JC1+ (Monoblock)

Overview: The JC1+ is Parasound’s flagship monoblock amplifier and represents the absolute summit of their Halo lineup. With 450 watts into 8Ω (850 W into 4Ω) on tap, the JC1+ can effortlessly drive any loudspeaker, including the most demanding high-end tower speakers and subwoofers. In a home theater, a pair of JC1+ amps are typically used for the front left and right channels, where maximum headroom and sonic purity are desired. These amps run in high-bias Class A for the first 25 watts for ultra-linear performance, then Class AB for immense output beyond.

Strengths: As a true reference-grade amplifier, the JC1+ excels in sound purity and dynamics. Total harmonic distortion remains under 0.15% even at full output – an outstanding feat at such high wattages. Reviewers describe its sound as refined yet authoritative, combining delicate treble detail with rock-solid bass control. In large home theaters, JC1+ monoblocks will ensure the main channels never clip or compress, even during explosive action scenes or sweeping orchestral scores. The huge power supply (2.4 kVA transformer) and 180 amp peak current capability give it seemingly limitless dynamic range for blockbuster dynamics.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: Use JC1+ monoblocks for the front left/right speakers in an ultra-high-end home cinema, especially if you have big floorstanding speakers or plan to listen at reference volumes in a large room. They are also ideal for high-fidelity music playback in a combined music/home-theater system – effectively bringing audiophile stereo performance to your theater’s main channels. With their ability to drive speakers down to 2Ω stable, they shine with exotic or hard-to-drive speakers that lesser amps struggle with. In short, JC1+ amps are for home theater owners who demand no compromise – the “pinnacle of Parasound’s engineering” delivering “exceptional performance for the finest loudspeakers”.

JCM250 (Monoblock)

Overview: The JCM250 is a compact yet powerful monoblock amplifier that brings the legendary John Curl design pedigree into a slimmer, more efficient package. Delivering 250 watts into 8Ω (400 W into 4Ω), it offers serious performance in just 2U of rack height – ideal for systems where space, cooling, and integration flexibility matter. It shares the same meticulous circuit design and sonic DNA as Parasound’s larger amps, making it an excellent choice for high-performance home theater builds where you need multiple channels of clean, controlled power without the bulk or heat output of massive Class A/AB designs.

Strengths: Despite its smaller form factor, the JCM250 is a fully discrete, high-bias Class A/AB amplifier designed by the same team behind the JC1+. It delivers impressively low distortion and wide bandwidth for pinpoint imaging, dynamic slam, and tonal clarity across the full frequency spectrum. Reviewers have praised its ability to sound “effortless” and “tight” even when driving complex loads. With its efficient heat management and high power density, the JCM250 is particularly well-suited to dense multi-channel systems where cooling and rack space are at a premium. It’s also exceptionally quiet, with a low noise floor ideal for immersive surround systems.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: Use the JCM250 for surround, height, or even center channel amplification in a reference-grade home theater. Its 2U chassis and lower heat output make it ideal for equipment racks and tight spaces, and its performance rivals larger, more power-hungry amps. For systems needing 5, 7, or 11 channels of high-output performance, the JCM250 allows you to scale without sacrificing fidelity or aesthetics. Paired with JC1+ amps on the mains, it completes a surround array that is both space-conscious and fully uncompromising in sonic character. Whether you're powering Atmos channels or critical dialogue through the center speaker, the JCM250 delivers Parasound-grade excellence with modern efficiency.

JC5 (Stereo Amplifier)

Overview: The Halo JC5 is a stereo amplifier that packages John Curl’s flagship monoblock design into a single chassis. It outputs 400 W x 2 into 8Ω (600 W x 2 into 4Ω) with both channels driven, making it one of the most powerful two-channel amps available for home theaters. The JC5 is essentially two amps in one chassis with a dual-mono topology – often described as “a pair of JC1+ monoblocks on one frame.” It even allows bridging to 1200 W x1 if you ever needed to use it as a mono amp for a special application.  For home theater, the JC5 is typically used to drive the front L/R channels (like the JC1+ would) or to power both the left/right and also a passive sub or additional channel when bridged + one channel, thanks to its flexibility.

