Parasound has redesigned its Model 5250 power amplifier after six years as the flagship of its popular NewClassic family of products. The new Parasound NewClassic Model 5250 v.2 is ideal for home theater enthusiasts who want the performance of a very high-powered amplifier, while pairing it with an affordable state-of-the-art surround receiver that has all the latest technology.
The Parasound NewClassic 5250 v.2 offers the same THX Ultra 2 Certified, five-channel, 250-watts per channel power ratings as its predecessor, but with a more graceful front panel design, adjustable gain for each channel making it compatible with the preamp outputs of any AVR, and more than 60 other improvements to its operating features and circuitry.
Like its predecessor, the new Model 5250 v.2 delivers exceptional power output and low noise performance capabilities. With discrete power transistors, dual toroid power transformers, and large storage capacitors, the 5250 v.2 can deliver peak currents of 45 amps per channel, and sustain 385 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads. Despite this high-energy operation, the amplifier does not run hot, and is designed for cool running even in relatively confined spaces.
Unlike its predecessor, which had fixed gain at the THX reference level, the NewClassic 5250 v.2 allows independent +/- 10 dB gain adjustment for each channel relative to the THX level. This allows home theater systems to reach higher SPLs in very large rooms or when using less sensitive speakers. Plus, it gives custom installers greater control over fine-tuning of the system, especially when connected to an AV receiver. Additionally, the NewClassic 5250 v.2 has a new simplified and more effective audio turn-on trigger that eliminates the need for a separate sensitivity control. Also eliminated is the ground-lift switch, which has been rendered unnecessary by a new internal grounding scheme.
Price and Availability
The Parasound NewClassic Model 5250 v.2 is now shipping to dealers, and has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $2,850.
“The NC 5250 v.2 provides a terrific solution for home theater enthusiasts who want great performance but worry about the cost of updating a new top-of-the line surround receiver every few years to keep pace with changing technology,” said Richard Schram, Parasound's president and founder. “A high quality and powerful amplifier will never really become obsolete. Rather than spend $2,500 to $5,000 for a high power surround receiver every time technology changes, why not spend $800-$1200 for a lower powered surround receiver which has the same decoding and most of the same useful features, while connecting its preamp outputs to a 5250 v.2 to give the system a significant increase in audio power?”
Parasound NewClassic NC 5250 v.2 Power Amplifier Specifications
| Continuous RMS Power Output | 20 Hz – 20 kHz, Five Channels Driven 250 watts x 5, 8 Ω 385 watts x 5, 4 Ω |
| Current Capacity | 45 amps peak per channel |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 50 kHz, +0/-3 dB, 1 watt |
| Dynamic Headroom | 1.6 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.025% at full rated output 0.02% at average listening levels |
| IM Distortion | 0.05 % |
| Transient IM Distortion | Not measurable |
| S/N Ratio | 114 dB at rated output, IHF A-weighted 106 dB at rated output, unweighted 93 dB at 2.828 V output, IHF A-weighted 84 dB at 2.828 V output, unweighted |
| Input Impedance | 33 k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity | 1 V in for 28.28 V out, THX reference level 1.6 V for full rated output, adjustable from 500mV to 5V |
| Inter-Channel Crosstalk | 85 dB, 1 kHz 73 dB, 10 kHz 67 dB, 20 kHz |
| Damping Factor | Over 150 at 20 Hz |
| Auto Turn On – DC | 9 – 12V, 15 mA |
| Auto Turn On – Audio | 1mV sensitivity 15 minute turn off delay |
| AC Power Requirement | 110 – 120 V / 220 -240 V, 50 – 60 Hz 1 watt standby; 2500 watts full output |
| Dimensions | 17-1/4″ Wide 19″ Deep with gain control knobs, 7-5/8″ High with feet, 7″ panel only 437 x 470 x 193mm, 176mm panel only |
| Net Weight | 69 lbs., 31.4 kg |
| Rack Mount Accessory | RMK44 – May be Purchased Separately |
| MSRP | $2,850 |
