Parasound ZoneMaster 2350 Universal Two-Channel Amplifier - Black

Powerful Two-Channel Amplifier Perfect for CI Applications

Parasound's ZoneMaster 2350 two-channel amplifier is designed from the ground up to be as friendly to custom installations as it is powerful. With 600 watts x 2 available, it will drive any speaker or passive subwoofer with ease. Unique preamp outputs for full-range mono and low-pass mono provide unsurpassed flexibility. A switch engages an analog 30 Hz or 80 Hz high-pass filter to prevent heavy bass from reaching smaller speakers. A built-in analog 80 Hz, 24 dB/octave low-pass filter makes the ZoneMaster 2350 an outstanding amplifier for driving multiple in-wall passive subwoofers without the need for external crossovers.

Speaker Level Input

The Speaker Level Input enables the ZoneMaster 2350 to connect to any audio receiver or stereo system, even if it lacks preamp output jacks. This is a high impedance input, and the ZoneMaster 2350's Speaker Level Input can connect to the speaker terminals on any receiver or amplifier. This will not reduce the output power or degrade the sound quality of the speakers that are already connected directly to the "host" receiver or amplifier.

Speaker level audio is internally converted to line level and routed to the Loop Out, Mono Out and Sub Out jacks. These provide line level outputs to drive additional power amplifiers and powered subwoofers.

Loop Out Jacks

Loop Out Jakcs enable the incoming audio signal to pass along or "daisy chain" from the Line level L and R Input jacks to an additional amplifier. The Speaker Level Input connection is converted to line level and is also available at the Loop Out Jacks. The Loop Out Jacks are not affected by any of the Model 2350 control settings.

Mono Output Jack (Full Range)

The Mono Output Jack combines the Left and Right channel inputs into summed L + R mono. This could be useful for connecting a powered subwoofer that has its own built-in crossover. It could also be used for connecting an additional amplifier in mono applications. The Mono Output Jack is always active, regardless of the setting of the Mode or High Pass switches.

Subwoofer Output Jack (80 Hz Low Pass)

This Subwoofer Output Jack is a low-pass output that combines the left and right inputs into a L + R mono signal. This could be useful for connecting to a separate power amp to drive a passive in-wall subwoofer. The Low Pass crossover is fixed at 80 Hz with a 24 dB per octave slope. The Subwoofer Output Jack is always active, regardless of the setting of the Mode or High Pass switches.

Speaker A and B Outputs

The ZoneMaster 2350 is equipped with connections for two speakers on each channel (labeled A and B). This unique feature gives system designers greater flexibility and can usually avoid the added expense, complexity, heat and power consumption of additional amplifiers. The ability of the ZoneMaster 2350 to drive two pairs of speakers can be attributed to Parasound's 2 ohm stable high current design.

Typical applications for using both Speaker A and B terminals might include a large living room with four ceiling speakers. Another use for the B speakers could be in a sub-zone like a bathroom or hallway that is adjacent to the room where the A speakers are installed.

Total Speaker Impedance (A + B)

The R and L channels are each capable of driving speaker loads as low as 2 ohms. An example of a 2 ohm load is one 4 ohm speaker connected to one channel's speaker output A while another 4 ohm speaker is connected to the same channel's speaker output B. When driving 2 ohm loads the amplifier will generate more heat and it is important to ensure that it has adequate ventilation.

Using ZoneMaster with Passive In-Wall Volume Controls

The ZoneMaster 2350 Level controls are especially useful for rooms that have in-wall passive/autoformer type volume controls. Most wall-mounted volume controls and most speaker selector box volume controls are this type. By reducing the ZoneMaster 2350's maximum output level you reduce the amount of power that has to be absorbed and wasted as heat by the in-wall volume control. Reducing the 2350's maximum output level prevents the volume control from overheating or possibly vibrating from the stress of absorbing extra amplifier power. It avoids wasting amplifier power and reduces distortion.