Parasound

Monster Jam
Monster Jam Posts: 919
edited May 2011 in Electronics
I'm on the verge of moving to a 5 channel separate and giving my HK AVR525 a break from running 4 x LSi15s and an LSiC center. The HK is truly a warrior (when it is working properly).

I am considering purchasing a Parasound New Classic 5250.

Should I consider another brand/model in the same price range and why? All comments are welcomed.
Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
Post edited by Monster Jam on
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2011
    There's a ton of great 5 channel amps out there including the Parasound you listed.

    Parasound
    Rotel
    B&K

    Check out the Anthem 5 channel Blueboxer is selling. It'll go good with your lsi's.
    I've owned the Rotel rmb-1095 & 1075 and both unit were great with the 1095 the better of the two with more than enough power for your LSI's
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  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited February 2011
    I second the B&K (haven't owned the others). I've owned multi-channels from B&K and liked it very much. Did quite well at music too.
    ..... ><////(*>
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited February 2011
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Amplifier would be a good choice.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • dcoil
    dcoil Posts: 153
    edited February 2011
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    I am considering purchasing a Parasound New Classic 5250.

    Should I consider another brand/model in the same price range and why? All comments are welcomed.

    I assume 'new' from your OP, please correct me if I'm wrong. And can you specify a dollar amount so we know exactly what your shooting for? :smile:
    SDA SRS modded: X’ovrd, de-polyed, inductorized, interconnectorized, re-posted, dynamited, RDO’d, spiked, gasketed, ringed (Larry's), and grill cloth blinged! Done this on my own? Not a chance. Thanks to Raife and all who forged easy to follow upgrades. At least a 100% improvement in sound and my personal listening pleasure! :cheesygrin:Pass XP-10 preamp, Parasound A21 amp, Pioneer Elite DV-58AV (Ric Shultz modded), Audioquest Sky IC's, No longer need my Sunfire sub after mods...
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited February 2011
    Lets put the new amp in the $2k range.

    And thanks for the suggestions thus far - don't forget the "why" portion". I am looking for comments like:
    * "The Parasound doesn't feature unbalanced inputs"
    * "The While the 5250 is rated at 250 wpc @ 8ohm, its peak amp rating is less than this alternative amp"
    * "The Emotiva doubles as a food processor"

    (etc.)
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • dcoil
    dcoil Posts: 153
    edited February 2011
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    Lets put the new amp in the $2k range.

    Well if this is new you must be getting a really good deal. I can't find the Parasound NC 5250 for much under $2,750. I don't have any experience with the 5 channel but I know another in this price range and also has balanced inputs is the Wyred 4 Sound Ice Cube MC. It is not a Class A - A/B but a Class D based on the ICE Power Technology which has received some very good reviews. It can also be configured for 7 channels. Another unit from Parasound of interest would be the 5250 v.2, which decouples the 5 channel amp. At least in theory, you can then change your processor as technology and not have to trade out (read 'cost you money') your amp section. This sounds good, but the V.2 cost as much as the full blown 5250. :confused:

    I've recently bought an amp (Parasound A21) and I know you want to get the biggest bang for the buck for YOUR system. As always, there is the 'synergy' with your other pieces to consider. Unfortunately the 'best' of any of the suggestions are going to be determinded by your ears. :rolleyes:
    SDA SRS modded: X’ovrd, de-polyed, inductorized, interconnectorized, re-posted, dynamited, RDO’d, spiked, gasketed, ringed (Larry's), and grill cloth blinged! Done this on my own? Not a chance. Thanks to Raife and all who forged easy to follow upgrades. At least a 100% improvement in sound and my personal listening pleasure! :cheesygrin:Pass XP-10 preamp, Parasound A21 amp, Pioneer Elite DV-58AV (Ric Shultz modded), Audioquest Sky IC's, No longer need my Sunfire sub after mods...
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2011
    dcoil wrote: »
    I've recently bought an amp (Parasound A21) and I know you want to get the biggest bang for the buck for YOUR system. As always, there is the 'synergy' with your other pieces to consider. Unfortunately the 'best' of any of the suggestions are going to be determinded by your ears. :rolleyes:

    Precisely. You have been here long enough to know this MJ, and have obviously seen the endless threads and debates. Parasound makes excellent gear, so just buy it & find out for yourself.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited February 2011
    Thanks for the input. Yeah - I've seen, read, and contributed to the endless debates and occasional flame wars at CP :) Just thought that I would look to my friends at CP for any other expert advice I might be overlooking.

    dcoil - The 5250 wouldn't be new, but I wouldn't mind spending a little more for another product to avoid any buyer's remorse, thus the $2k figure. And if I go 7 channel in the future, that opens up other possibilities for an added 2 channel amp.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • angelsfann02
    angelsfann02 Posts: 589
    edited February 2011
    The Emotiva xpa5 that I have using the last 2 months does great with my lsi 15's for both music and ht. I recently added Mit speaker cables and it sounds even better! At such a low price and 30 day return policy, whataya got to lose brother.
    LIVING ROOM:
    Pioneer PDP-6070HD, Pioneer Elite SC-25, Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD,
    Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva USP-1, Polk LSI15's, Polk LSiC, Velodyne 12", Mirage Nanosat Prestige rears, MIT AVT Speaker Cables, Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects, Panamax M5300pm Surge Protection/ Power Conditioning
    BEDROOM: VIZIO 32" LCD, Pioneer Elite VSX-23txh, Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD, Parasound HCA-2205A, Mirage Nanosat Prestige Speakers 5.1, Mirage S8 Sub, Monoprice cables, APC Surge Protection.
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  • grimmace19
    grimmace19 Posts: 1,429
    edited February 2011
    Ultimate Electronics is going out of business and carries the Parasound... looked at it this morning actually. I couldn't justify the purchase until it would hit like 70 off.
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited March 2011
    Update: Pulled the trigger on an older 5 channel Sunfire.

    Wife hates me.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited March 2011
    Congrats!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2011
    Congrats. When you get it, put on some of her favorite music/movies for her to enjoy the sound. Also refrain from making anymore audio purchases for at least a year.:biggrin:

    You will now have an amp that will ensure that your speakers operate to their full potential, so sit back and enjoy your system with your wife at your side.
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    Update: Pulled the trigger on an older 5 channel Sunfire.

    Wife hates me.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • carwashguy
    carwashguy Posts: 131
    edited March 2011
    grimmace19 wrote: »
    Ultimate Electronics is going out of business and carries the Parasound... looked at it this morning actually. I couldn't justify the purchase until it would hit like 70 off.

    I bought a 5250 off these clowns a week ago. They would not allow me to try it out in the store. Once I got it home and installed, discovered one of the channels was not working. Their response was so solly sailor, luckily Parasound made right on the issue. Buyer beware with those guys, none of them are gonna have jobs at the end of the month so there customer service is lacking to say the least. Other than that love the amp.
    Living Room
    LSi 15
    LSi7
    LSiC
    LSiFX
    2 EPIK Empire
    2 W4S Sx-1000
    Monster HTPS 7000 MKII
    Parasound 5250
    Onkyo PR-SC5508
    Oppo BDP-95
    Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    LG 55 LED

    Bedroom
    RTi A7
    CSi A6
    FXi A6
    2 PSW 125
    Onkyo TX-NR1008
    Panasonic 60 Plasma
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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited March 2011
    Ultimate was always a joke, IMO. They were decent for going in and physically seeing/hearing the product, but never worth a crap as a place to buy them.
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • grimmace19
    grimmace19 Posts: 1,429
    edited March 2011
    ^ I was back in tonight to see how things were going and the Parasound 5250 is 50% off (1 left) bringing it to 1375... it's getting tempting... I told my wife that if it magically makes it to 70% im buying it.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited March 2011
    That is tempting. But if there's only 1 left ...perhaps you need to jump on it soon!
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • carwashguy
    carwashguy Posts: 131
    edited March 2011
    Pissed, should have waited. Paid 2k for mine and was happy at the deal. $1375 and I would have been well on my way to the Velodyne DD I lust after. Last one so was worried someone would snatch it up.
    Living Room
    LSi 15
    LSi7
    LSiC
    LSiFX
    2 EPIK Empire
    2 W4S Sx-1000
    Monster HTPS 7000 MKII
    Parasound 5250
    Onkyo PR-SC5508
    Oppo BDP-95
    Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    LG 55 LED

    Bedroom
    RTi A7
    CSi A6
    FXi A6
    2 PSW 125
    Onkyo TX-NR1008
    Panasonic 60 Plasma
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited March 2011
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Congrats. When you get it, put on some of her favorite music/movies for her to enjoy the sound. Also refrain from making anymore audio purchases for at least a year.:biggrin:

    You will now have an amp that will ensure that your speakers operate to their full potential, so sit back and enjoy your system with your wife at your side.



