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Specifications:
Model 7100 Controller
(SSP):
● Codecs: DD, DD-EX,
DPL-IIx, DTS, DTS-ES,
DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24
● MFR: 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±
0.1 dB
● THD: 0.005%
● S/N: 100 dB, A
Weighted
● Dimensions: 7-7/8" H x
17-1/4" W x 16" D
● Weight: 18 Pounds
● MSRP: $3,000 USA |
Model 5250 Amplifier:
● Power Output: 250 Watts
RMS x 5 into 8 Ohms,
All Channels Driven;
385 Watts RMS x 5 into
4 Ohms
● MFR: 20 Hz - 50 kHz ±
3
dB
● THD: 0.02%
● Input Sensitivity: 1 Volt
for 28.23 Volts Output
● Dimensions: 7-5/8" H x
17-1/4" W x 18-1/2" D
● Weight: 69 Pounds
● MSRP: $2,500 USA
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Parasound
www.parasound.com
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Introduction
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say the first thing that
comes to mind these days when I hear the name Parasound, is that great little 5”
screen on their Halo C1 controller (SSP). Not only is the design of the C1 stylish
and functional, it’s an excellent performing component.
Parasound has just introduced a line of components called New Classic. The
goal in the design was to give the custom audio/video installer a
performance-oriented easy-to-install package. For various reasons that I’ll
discuss in detail, the Classic line is not only for the A/V installer, but
is owner friendly as well.
Parasound sent us the 7100 Controller and the 5250 five-channel amplifier
for review, but additionally available in the line is another lower
powered five-channel amplifier the 5125, and two two-channel amplifiers, the 275,
and the 2125 for completing your 7.1 amplification needs.
The
Design
The new Classic line of components are all similarly styled. The black
brushed metal front plates are flush in design, save a narrow slightly
recessed racing stripe horizontally placed, which identifies the small
display screen. Because the units are designed to be rack-mounted, the front
plates extend beyond the body about 3/8", thereby covering up the mounting
brackets.
There is a no nonsense upscale look to the units that I truly like. No fancy
oversized knobs, flip down flaps, or flashing lights.
Features
The Model 7100 Surround Controller is a THX Ultra2 certified, 7.1 channel
surround sound processor (SSP) capable of decoding all the current surround sound formats.
The 7100 incorporates a number of THX processing modes; THX Cinema is designed to
accommodate the differences between theater and home acoustics and THX Ulta2
Cinema converts 5.1 material into 7.1 output. THX Surround EX with
additional rear surround speakers plays back 6.1 material. Similarly THX Music Mode takes 5.1 recordings and plays them back over a 7.1 system. And
finally for the gamers, THX Games Mode is for surround effects for video games.
Connections
The rear of the controller is arranged simply, and without all those speaker
posts found on receivers, making connections is straightforward. Two items
that I immediately noticed include a rear Master Power on/off toggle switch,
and also on the upper left hand side, a small plate identified as an
“Expansion port for future technologies”. Since the 7100 currently has no HDMI connections, I assume
that would be a natural upgrade.
What you do get for input and output connections is plentiful. All the video
connections are along the top, while all the audio connections are along the
bottom. Video is handled with six composite video inputs and four composite
video outputs along with four S-Video inputs and four S-video outputs. There
are three sets
of component video inputs (assignable) and one component video output.
On the audio side, you get four digital coax and four optical inputs, all
assignable. One optical output is provided. The 7100 allows up to six stereo analog
audio inputs for the typical components, DVD, VCR, and Satellite/Cable. A
7.1 channel analog audio input set is included for DVD-A and SACD
connections from DVD players. Audio outputs are there for a 7.1 setup, but
of course, you don't have to use the additional channels unless you want to.
For review, we had the 5250, which is a five-channel power amplifier. If you
connect the remaining two channels, you will need either a seven-channel
power amplifier, or just add two channels to the 5250.
And finally on the rear, you’ll see an RS-232 serial port, two IR inputs, and
three 12V trigger outputs, as well as the AC jack for a removable power cord.
The 5250 amplifier is quite beefy at around 70 pounds.
It is
similar to the 7100 controller in design and is also THX Ultra2 certified.
The front display indicates power on for all five channels.
The 5250 offers continuous RMS power with all five channels driven of 250 WPC
for 8 ohm speakers and a substantial 385 WPC for 4 ohm speakers.
The rear includes RCA unbalanced inputs and five-way
speaker binding posts. In addition you’ll find a 12v trigger input from your controller and
a 12v trigger loop for other amplifiers (like those additional two channels). An
Audio Sensitivity knob adjusts
the amount of incoming audio level required to turn on the 5250. As
background hum in speakers is sometimes encountered, Parasound provides a
ground lift switch. Set to normal, if you experience (which I did) a slight
humming, switching it to “Lift” disconnects the audio circuit ground from
the chassis ground. Activating it, my hum all but disappeared.
The 5250 does protect itself in several ways, including overheating and external fault
conditions, driving speakers at high levels, or short circuiting from speaker
wires. This prevents internal damage.
Click here to
go to Part II.
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