Strengths: The JC5 carries the Halo flagship sonic signature: extremely clean, low-distortion power (THD <0.05% at full output and a high bias Class A/AB operation (first 12 watts in Class A). In practical terms, this means the JC5 delivers the same finesse and detail at low volumes as the JC1+, and when the scene demands, it can hit explosive peaks without strain. Its 90-amp peak current per channel and stability into impedance dips >1.5Ω ensure even the toughest speaker loads are driven with ease. Home theater enthusiasts love the JC5 for its ability to present a vast soundstage and tight bass for front channels – dialogue is extremely clear and musical scores have authoritative weight. One reviewer noted that “everything about this 400W amp oozes thoughtfulness and attention to detail”, reflecting its superb engineering.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: The JC5 is perfect for the front left/right in a high-end home theater, especially if you prefer a stereo amp solution over separate monoblocks. It provides reference-level performance for the mains, ensuring pinpoint imaging and dynamics for movies and multi-channel music concerts. It’s also an excellent choice for a dual-purpose system (music + theater) where you want top-tier stereo playback – the JC5 can anchor a 2.0 or 2.1 audiophile setup on its own. Additionally, if someone wanted to upgrade an existing system, a JC5 could replace lesser stereo amps for fronts and yield a significant sonic improvement in clarity and headroom. In summary, the JC5 offers nearly the same strengths as the JC1+ pair, but in a single high-value stereo unit (often cited as “$7.5k for performance rivaling much pricier separates” – indeed, it’s Parasound’s “halo” product in more ways than one).

A21+ (Stereo Amplifier)

Overview: The A21+ is a two-channel Halo amplifier that strikes an excellent balance between high-end performance and price. It’s rated at 300 W x 2 into 8Ω (500 W x 2 into 4Ω), with the ability to bridge to 1000 W x 1 (8Ω) for single-channel applications . The A21+ is the successor to the popular A21, featuring upgrades like 20% more power, a larger power supply, and halved THD at full power (0.1% vs 0.2%). In a home theater, one A21+ can drive the front left/right speakers with ease, or it can be repurposed to drive, say, a pair of passive subwoofers or robust surrounds. It’s a versatile powerhouse in the Halo lineup.

Strengths: As a Halo series amp, the A21+ benefits from Parasound’s premium class A/AB design and John Curl’s circuitry, but at a more attainable price than the JC series. It delivers high current (60A peak per channel and a damping factor >1100, meaning it exerts great control over speaker cones – bass is tight and impactful. Its THD remains below 0.03% at typical listening levels, translating to very transparent and detailed sound across the spectrum. Users and reviewers often comment that the A21+ “punches above its weight,” competing with amplifiers twice its cost. For home theater use, this means your front channels or stereo zones can reach near-reference performance without the cost of the JC5. Audioholics noted that the original A21 was a “top rate amplifier at a great value”; the A21+ only improves on that, with 29% more 8Ω power (300 W vs 250 W) and refined specs.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: The A21+ is ideal for front left/right speakers in a high-performance home theater where the JC5/JC1+ might be out of budget. It provides ample headroom for large tower speakers or inefficient planar speakers. It’s also a superb choice for a dedicated 2-channel audiophile system that doubles as part of a theater (for instance, powering main speakers that you use for stereo music listening as well). Given its bridging capability, a pair of A21+ could even be used as monoblocks (1000 W each) to drive two demanding front speakers or subwoofers. Another use case: if you have a 7.1.4 system, an A21+ could power both front wides or front heights with overkill quality. In short, the A21+ is a workhorse for anyone needing serious power with Halo pedigree, be it for stereo or front-stage theater use.

A23+ (Stereo Amplifier)

Overview: The A23+ is the smaller sibling to the A21+, a compact Halo stereo amp outputting 160 W x 2 at 8Ω (240 W x 2 at 4Ω).  It replaces the older A23, bringing a boost in power (previously 125 W/ch) and performance (lower noise, upgraded components). The A23+ occupies a sweet spot for those who want Halo series sound quality in a more modest power range or form factor. In home theater, the A23+ is often used for less power-hungry channels: e.g. driving surround speakers, height speakers, or moderately sized main speakers in a smaller room. It’s still bridgeable to 500 W x1 @ 8Ω, so it can even serve a high-power mono role (like a center channel amp) if needed.

