Parasound JCM250 Monoblock Power Amplifier (each)

A 250 W, ultra-high-bias class A and AB amp designed by John Curl.

With circuitry designed by the legendary John Curl, the flagship Parasound Halo JCM250 is a world-class power amp. It offers 5 W of class-A power before switching into class AB operation. A new John Curl driver stage employs a cascode circuit for greater open-loop bandwidth and superior linearity.

The Upscale View

Parasound is one of the industry's low-key, high-return brands. It's not always the first name on a customer's lips, yet is a hugely respected and loved brand by people who work in high-end audio. This isn't just because of the legendary John Curl who is behind most of its top-flight designs, but also because Parasound uses such expensive and solid engineering, yet is able to price its products so reasonably. Parasound is the brand of choice for someone who really knows good sound, but doesn't have the budget for audio jewellery.

The JC series of amps are extra special because they use John Curl's innovative designs that offer elaborate noise control and protection, but are extremely straightforward from the signal's point of view.  The result is dynamic, high power with grace, musicality, detail, and ease. This is extremely difficult to pull off, but John Curl and Parasound have done it. 

Bybee Music Rails Bring Music

Parasound's Bybee Music Rails offer active high-frequency filtration for the input stage. Gain can be set to 29 dB or 23 dB gain for optimum compatibility with high-gain preamps or extremely efficient speakers.

A separate R-core transformer for the input stage suppresses noise on the power line. The direct coupled signal path means no capacitors or inductors get in the way of great sound. The JFET input stage is connected to a MOSFET driver stage. The 42 lb. amp uses a heavy shielded toroidal transformer. Full power is rated all the way down to 2 Hz for unrestricted low-end bass

Features

• DC Servo and relay protection circuits
• AC turn-on inrush surge protection with relay bypass
• Automatic turn-on by 12 V trigger or audio sensing
• 2 rack space chassis with rear carry handles
• Rack mount hardware included

Specifications

Power Output (8, 4, 2 Ohm): 250 W, 450 W, 800 W

Inputs: Stereo RCA, stereo XLR, DC trigger

Input Impedance (Bal., SE): 100 kΩ, 50 kΩ

Gain: 23, 29 dB

Dimensions (WHD): 17.63" x 4.1" x 20" (448 x 104 x 508 mm)

Weight: 42 lb. (19 kg)