Parasound has redesigned its Model 5250 power amplifier after six years as the flagship of its NewClassic family of products. The new Parasound NewClassic Model 5250 v.2 is intended for home theater enthusiasts who want the performance of a high-powered amplifier, while pairing it with an affordable surround receiver.

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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.

With discrete power transistors, dual toroid power transformers, and large storage capacitors, the 5250 v.2 can deliver peak currents of reportedly 45 amps per channel, and sustain 385 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads. Parasound claims that 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.

The Parasound NewClassic Model 5250 v.2 is now shipping to dealers, and has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $2,850.