Strengths: What the A23+ offers is Halo sonic character at a lower cost and size. It features the same John Curl-designed topology, with high-bias Class A/AB operation for the first watts, ensuring sweet and accurate sound even at low levels. Its measured THD is impressively low (≤0.06% at full output) and it can deliver up to 45 amps of peak current per channel – meaning short bursts (explosions, transient peaks in music) are handled without strain. Reviewers note that the A23+ is very transparent and quiet, making it a great amp for revealing surround details or musical nuances. It also runs relatively cool and is rack-mountable in 2U space, which integrators appreciate. Compared to the A21+, the A23+ has about half the output, but its “bang for buck” is high: it delivers ~80% of the big Halo sound for significantly less money, ideal for complementing larger amps in a system.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: In a home theater, the A23+ shines as an amplifier for surround channels or ceiling Atmos channels where you still want high fidelity. For example, you might use an A23+ to power your side and rear surround speakers, ensuring they get clearer power than the internal amps of an AVR would provide. It’s also a good match for smaller main speakers or bookshelf L/R speakers in a secondary media room or bedroom home theater, where the massive power of A21+ would be overkill. Additionally, because it’s bridgeable, one A23+ could drive a single high-demand channel – a common scenario is using a bridged A23+ (500 W) for a center channel speaker to give it extra authority (dialogue clarity), while another A23+ or A21+ handles the left/right. In summary, the A23+ is the “gateway” to Halo performance – a flexible, high-quality amp suited to fill in any gaps in your theater’s amplification needs, especially when space or budget is tighter.

A31 (Three-Channel Amplifier)

Overview: The Halo A31 is a 3-channel amplifier designed to power the critical front soundstage in a home theater: the left, center, and right speakers. It delivers 250 W x 3 into 8Ω (400 W x 3 into 4Ω) all channels driven, which is identical per-channel power to the Halo A51 (5-channel) – essentially, it’s the 3-channel version of that design. The A31 is THX Ultra2 certified , underlining its capability to drive reference levels in large rooms. Physically, it’s a hefty unit (65 lbs) with a massive toroidal transformer dedicated to those three channels. In a high-end home theater, an A31 is commonly paired with a stereo amp (like an A21+ or A23+) to create a 5-channel solution (3 front channels on the A31, plus 2 surrounds on the stereo amp).

Strengths: The A31’s primary strength is delivering equal, abundant power to all three front speakers, which is crucial for a cohesive front soundstage. With lesser multi-channel amps, the center channel can sometimes get less power or headroom, but the A31 ensures your center (dialog) has the same 250–400 W as the mains. This yields crystal-clear dialogue and seamless pans across the front. Its performance specs (THD <0.2% at full power, >1100 damping factor) mirror those of the A51, meaning distortion is vanishingly low and control is superb. Each channel also has adjustable gain pots on the rear a useful feature for balancing levels or matching with other amps – a nod to its THX home cinema intent. Reviewers have noted that the A31 provides “clean, dynamic, and powerful sound for left, center, and right channels”. In practice, this means explosions and musical peaks don’t cause the amp to break a sweat – the front channels remain composed and distortion-free even during loud, complex scenes.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: The Parasound A31 is tailor-made for high-performance home theaters employing separate amplification. Use it to power your front three speakers when you want reference-grade impact and fidelity. It’s especially beneficial if your front speakers are full-range towers or a large center that demands power – the A31 will drive them effortlessly. For instance, if you have an AVR but want to upgrade the front stage, the A31 can take L/C/R pre-outs and do a far superior job than the AVR’s internal amps. Also, in a 7.1 or 7.2 system, the A31 could handle L/C/R, with an A52+ or similar for the surrounds. Because it’s a Halo series amp, it’s also suitable for high-end music listening (e.g., multichannel SACDs or concerts) where you want matching quality across front channels. In summary, the A31’s ideal role is as the powerhouse for your front trio – ensuring the most important speakers in your theater get the premium power and headroom they deserve.

