Parasound Model 5250 v.2 Multi-channel Amplifier Reviewed

Published On: June 30, 2011
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Parasound Model 5250 v.2 Multi-channel Amplifier Reviewed

Andrew Robinson got the Parasound Model 5250 v.2 multi-channel amplifier in for review and put through its paces. What he found was an impressive multi-channel amp packaged in an affordable package that blows a few of its competitors away.

Parasound Model 5250 v.2 Multi-channel Amplifier Reviewed

By Author: Andrew Robinson

Andrew Robinson began his career as an art director in entertainment advertising in 2003, after graduating from Art Center College of Design. In 2006, he became a creative director at Crew Creative Advertising, and oversaw the agency's Television Division, where he worked for clients such as TNT, TBS, History, FX, and Bravo to name a few. He now has one of the most popular AV-related channels on YouTube.

Parasound_5250v2_multichannel_amp_review_front.gifBefore becoming a professional writer and later the Managing Editor of not one but two popular AV industry publications, I was an enthusiast like many of you. And while I constantly read about products such as Wilson Audio's latest WATT/Puppy or Mark Levinson's next mega-Watt amp, the simple fact remained that I did most of my audiophile shopping on Audiogon, for virtually everything was priced just out of reach at my local dealers. Then one day I walked in to one such dealer - you know, to loiter - and spotted a silver amp with matching silver preamp and thought my God, what is that? It was Parasound's then, all new, Halo amp and preamp. The Halo products were gorgeous and they were made to look even better when my local dealer told me they cost around $1,500 for the pair. While this wasn't that long ago, it was still before Internet commerce had really taken off and given us companies such as Outlaw Audio or Aperion Audio so one has to appreciate the value the Halo line represented in its day and arguably still does today. I bought the combo on the spot and thus my relationship with Parasound was born.

Additional Resources
• Read more multi-channel amplifier reviews by HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find a pair of Floorstanding Speakers for the 5250 v.2 to drive.
• Explore AV receiver options in our AV Receiver Review section.

Fast-forward ten or so years to today and to the Parasound Model 5250 v.2 multi-channel amplifier before me. It's been about seven years since I've had a Parasound product in my home and while the 5250 v.2 doesn't look as remarkable as the now aging Halo line of products, it's clear that it still means business. The 5250 v.2 is an update of the well-received 5250 multi-channel amplifier that has been with us for some time under Parasound's Classic line of products, which aren't as flashy as the Halo branded products but still provide the same performance and value all Parasound products are known for.

On the outside the 5250 v.2 is a pretty Spartan design, clad in all black with subtle design cues, mostly in the strategic use of bevels and rounded corners that give the otherwise black box a decidedly tailored appearance. The 5250 v.2's faceplate features a single power button as well as a large window that houses the numbers one through five that illuminate green when the amp is turned on indicating that all five channels of amplification are working. Personally, I can tell when the amp is on because it'll be playing music, so the illuminated numbers aren't my cup of tea, but to each his own I guess. The 5250 v.2 itself measures in at 17 and a quarter inches wide by 19 inches deep and nearly eight inches tall. As for weight the 5250 v.2 isn't as heavy as heavy as some but still heavy enough to mean business at 69 pounds.

Around back you'll find a pair of rack handles to aide in custom installation setups or mounting inside a rack such as one from Middle Atlantic. Along the bottom of the 5250 v.2 itself are five pairs of gold plated, five-way binding posts, which can accept everything from spade lugs to bare wire. Above the binding posts though off to the left (looking at the back panel) rest the 5250 v.2's unbalanced inputs and input level controls, which I'll talk about in a minute. To the right of the inputs rests the 5250 v.2's new 12-Volt trigger system complete with selector switch for "audio," "manual" and "12V." A detachable power cord rounds out the 5250 v.2's list of external features.

