 2026-08-12). Parasound Zphono: parasound.com (verified 2026-08-12).
What's the difference between the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo and Parasound Zphono?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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