A51 (Five-Channel Amplifier)

Overview: The Halo A51 is Parasound’s 5-channel amplifier, capable of driving an entire surround set. It outputs 250 W x 5 into 8Ω (400 W x 5 into 4Ω) simultaneously , making it one of the most powerful 5-channel home theater amps available. With a massive 2.2 kVA transformer and 164,000 µF of filter capacitance feeding all five channels , the A51 is built to handle the dynamic demands of movie soundtracks without compromise. It’s also THX Ultra2 certified for its 5-channel performance, meaning it met THX’s stringent tests for large-room output and low distortion. In practice, using an A51 means a single component can deliver reference-quality power to every main channel (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R) of a 5.1 system.

Strengths: The key strength of the A51 is uniform high power and fidelity across all channels. This amp doesn’t play favorites – your surround channels get the same robust amplification as your fronts. This is hugely beneficial for modern movie mixes that can have intense effects in any channel (e.g. a flyover sound in a surround speaker will be just as impactful). The A51’s design is basically five independent Halo amps in one chassis, each with discrete circuits and high current capability (60A peak each). Distortion stays under 0.2% at full tilt and noise is extremely low (>112 dB A-weighted S/N), so the sound is clean and free of hiss or strain. Reviews from when the A51 was introduced are glowing – Home Theater Review called it “benchmark level performance” in multi-channel amps. Audioholics noted “freedom from audible noise and distortion...a true winner!”. It even earned an overall 5/5 stars in their evaluation. In use, this translates to effortless playback: the A51 can hit thunderous crescendos or gunfire-laden action scenes and maintain composure, imaging, and detail. Also, like the A31, it has rear gain dials per channel and comes with rack mounting hardware, showing its pro-install readiness.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: The A51 is perfect for a top-tier 5.1 or 5.2 home theater where the listener wants identical high quality for every channel. If you want to upgrade from an AV receiver’s internal amps, the A51 is a one-box solution: feed it the pre-outs for all channels and prepare to be amazed at the improvement in clarity and dynamics. It’s ideal for rooms where you have full-range speakers all around (e.g. large surrounds that need power to shine). In a 7.1 setup, an A51 can still be core: use its five amps for Front L/C/R + two surrounds, and add a smaller amp for the remaining 2 channels. It’s also a great match for 3D audio setups (Atmos/DTS:X) when combined with an additional multi-channel amp – for instance, A51 on the bed layer (floor-level 5 speakers) and a ZoneMaster or A52+ on height speakers. Because all five channels share the same design, the soundfield remains cohesive; pans around the room are smooth and matched. In short, the A51 is for the home theater enthusiast who wants a no-holds-barred 5-channel amplifier to truly do justice to high-end speakers and lossless surround formats.

A52+ (Five-Channel Amplifier)

Overview: The A52+ is another 5-channel amplifier in Parasound’s lineup, effectively the “little brother” to the A51. It provides 180 W x 5 into 8Ω (255 W x 5 into 4Ω) with all channels driven. The A52+ is a newer design (part of the “plus” refresh) that replaced the older A52, bringing more power and a refined circuitry by John Curl. It’s built in a 3U chassis (slightly more compact than the A51’s 4U) and weighs about 20 lbs less, which indicates a slightly smaller power supply – but still a hefty 1.5 kVA transformer and 100,000 µF.  Importantly, the A52+ carries the Halo pedigree, meaning it’s aimed at delivering Halo-level sonics in a multi-channel format but at a more affordable price than the A51. Parasound often suggests the A52+ as an upgrade to receiver amplifiers or for powering additional zones (e.g., Atmos channels or multi-room audio) without sacrificing quality.

