# Rega Fono MM Mk5 vs Parasound Zphono: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Rega Fono MM Mk5 (Rega) and Parasound Zphono (Parasound) among phono preamps.

## Side by side

| Spec | Rega Fono MM Mk5 | Parasound Zphono |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | $200 |
| Brand | Rega | Parasound |
| Cartridge support | MM only | MM and MC, switchable gain |
| Gain (dB) | 41.4 dB @ 1 kHz | MM: 46 dB; MC: 61 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Snr (dB) | — | MM: 84 dB; MC: 58 dB |
| Riaa accuracy | better than ±0.2 dB (100 Hz - 100 kHz) | ±0.25 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| Input capacitance pf | 100 | 150 |
| Subsonic filter | — | — |
| Thd percent | — | — |
| Output level | 200 mV at 1.7 mV input; 200 ohm output impedance | 1.1 V |

## Key differences

- Cartridge support: Rega Fono MM Mk5 MM only vs Parasound Zphono MM and MC, switchable gain
- Gain (dB): Rega Fono MM Mk5 41.4 dB @ 1 kHz vs Parasound Zphono MM: 46 dB; MC: 61 dB @ 1 kHz
- Riaa accuracy: Rega Fono MM Mk5 better than ±0.2 dB (100 Hz - 100 kHz) vs Parasound Zphono ±0.25 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Input capacitance pf: Rega Fono MM Mk5 100 vs Parasound Zphono 150
- Output level: Rega Fono MM Mk5 200 mV at 1.7 mV input; 200 ohm output impedance vs Parasound Zphono 1.1 V

## Sources

- Rega Fono MM Mk5: https://www.rega.co.uk/products/fono-mm-mk5 (rega.co.uk, 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/rega-fono-mm-mk5-vs-parasound-zphono/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Rega Fono MM Mk5 (not published) vs Parasound Zphono ($200) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/rega-fono-mm-mk5-vs-parasound-zphono/
License: CC BY 4.0.