"You Can't Go Wrong with the Model 2250"
Superb Update of a Classic Powerhouse Amp
Parasound's NewClassic Model 2250 power amplifier just received an update. It's been reborn as the NewClassic Model 2250 v.2. See below for the lowdown on all of the great new features.
Looking for a powerhouse two-channel power amp that's near-perfect and affordable? Parasound's NewClassic Model 2250 v2 gives you plenty of power for better than movie house sound quality. And the THX Ultra2 certification means that it meets the highest performance standards for convincing reproduction of movie soundtracks.
New Version v.2 Features
This is the new v.2 version of the Model 2250 with several new features for enhanced performance and convenience. First is a new A/B speaker button lockout switch on the rear panel. When this switch is set to Lockout, the front panel A and B buttons are disabled and speakers A and B will always be on. This can be particularly useful for a professional audio installer who never intends for the client to use the front panel buttons.
The new ultra-sensitive two-position audio trigger allowed Parasound to eliminate the audio trigger sensitivity knob. A 'Quieter' setting will automatically turn on the amp at a very low volume. If this isn't sensitive enough for your system needs, you can also use the 'Louder' setting.
The 12 volt trigger jacks change from 2.5mm to 3.5mm. The standard for 12 volt triggers in the audio world has become the 3.5mm size and all new Parasound products will change to use this larger size.
Here's one more change to the rear panel. The ground lift switch has been removed. Changes to the internal grounding of the amps make this switch unnecessary.
To conserve energy and meet Energy Star and EU power consumption requirement NewClassic amps only require 0.5 watts in standby.
Updated front and rear cosmetics give the v.2 amps a fresh new look. The front panel has been updated with rounded corners, a new display lens, and updated silk screening. The rear panel has updated silk screening making it easier to read and understand the functions.
There's also a power specification increase. The original versions of the NewClassic amps were underrated. With the v.2 amps, Parasound has changed the specification to match the actual capability of each amp. There is an average rating increase of 10-15%. Both version 1 and v.2 amps have the same power and there are no changes to the audio circuits.
"You Can't Go Wrong with the Model 2250"
"The Parasound 2100 and 2250 offer sound quality across the board so good, I would have thought you'd have to pay at least $3,000 to get it," reports Chris Groppi in his June 2008 review for Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. "If you have $2K to spend on a preamp and amp, you can't go wrong with the Model 2100 and 2250."
With its advanced and extremely efficient low-heat design, the NewClassic Model 2250 v.2 runs cooler than previous Parasound Classic series models, making it ideal for rack or cabinet mounting. The newly designed power supply delivers all the voltage you need for transient peaks in musical programs and stunningly realistic special effects.
Bring on the Power!
The Model 2250 v.2 delivers the high-resolution power you need for big entertainment. It offers an extremely healthy 275-watt-per-channel output at 8 ohms and a huge 400 watts at 4 ohms. But hang onto your hat, because it will also deliver a full-throttle 750 watts into 8 ohms or 4 ohms in bridged mono mode. And it boasts 45 amps of peak current per channel for superior resolution of demanding musical peaks. The sound quality is pure Parasound pleasure, of course.
Fully Discrete Circuitry
Fully discrete circuitry with a large toroidal transformer keeps the noise floor exceptionally low and the musical signal pure. The 'Class AB' circuitry provides efficient operation with less heat output than pure 'Class A' for the highest degree of reliability with DC servo and relay protection circuitry. Standby, channel status, and high temperature indicators keep you informed of the operation status.
Ideal for Custom Installations
The NewClassic amplifiers have several features that make them ideal for custom installation. These include automatic switch on and off when the amplifier detects the presence or absence of an audio signal. It can also switch on and off via its DC trigger with looping output. The soft touch power buttons glow in standby mode.
The Model 2250 v.2 can drive and select two speaker pairs (or two mono bridged speakers) with two pairs of speaker terminals and speaker select buttons with relay switching.
Other features include handy rear-panel gain controls, a gold-plated RCA input jacks and loop output jacks, and heavy-duty 24K gold-plated five-way speaker terminals.