Parasound introduces “most affordable” integrated amp with built-in DAC

Parasound says it has turned its most-affordable preamplifier and DAC design into its most-affordable integrated amplifier and DAC with the addition of a 110-watt per channel power amplifier stage. The NewClassic 200 Integrated Amplifier and DAC has the same preamp features as the NewClassic 200 Pre, plus the ability to drive loudspeakers without needing a separate power amplifier. Like the 200 Pre, the 200 Integrated includes analog bass management for optimal performance with compact satellite speakers and a powered subwoofer.

The amplifier stage comes from Danish company Pascal which specializes in class D engineering and allows Parasound to cram the “hefty” 110 watts/channel RMS 8 ohms into the slim 1U chassis. Parasound claims its legacy of building full-featured preamplifiers ensures signal integrity by avoiding analog-to-digital conversion for volume control, and special functions such as bass management, high pass and low pass crossovers.

“Integrated amplifiers with a DAC have replaced the venerable stereo receiver as the entry-level system anchor for serious music lovers,” said Richard Schram, the President and CEO of Parasound. “The NewClassic 200 Integrated gives budget-minded audiophiles an affordable, sensible pathway to a higher-end system. For just $300 above the cost of the preamp-only version customers will have a system with great power amplification and outstanding preamp features. The inclusion of preamp outputs allows for the flexibility of adding a separate power amp in the future.

The 200 Pre and 200 Integrated include a MM/MC phono stage, two RCA line-level inputs, digital inputs for USB, coax, and optical sources. There is a home theater bypass for L, R and two subs, plus a front-panel aux line-level input with an automatic 12 dB gain increase to improve sound quality for portable devices. Furthermore, Burr-Brown DACs have been chosen for their “musicality and reputation.”

Custom installation features include presets for both turn-on volume and favorite volume, a bi-directional RS232 serial port with Control4 drivers, rear panel IR repeater input, and a 12V trigger output. A Bypass input enables a direct connection to the amplifier stage to allow integration with surround sound systems or for connecting a streaming device with its own volume control (such as the Sonos Connect).

The Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated amplifier and DAC will be available in early Summer with an MSRP of $1,195.

 

 

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

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