Strengths: The A52+’s strengths lie in its efficiency and versatility. It runs a bit cooler and draws less idle power than the A51, thanks to some class AB bias optimizations, making it a friendly choice for tight AV racks or setups where heat is a concern. Despite that, it boasts excellent audio performance: THD is under 0.05% at full output (not far off from the A51’s 0.2% spec, actually better on paper), and signal-to-noise is very high (113 dB). Stereophile’s Kal Rubinson noted the A52+ is rated at 180 Wpc ×5 and found it met or exceeded those specs in his tests. The sound signature is very much Halo – clean, detailed, and dynamic. Owners frequently comment on the soundstage openness and low noise floor, attributing an uplift in clarity when they switch from AV receiver amps to the A52+. Another advantage: each pair of channels in the A52+ can be run in 2-channel mode for more power (it’s specified at 225 W x2 @8Ω if only two channels are driven, or 350 W x2 @4Ω). This means in real-world use, if your content isn’t simultaneously taxing all five channels, the A52+ has some headroom to spare. It’s not THX certified, but it shares so much of the Halo DNA that performance in a real theater environment is extremely close to the A51 – at a lower cost and slightly lower max power.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: The A52+ is ideal for mid-to-large home theaters where you need five channels of high-quality amplification but perhaps don’t need the absolute max power of the A51. For example, if your speakers are moderately efficient or your room is not cavernous, the A52+’s 180 W/ch will drive them to reference levels. It’s a great choice to upgrade an AVR: you can use the A52+ to power all five ear-level speakers in a 5.1 setup (or five of seven in a 7.1) and instantly improve control and detail. It’s also often recommended for Atmos setups – e.g., use an A52+ to power four height speakers and one additional zone speaker, or the five bed channels while the AVR handles heights. The slightly lower weight and heat output make it easier to integrate into existing media cabinets without special cooling. Additionally, consider the A52+ for multi-purpose media rooms: if you’re doing both music and movies, it will give you Halo-level musicality across all channels (multi-channel audio playback for concerts or multi-channel SACDs can benefit from identical amps on all speakers). In summary, the A52+ is the go-to for those who want a high-performance 5-channel amp with a bit more efficiency and value – it’s very much a “halo” product in its own right, often earning praise for delivering 90% of the A51’s performance at a significantly lower cost.

NewClassic 2250 v.2 (Stereo Power Amplifier)

Overview: The NewClassic 2250 v.2 is a 2-channel power amplifier known for its high power and ruggedness at a relatively affordable price point. It outputs a substantial 275 W x 2 into 8Ω, 400 W x 2 into 4Ω (all channels driven), and can even be bridged to 750 W x 1 (into 8 or 4Ω) for mono use. As part of Parasound’s NewClassic series, it’s built with Class AB topology but with an emphasis on value – you get a lot of watts per dollar here. It features conveniences for both hi-fi and custom install: A/B speaker outputs with front-panel switching, auto turn-on triggers, and a manageable 3U chassis size. In home theater terms, the 2250 v2 is often used to drive a pair of main speakers or subwoofers on a budget, or to bolster an AVR by handling the front channels.

Strengths: Sheer power-per-dollar is the 2250 v2’s biggest strength. Few amplifiers in this price class (~$1.5k) provide this level of continuous power. It’s also stable to 2Ω operation (with a rear switch to optimize the power supply for 2–3Ω loads), which means it can drive difficult speaker pairs or multiple speakers (you could run two pairs of speakers via A/B outputs and still have plenty of current). The 2250 v2 is THX Ultra2 certified , reassuring that it meets cinema standards in output and low distortion – Parasound quotes <0.2% THD at full rated output and a very low 0.015% THD at “average” listening levels, which indicates it’s quite clean for normal use. Sonically, while it may not have the absolute finesse of the Halo amps, it inherits a lot of Parasound’s signature sound: neutral, strong bass, and smooth highs. Many users are surprised at how little sonic compromise there is; some pair it with high-end speakers and report excellent results, getting performance close to amps costing much more. Additionally, the 2250 v2’s features like the dual speaker outputs can be a strength: for example, you could power both an indoor and outdoor pair of speakers (and switch off the outdoor pair when not in use), or bi-wire/bi-amp speakers without extra amps.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: In a home theater, the 2250 v2 is a great choice for front left/right speakers if you’re budget-conscious but still need big power. For instance, if you have large tower speakers or electrostatics that your AV receiver can’t drive well, adding the 2250 v2 to drive those will be a night-and-day improvement in dynamics. It’s also ideal for bass applications: its bridge mode delivering 750 W can handily drive a passive subwoofer or tactile transducer (like a ButtKicker) in your theater. If you have an older 5-channel amp but want more juice for the main channels, you can add the 2250 v2 for L/R and let the existing amp focus on center/surrounds. Outside of theaters, it’s robust enough for multi-room audio setups (two zones via A and B outputs). Essentially, the 2250 v2 is the go-to “muscle amp” when budget is a factor – it gives you confidence that no matter what speakers or content, you won’t run out of power.