Under the hood the 5250 v.2 boasts 250 Watts per channel into eight Ohms and 385 Watts per into four Ohms courtesy of its dual transformers. I should note that the 5250 v.2's power ratings are based on all channels being driven continuously instead of via a single channel the way some amplifiers are measured. The 5250 v.2 is THX Ultra2 certified. Speaking of THX certification, the 5250 v.2 has independent gain controls for each of its five channels which allow you to adjust the output plus or minus 10dB from THX's stated reference level for better matching with AV preamps, receivers and/or stereo preamplifiers - not to mention efficient or less efficient loudspeakers as I found out. The 5250 v.2's new gain control is just one of the more than 60 updates Parasound claims has been made to the 5250 v.2's design - though with the exception of its slightly modified faceplate, new 12-Volt trigger and ground-lift circuitry the remaining 56 updates are more or less a mystery. The original 5250 retailed for $2,500 when it was released some years ago. The new 5250 v.2 retails for $2,850 or $350 more than its predecessor, which isn't too bad if you are already in the market for a two to three thousand dollar multi-channel amplifier.

The Hookup
The 5250 v.2 arrived on the heels of Krell's latest multi-channel effort, the 3250e, which is a tough act to follow, especially considering I was replacing a $10,000 amp with a sub $3,000 one in the 5250 v.2. Still, if there was ever an amp that could give a high-end juggernaut like Krell a run for its money, it had to be Parasound.

The 5250 v.2 went onto the bottom shelf of my Omni+ Vent rack and was easy enough to position without the need for additional assistance - a first among the latest crop of amplifiers I'd been sent for review. Making the requisite connections was a snap, though I found the 5250 v.2's unbalanced inputs to be a little cramped when using my reference Transparent MusicLink interconnects. When I switched my cables to the more svelte Mapleshade Clearview interconnects, things seemed a little less crowded.

I left the 5250 v2's level controls at their THX reference setting at first but did adjust them, at least the left and right mains, when using my Decware tubed preamp for it helped cut down on some noise when using super efficient loudspeakers such as Zu Audio's OMEN DEF loudspeakers. For the bulk of my review I used the 5250 v.2 to power my reference Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers and Noble Fidelity L-85 LCRS surrounds. I primarily used my Integra DHC 80.2 AV preamp with the 5250 v.2 though I did sub in my Decware preamp on occasion. The rest of my system was comprised of the usual suspects: a Sony universal Blu-ray player, Apple TV and Dish Network HD DVR. All components, including my speakers, were connected using Transparent cable.

Performance
I began my evaluation of the 5250 v.2 with the track "Edge of Glory" from Lady Gaga's latest album Born This Way (Interscope Records). Right off the bat the 5250 v.2 showcased its way with vocals, presenting them in a natural well-defined manner that was forward and energetic without sacrificing weight and authority. The midrange was smooth and grain free with the slightest emphasis resting on the lower midrange, which no doubt aided in the 5250 v.2's presence, though it didn't distract from the experience by sounding artificial. The 5250 v.2's high frequency performance was again, like the midrange, smooth and largely grain free though a bit rolled off at the extremes. Bass was taut with solid extension and texture though wasn't as deep as some like, say for instance the Krell 3250e that came before it. Still I wouldn't classify the 5250 v.2's bass performance as anemic. There was an excellent sense of space throughout and the soundstage was appropriately proportioned along the front wall of my room with good depth front to back. What struck me most was just how involving and rhythmically sound the 5250 v.2 was, conveying all the energy, soulfulness and spark of the music without editorializing. Now I know I'm about to personify an inanimate object but it felt as if the Parasound was actually having a bit fun with the Gaga track versus taking it all too seriously.

Read more about the Parasound Model 5250 v.2 amplifier's performance on Page 2.

Parasound_5250v2_multichannel_amp_review_back.gifBecause I was having so much fun I decided to keep the party going
and cued up "Moves Like Jagger" [featuring Christina Aguilera] from
Maroon 5 (A&M/Octone Records). Even though the track was encoded at
256kbps, that didn't stop the 5250 v.2 for giving it the old college
try and unlike my first attempt at college it passed the test with
flying colors. The 5250 v.2's presence was again immediate and engaging
with a lively, energetic vibe that conveyed the truest spirit of the
track in ways few manage to pull off. Vocals were again front and
center and stood out in stark contrast to the other musical elements.
The bass was heart pounding with terrific speed and impact showcasing
the 5250 v.2's dynamic prowess.

