Parasound Adds Preamp/DAC to NewClassic Line

Parasound has expanded its NewClassic series of two-channel power amplifiers with an analog preamplifier/DAC (digital to analog converter) that embodies a “new generation of affordable high-performance products.”

The heart of the NewClassic 200 Pre ($895) is a versatile analog signal path, which includes analog bass management with both high- and low-pass outputs, an adjustable 20-140-Hz high-pass crossover, and the same home-theater bypass (L/R channels plus two subs) and Burr-Brown DAC used in the recently discontinued Halo P5 preamplifier.

The 200 Pre, which is only 2.5 inches tall, is designed to accommodate a variety of sources with an array of inputs, including moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono inputs; two line inputs; USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs; and a front-panel auxiliary (Aux) input with an automatic 12-dB gain increase intended to improve the sound quality of portable devices.

Convenience and custom installation features include the ability to create presets for turn-on volume and favorite volume, a bi-directional RS232 serial port, and a rear-panel IR input and 12-volt trigger output. Input level matching is provided to ensure all sources play at the same volume regardless of output level, and inputs can named with the names displayed on the preamp’s dimmable front-panel LCD display.

A back-lit remote with controls for L/R balance, bass, treble, subwoofer on/off, and subwoofer level is provided.

For more information, visit parasound.com.

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