    Reading that put a smile on my face. :smile:

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited March 2011
    Good news and very bad news.

    Yesterday I picked up my Adcom GFA-555 which was in the repair shop. I screwed up ad changed sources while the amp was still hot. I should have turned off the amp first and waited for the caps to discharge; because I didn't, I blew out a channel. All fixed now, and it sounds great. :smile:

    Also yesterday, the mailman dropped off the Sunfire I acquired online. An older first-gen 19" 200x5 Cinema Grand. Cosmetically it looks fine. I powered it up and noticed a slight internal hum. Put me on edge.

    This afternoon I put it through some paces, and noticed that even without an input source plugged in, there was severe hum in all channels, some more than others. Moved the amp to multiple outlets, no dice. In my estimation, this is not a ground-loop problem. So, I have to either have it repaired (that should be fun), or send it back for a refund, which sounds like a questionable proposition. Tomorrow I am going to get a quote on repair, then I will make the decision to send it back or not. :frown:
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • vivid2012
    vivid2012 Posts: 6
    edited March 2011
    disneyjoe7 wrote: »
    Reading that put a smile on my face. :smile:

    yup, sounds interesting stuff.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2011
    Did you try a 3 to 2 prong plug just to see if it would work? Always exhaust all lesser expensive fixes first.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited March 2011
    The amp is an older original Sunfire; the cord is not removable and IS a 2-prong cord. I've decided I am going to get it repaired by the shop that fixed the Adcom.

    One thing I may not have mentioned is that the Sunfire DOES work - all channels operate - the problem is that it has unacceptable noise at idle. A major deal-breaker. While testing it, I played a variety of music on Polk R20s (my cheaper bookshelves) and then the LSi15s. I am going to assume that even after the hum is fixed (probably a bad torroidal transformer), I will still get the same tonal quality from the amp that I heard. And unfortunately I have to say I was not pleased with the "synergy". Far too laid back for me. I like brighter sound, and the LSi series speakers are already laid back as it were. Add in the very neutral Sunfire, and I simply am not digging it.

    So the plan is to fix it, sell it, then pick up the Parasound, or perhaps more likely now, pick up the Emotiva XPA5.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited March 2011
    The Sunfire is in the shop for repair.

    But...

    I've had second thoughts about selling it. I never really gave the amp a fair shake. I wanted to test it in a real-world scenario, so I hooked it up completely and wanted to give it a spin, amp noise not withstanding. I wanted to see if the amp was truly laid back as I thought it was.

    I tried a few well-known (to me) blu-rays and DVDs, movies, concerts, and a few CDs. It wasn't too laid back. In fact, it was a step up from running just the receiver, so I've decided to keep it - for now.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2011
    I'd look at an older 5ch amplifier from Parasound before the new Classic series. I'd also suggest B&K be on your short list for used gear in this bracket.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited March 2011
    In your opinion, why HCA series amp before New Classic?
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2011
    I believe it's a better amplifier with a more neutral tone and character. The new series doesn't have the flavor of the older models.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited March 2011
    Coz HCA series was designed by the Parasound Hall of Fame, John Curl where the new Classics Series was not. But most of the newer Halo series are again designed by John Curl.

    So, skip the New Series and pick HCA or the Halo series if you can. But it doesn't mean New Classics is not good or anything. New Classics series may be just as good as any other series.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2011
    John Curl is a consultant and associate designer for Parasound overall, not just HALO.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited March 2011
    Yep, but the HCA series and Halo series amps are the ones designed by John Curl. The new Classics is not. Can you check to validate it? I know you have good relationship with JC. :smile:

    And welcome back, Doro! I thought you were a goner. huh.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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