Parasound NewClassic Model 2125 v.2 Two-Channel Power Amplifier

New v.2 Version of a Critically Acclaimed Classic

Parasound's NewClassic Model 2125 power amplifier just received an update. It's been reborn as the NewClassic Model 2125 v.2. See below for the lowdown on all of the great new features.

Parasound's NewClassic Model 2125 has been one of the company's most popular two-channel power amplifier. Its winning combination of power, features, build quality, and affordability make it a must-have for all but the most demanding systems. And the THX Ultra2 certification means that it meets the highest performance standards for convincing reproduction of movie soundtracks.

New Version v.2 Features

This is the new v.2 version offers several new features for enhanced performance and convenience. First is a new A/B speaker button lockout switch on the rear panel. When this switch is set to Lockout, the front panel A and B buttons are disabled and speakers A and B will always be on. This can be particularly useful for a professional audio installer who never intends for the client to use the front panel buttons.

The new ultra-sensitive two-position audio trigger allowed Parasound to eliminate the audio trigger sensitivity knob. A 'Quieter' setting will automatically turn on the amp at a very low volume. If this isn't sensitive enough for your system needs, you can also use the 'Louder' setting.

The 12 volt trigger jacks change from 2.5mm to 3.5mm. The standard for 12 volt triggers in the audio world has become the 3.5mm size and all new Parasound products will change to use this larger size.

Here's one more change to the rear panel. The ground lift switch has been removed. Changes to the internal grounding of the amps make this switch unnecessary.

To conserve energy and meet Energy Star and EU power consumption requirement NewClassic amps only require 0.5 watts in standby.

Updated front and rear cosmetics give the v.2 amps a fresh new look. The front panel has been updated with rounded corners, a new display lens, and updated silk screening. The rear panel has updated silk screening making it easier to read and understand the functions.

There's also a power specification increase. The original versions of the NewClassic amps were underrated. With the v.2 amps, Parasound has changed the specification to match the actual capability of each amp. There is an average rating increase of 10-15%. Both version 1 and v.2 amps have the same power and there are no changes to the audio circuits.

Advanced Design

With its advanced and extremely efficient low-heat design, the NewClassic Model 2125 v2 runs cooler than previous Parasound Classic series models, making it ideal for rack or cabinet mounting. The newly designed power supply delivers all the voltage you need for transient peaks in musical programs and stunningly realistic special effects.

"The NewClassics make a fine upgrade for those wanting to ditch their mass-market receivers and step in to the world of hi-fi separates," writes Clarke Robinson in his November 2007 review of the Parasound Model 2100 preamp and Model 2125 power amp for EnjoyTheMusic.com. "I am very easily excited by the music they produce. For that they get my recommendation."

High-Resolution Power On Demand

The Model 2125 v2 delivers the high-resolution power you need for big entertainment. It offers 150-watt-per-channel output at 8 ohms and 225 watts at 4 ohms. It will also deliver a huge 400 watts into 8 ohms or 4 ohms in bridged mono mode. And it boasts 35 amps of peak current per channel for superior resolution of demanding musical peaks. The sound quality is pure Parasound pleasure, of course.

Fully Discrete Circuitry

Fully discrete circuitry with a large toroidal transformer keeps the noise floor exceptionally low and the musical signal pure. The 'Class AB' circuitry provides efficient operation with less heat output than pure 'Class A' for the highest degree of reliability with DC servo and relay protection circuitry. Standby, channel status, and high temperature indicators keep you informed of the operation status.

Ideal for Custom Installations

The NewClassic amplifiers have several features that make them ideal for custom installation. These include automatic switch on and off when the amplifier detects the presence or absence of an audio signal. It can also switch on and off via its DC trigger with looping output. The soft touch power buttons glow in standby mode.

The Model 2125 v2 can drive and select two speaker pairs (or two mono bridged speakers) with two pairs of speaker terminals and speaker select buttons with relay switching.

Other features include handy rear-panel gain controls, gold-plated RCA input jacks and loop output jacks, and heavy-duty 24K gold-plated five-way speaker terminals.

New v.2 Features

• New A/B speaker button lockout switch (on the rear panel)
• New ultra-sensitive two-position audio trigger (the old audio trigger sensitivity knob is no longer needed)
• 12 volt trigger jacks change from 2.5mm to 3.5mm
• 0.5 watt power consumption in standby
• Updated front and rear cosmetics
• Power Specification increase
• Internal grounding of the amp allowed Parasound to remove the ground lift switch

• Two-channel THX Ultra2 Certified power amplifier
• 150 watts-per-channel into 8 ohms, both channels driven
• 225 watts-per-channel into 4 ohms, both channels driven
• 225 watts-per-channel into 2 ohms, both channels driven
• 400 watts bridged into 8 ohms mono or 4 ohms mono
• 35 amps peak current per channel
• Impedance selector switch for 2W operation
• Bridging switch for stereo or mono operation
• A/B speaker terminals with individual on / off
• 18 dB / octave high-pass filter, switchable 20 Hz or 40 Hz
• Fully discrete circuitry with toroid transfer
• Efficient, low heat design
• DC servo and relay protection circuits
• Automatic on/off by DC trigger with looping output
• Automatic on/off by audio signal
• Gold-plated RCA input jacks, loop output jacks
• Heavy duty 24K gold-plated five-way speaker terminals
• Rear-mounted gain controls
• 115 V / 230 V selector on rear panel
• Standby, channel status, high temperature indicators

Power Output – (RMS power, 20 Hz – 20 kHz), All Channels Driven

• 150 watts x 2, 8Ω
• 225 watts x 2, 4Ω
• 225 watts x 2, 2Ω (Load switch set to 2-3Ω)

• 400 watts x 1, 8Ω
• 400 watts x 1, 4Ω (Load switch set to 2-3Ω)

• 35 amps peak per channel

• 20 Hz - 50 kHz, +0/-3 dB, 1 watt

• 1.3 dB

• 0.25% at full rated output
• 0.015% at average listening levels

• 0.05 %

• Not measurable

• 114 dB at rated output, IHF A-weighted 106 dB at rated output, unweighted ,li.93 dB at 2.828 V output, IHF A-weighted 84 dB at 2.828 V output, unweighted

• 33 k Ω

• 1 V in for 28.28 V out, THX standard

• 85 dB @1 kHz, 73 dB @10 kHz
• 67 dB @ 20kHz

• Over 150 at 20Hz

• DC 9 – 12V, 15 mA

• Quieter: 1 mV
• Louder: 6 mV

• 110 - 120 V / 220 -240 V, 50 - 60 Hz 0.5 watts standby
• 32 watts Idle (no audio)
• 550 watts full output

• 171⁄4" Wide
• 16" Deep, with cables connected
• 4.25" High with feet, 3.5‖ panel only (2U)

• 27 lb.