What I began to notice as I set the song to repeat was just how much
the presentation reminded me of being in a recording studio. So many
audiophile products talk about how they'll bring you closer to the
artist's intent and sound, which usually means live or seemingly
without a lot of bells and whistles in the way. There's just one
problem with that - an artist's intent is what they recorded in a
studio; a studio filled with bells and whistles. So shouldn't we want
our equipment to bring us that sound? I've spent a lot of time in
recording studios and the good ones have a definite sound and it has
little if anything to do with sounding live or unplugged. It's this
sound that the Parasound 5250 v.2 gets largely right and for good
reason, Parasound is used in a number of top recording studios and by
recording engineers that are responsible for bringing you so many of
your beloved audio recordings.

To test the 5250 v.2's ability to handle nuance I cued up Mike
Oldfield's Tubular Bells III and the track "Watchful Eye" (Warner
Brothers UK). Focusing only on the differences that set this track
apart from previous demos I noticed that the 5250 v.2 doesn't quite
hang onto the trailing edges of notes as long as some nor does it
possess the same control in an absolute sense as other, more expensive
and more powerful amplifiers. Again I noticed the 5250 v.2's slight
emphasis on the lower midrange, but as before it wasn't distracting and
most likely noticeable only to me, for I've heard this track played
back on seemingly every system ranging from a few hundred to hundreds
of thousands of dollars. In all honestly I'm nit-picking, for once
again the 5250 v.2 proved to be captivating and wholly enjoyable
because it chooses to focus on the big picture versus getting caught up
in the minutia that frankly isn't important. The 5250 v.2's two-channel
performance was always musical and always enjoyable no matter what
source material I chose to listen to.

I mentioned earlier that I used the 5250 v.2's level controls to
better integrate it with my Decware tube preamp. I did this because
despite the manufacturer's claims that the CSP+ preamp is "dead quiet,"
it's not and when I was using it with Zu Audio's OMEN DEF (98db
efficient) loudspeakers, the noise floor was more noticeable. By
effectively turning down the left and right channels on the 5250 v.2 I
was able to effectively combat the noise issue and retain more of the
nuance found in quieter passages of music and movies without it
becoming a distraction.

Switching gears to movies, I fired up Battle: Los Angeles on Blu-ray
(Sony) and skipped ahead to Chapter Three where the Marines arrive in
Los Angeles at the FOB and see the battle for the first time. The sound
effects tracks were brilliantly rendered with terrific depth, spatial
separation and texture that I was quickly transported to the scene
unfolding on the screen in front of me. The ambient and surround sound
cues were rendered with the same fervor as the dialog track, which just
so happened to be intelligible and focused despite the carnage
unfolding around the platoon of Marines. The mortar concussions and
explosions happening overhead were prodigious and literally shook my
room but didn't seem to shake the 5250 v.2 despite my attempt to
literally blow it up with excessive volume. Dynamically the 5250 v.2
didn't disappoint, and with an uncompressed surround sound codec to
play with proved it could be down right explosive when need be.

I ended my evaluation of the 5250 v.2 with the Blu-ray disc
Burlesque starring Cher and Christina Aguilera (Screen Gems). During
the number entitled "Express" the 5250 v.2 cemented itself, in my eyes,
as a special amplifier. There are several instances where you can tell
the sound engineers on the film had to back off Aguilera's vocals out
of fear of clipping and in these instances a bit of compression and
harshness is present in the upper registers of her vocal range -
harshness that through take-no-prisoner amplifiers is like sticking a
spike in your ear canal. Not so with the 5250 v.2. Once again the 5250
v.2 doesn't do anything that would otherwise cause you to step back
from your enjoyment so it's slightly rolled off high frequency
performance means you're not assaulted by the film's recording
anomalies. Does that make the 5250 v.2 polite? Not exactly, it just
makes it more forgiving, which isn't necessarily a bad thing given that
so much of what we're listening to isn't recorded with the same care
and attention to detail as it once was. Remember, the 5250 v.2 is all
about enjoyment regardless of your taste in music or movies.

Competition and Comparison
At a little under $3,000 Parasound's 5250 v.2 does have some
competition to contend with starting with Outlaw Audio's Model 7500
multi-channel amplifier
. Retailing for $1,599 the 7500 is more than a $1,000 dollars cheaper
compared to the 5250 v.2, but it also isn't as powerful at 200 Watts
per channel, nor does it have some of the 5250 v.2's flexibility and
THX certification. Furthermore, having lived with the 7500 for years I
can say it's not as refined as the 5250 v.2 in terms of its sound
quality. Still, like the Parasound, the Outlaw 7500 is a heck of a
performer and another product that practically defines value for dollar.