NewClassic 2125 v.2 (Stereo Power Amplifier)

Overview: The NewClassic 2125 v.2 is a 125 W x 2 (8Ω) stereo amplifier (225 W x 2 into 4Ω) and is one of Parasound’s most popular entry-level amps. In the v.2 iteration, it received some updates in circuitry and features (compared to the original 2125) while maintaining its solid power output. Like its bigger brother (2250), the 2125 can also be bridged, delivering ~400 W x1 into 8Ω – an impressive capability for its class. It’s a 2U high unit with similar amenities: A/B speaker outputs, auto turn-on, level adjustments, etc. In a theater context, the 2125 v2 might be used to drive a pair of less demanding speakers (e.g., surrounds or height channels) or to add amplification to a zone or secondary room. It’s also a natural choice to drive a single high-power channel when bridged, like a center speaker or passive sub, if you don’t need the full brute force of the 2250.

Strengths: The 2125 v2 offers a great combination of affordability and respectable power. At ~125 W/ch, it’s stronger than most AV receiver internal amps, and Parasound’s ratings are conservative – independent tests have seen it approach 150 W into 8Ω before clipping at 0.25% THD.  Its THD at rated output is very low (0.03%), indicating clean amplification suitable for hi-fi music or theater use. One standout spec is the signal-to-noise ratio: >112 dB A-weighted, on par with far more expensive amps, so the background is very quiet (no hum or hiss). Sonically, users describe the 2125 v2 as neutral and punchy, with more warmth and body than typical budget amps. It also shares the NewClassic traits of reliability and flexibility: it has a high-current toroidal transformer to handle low-impedance loads, two-stage turn-on sensitivity for auto audio-sensing, and a crossover switch (20 Hz or 40 Hz high-pass filter) to protect smaller speakers if needed.  All these make it easy to integrate and operate in various setups.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: In a home theater, the 2125 v2 is a great pick for surround or ceiling speakers that you want to power externally for better sound. For example, if your AVR has 11-channel processing but only 9 amplified channels, you could use a 2125 v2 to power the rear surrounds or top rear Atmos speakers. It’s also useful for a dedicated center channel amplifier: bridged to 400 W, it can give your center speaker (which handles the bulk of dialogue and vocals) a serious boost in headroom and clarity. If you’re doing a separates-based theater on a tight budget, you might use one 2125 for L/R and another 2125 for surrounds, etc., building up as needed. Additionally, the 2125 v2 is popular for zone 2 or 3 audio: e.g., powering patio speakers or multi-room in-ceiling speakers (the A/B outputs can drive two pairs). In summary, the 2125 v2 is the workhorse amp that can fill many roles – it’s powerful enough for most speakers, yet affordable enough to use in multiples. Whether you need a bit more juice for part of your theater or a reliable amp for secondary speakers, the 2125 v2 delivers clean, ample power without breaking the bank.

NewClassic 275 v.2 (Compact Stereo Amplifier)

Overview: The NewClassic 275 v.2 is the smallest stereo amp Parasound makes, offering 90 W x 2 into 8Ω (150 W x 2 into 4Ω) in a slim 1U, half-rack width chassis.  Despite its compact size, it’s feature-packed: it has the same A/B speaker outputs, auto-on triggers, and even a bridging option (yielding ~200 W x1) similar to its bigger siblings. The 275 v2 is essentially aimed at those needing a quality amplifier in a tight space or for ancillary channels. It’s 2-ohm stable as well (with a load selector), which is quite unusual for such a small amp – this means it can drive two pairs of 8Ω speakers simultaneously or handle tough impedance dips.

