Parasound Debuts Expanded ZoneMaster Custom Installation Amplifier Line at CEDIA

Parasound has expanded its ZoneMaster custom installation amplifier line with the introduction of three new models at CEDIA Expo 215. Parasound’s ZoneMaster 450, ZoneMaster 250, and ZoneMaster 650, multi-channel universal power amplifiers for custom installation combine sound quality and reliability with discrete Class AB input stages and specially selected Class D power channels.

This interview with Richard Schram was published in audioXpress, May 2015. The founder of Parasound discusses its background and early professional experiences, sourcing products in Japan and how he decided to start Parasound in 1981. Richard Schram reveals his philosophy for the company, talks its legendary products and gives insights on its cooperation with John Curl.

The Glass Audio Special edition is a tradition we have retained since the former title was merged with other magazines to become audioXpress. audioXpress still publishes tube-related articles, but we feel this is one of the highlights for our readers and it certainly is among our authors due to the amount of articles we receive — increasingly addressing applications outside of the typical high-end living-room stereos.

As Richard Schram, the president and founder of Parasound explains, “several years ago we challenged ourselves to create a no-compromise integrated amp that would match the performance of our Halo separates in every respect. We call it the Halo Integrated Amplifier.” Parasound’s new 2.1-channel integrated amplifier/DAC with 160-watts per channel of John Curl designed amplifier topology is now shipping.

Parasound new Zdac V.2 Digital Audio Converter (DAC) and Headphone Amplifier follows on the success of the original Zdac, adding enhanced preamplifier features, a new headphone amplifier with increased gain and dual output jacks. Lightning jack equipped Apple iOS devices can now send digital audio directly to the Zdac V.2’s USB port.