Parasound designed a robust 350-watts-per-channel stereo amplifier in its ZoneMaster line of components for installation. The new Parasound ZoneMaster 2350 draws on the company's heritage of low-noise, high-resolution analog input stages and bass management, combined with Class D amplification to drive up to 600 watts per channel in typical 4-ohm custom applications.
In addition to providing high power and sound quality to stereo speakers, the Parasound ZoneMaster 2350 offers a full package of installer-friendly features that have proven popular on previous ZoneMaster amplifiers. These include line-level and speaker-level inputs, A/B/both speaker outputs, mono/stereo switching, 30/80-Hz high-pass filters for improved efficiency with small speakers, 80-Hz low pass filters to drive subwoofers, lop outputs, and auto-sensing /12 Volt trigger turn-on.
"In the three years since we launched the ZoneMaster line at CEDIA 2014," says Richard Schram, Parasound's president and founder, "we've had great feedback from the custom installers and integrators who've adopted the line. But, as one dealer put it, 'there are times when you just need more horsepower' - for big speakers, passive subs, and long chains of small speakers - hence the ZoneMaster 2350."
A Five-Channel Amplifier with 44% More Power
Parasound also introduced the new Halo A 52+ five-channel amplifier. The A 52+ is based on the brand's highly successful A 52 and features significant upgrades in power output, circuitry refinements, and the latest Halo styling.
The new model increases available power from 125 to 180 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 255 watts into 4 ohms, with all channels driven. As with its predecessor, the Parasound Halo A 52+ is the work of audio legend John Curl, using high-bias Class A/AB and direct-coupled circuit topology.
"The A 52 had a great run from 2003 to 2012," says Richard Schram. A growing number of requests for a moderately priced high performance five channel amplifier coming from customers and dealers made the A 52 ripe for reengineering and an increase in power."
The Parasound Halo A 52+ features a larger custom-made toroid power transformer to support its higher power output. It has five RCA unbalanced and five balanced XLR inputs, a separate module for each channel, DC Servos and relays to protect the amp and speakers. Features include automatic turn-on, a 3U chassis with rear carry handles which is rack mountable with optional adaptors.
The Parasound Halo A 52+ has a black anodized extruded front panel with new solid aluminum end-caps that are milled and hand-polished. These represent a fresh and refined Halo aesthetic.
The Parasound Halo A 52+ will be available in Q4 of 2017 with a retail price of $2,995. The Parasound ZoneMaster 2350 will be available in the fourth quarter with an MSRP of $1,295. Both models will be displayed at CEDIA Expo 17, Booth 2120.
www.parasound.com