Another amp to consider is Anthem's Statement P5 amplifier. At $4,999 retail the P5 is a bit more in terms of cost compared to
the 5250 v.2 but it also provides a bit more in terms of power with
325-Watts of total power across all five of its channels, not to
mention I find the P5 to be a bit better looking in terms of its
industrial design. Still, both the P5 and 5250 v.2 are capable
amplifiers, though they sound markedly different from one another, the
Parasound a bit more sweet and rhythmical while the P5 seems to be just
the facts. Depending on your tastes will largely dictate which amp you
go for suffice to say they're both phenomenal amplifiers.

One cannot talk about amplifiers nowadays, at least not affordable
amplifiers, without including Emotiva in the conversation, for they
seemingly make fine amplifiers at near garage sale prices. Their five
channel XPA-5 boasts similar specs, in terms of power output, to the
5250 v.2, features balanced inputs and retails direct for budget
friendly $899. Sounds good right? On paper sure, but then again almost
no one, outside of the staffers at Audioholics of course, are allowed
to review Emotiva products so I cannot speak definitively on how the
XPA-5 and 5250 v.2 compare beyond what both companies present on paper.

While price is a huge factor and motivator for many, present company
included, I trust Parasound over brands like Emotiva for they've been
around for 30 years and have built a reputation for excellence
throughout the AV industry not to mention the professional film
community. I guarantee you will not find an Emotiva amp anywhere near
Skywalker Sound.

For more information on multi-channel amps including the latest news
and reviews please visit Home Theater Review's Multi-channel Amplifier
page
.

The Downside
As bowled over as I was by the 5250 v.2s performance there were a few
issues I had with the amp itself. For starters I didn't care for the
5250 v.2's input arrangement, why the five unbalanced inputs cannot be
spaced evenly like the binding posts is beyond me and makes connecting
bulky cables, like my Transparent Reference interconnects, a bit of a
chore. Speaking of input options, I would be remiss if I didn't point
out that all of the before mentioned competing amplifiers offered
balanced input options where as the 5250 v.2 does not.

Second, while I appreciated the 5250 v.2's level controls I wish
they were also more uniformly spaced and a little ways away from the
unbalanced inputs themselves, for it would protect against unwanted
alterations during initial setup.

Lastly, I wish there was some way to defeat the 5250 v.2's faceplate
lights, especially those responsible for illuminating the channel
numbers for they're very bright and a bit cheesy if I'm honest. Also,
it seems like a weird "feature," for it's sole purpose, outside of
letting you know your amp is on, is to break and that's just kind of
annoying.

Conclusion
For its asking price of $2,850 the 5250 v.2 from Parasound is a
remarkable achievement and a leader among its peers in terms of overall
performance. The 5250 v.2 is, simply put, one of those products that
come along and make justifying spending more very difficult for what
you get for your money is so unbelievably satisfying that one could
easily live without some of the finer things you'll hear by spending
thousands if not tens of thousands more on competing products.

What amazes me most about the 5250 v.2's performance is how balanced
it is, while some amps will bowl you over with their high frequency
performance, lush midrange or iron fisted bass, the 5250 v.2 keeps its
focus on the overall performance whether it be music or movies.
Furthermore, there's something about the 5250 v.2's sound that simply
feels right. I never sat down for a single demo and thought to myself
if only for I was too busy enjoying myself to care for the 5250 v.2
never failed to bring a smile to my face or illicit a spontaneous air
guitar solo.

If money was no object I'm sure many of us would love to own some of
the more blue chip or esoteric products out there. But let's face it,
money is an object and while we all wait for our winning lottery ticket
to fall from the sky, it's nice to know that there are companies like
Parasound who remain committed to excellence and value. If you're in
the market for a new multi-channel amp, I highly recommend auditioning
the 5250 v.2 for you don't have to be a millionaire to feel like a
winner when you've got a 5250 v.2 in your system.

Additional Resources
• Read more multi-channel amplifier reviews by HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find a pair of Floorstanding Speakers for the 5250 v.2 to drive.
• Explore AV receiver options in our AV Receiver Review section.

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