Strengths: The primary strength of the 275 v2 is its combination of size and performance. It’s very compact and cool-running (designed for high efficiency), yet it doesn’t skimp much on audio specs. At typical listening levels, THD is just 0.025%  – extremely low – and even at full power it stays around 0.3% which is respectable. The frequency response is wide (up to 100 kHz) and noise is low (110 dB S/N A-weighted). So one can expect the same Parasound signature of clean, stable sound. A notable feature: like other NewClassics, it has a switchable high-pass filter (80 Hz, which is great if you’re driving satellite speakers and offloading bass to a sub. This little amp is known to be very reliable – many are used in commercial AV installations for years continuously. For home use, that means you can trust it hidden in a cabinet or tucked behind a TV. Reviewers (such as in Dagogo) have pointed out that the 275 v2 “with 90 watts per channel...should be enough to drive most speakers” in typical listening scenarios, highlighting that it doesn’t sound anemic at all.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: The 275 v2 is ideal for secondary or supplemental channels in a home theater. For instance, if you have a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos setup and you need an amp for the four height speakers, two 275 v2 units could power all four heights (each amp in stereo mode for two speakers, or one in stereo and one bridged if one channel needs more power). Because it’s small, you could even place it near the height speakers if running long speaker cable runs is an issue. It’s also perfect for a zone 2 amplifier to drive a pair of speakers in another room or outdoors – its half-rack width means two of them can sit side by side on a shelf, each handling a different zone, for example. Additionally, if someone has a media room with a TV and wants better sound than a soundbar, a 275 v2 paired with a small preamp (or using the Zone2 pre-outs of an AVR) can power in-wall or bookshelf speakers discreetly. Basically, the 275 v2 excels wherever you need a space-saving amp that still delivers true hi-fi power. It’s not meant to drive giant front speakers in a big theater, but it’s absolutely perfect for the “surrounds and zones” duties – it brings Parasound quality to those channels without overkill or overspending.

ZoneMaster ZM4 (4-Channel / 2-Zone Amplifier)

Overview: The ZoneMaster ZM4 is a unique 4-channel amplifier (two zones of 2 channels each) primarily designed for custom installation and multi-room audio, but it has clever applications in home theater as well. It provides 120 W x4 into 8Ω, 150 W x4 into 4Ω all channels driven. The ZM4 is essentially two stereo amps in one box, each stereo pair is a “zone” with its own inputs and outputs. Each zone can drive two sets of speakers (A & B), meaning up to 8 speakers total, and can be configured for stereo or mono output per zone.  Internally, it uses a Class AB input stage and a Class D output stage (a hybrid BASH design), which yields high efficiency without sacrificing sound quality at this power level. For home theaters, the ZM4 can be a great solution to power four height speakers or four surround speakers from one unit, or to run two stereo zones (like a second zone audio plus a third zone).

Strengths: The ZM4’s big strength is flexibility and channel density. In one 1U-high component, you get four channels that can be deployed in various ways. For Atmos/DTS:X setups, that’s gold – you could power all your ceiling speakers with one ZM4, and even have the option to daisy-chain more via its loop outputs or use the A/B outputs to double up speakers if you have wide dispersion needs. Its auto turn-on capabilities are very granular: each zone can auto-sense audio or respond to a 12V trigger independently, or you can trigger all zones together, which is installer-friendly. Performance-wise, it may be Class D powered, but Parasound tuned it for full-range performance (20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.25 dB) and low distortion (0.05% THD).  So the audio quality is surprisingly high – certainly far above most in-wall multi-channel amps. The ability to handle 2Ω loads means you could connect multiple speakers on each channel (e.g., two 8Ω speakers in parallel on one output) – useful for running lots of small speakers in a large space or switching configurations. Another subtle strength: it has a built-in 80 Hz low-pass filter option on the mono mode, intended to drive passive subwoofers directly if needed (so one zone could act as a sub amp while the other zone does full-range, for instance).

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: In a home theater context, the ZM4 is ideal for powering Atmos height speakers or surround back speakers in systems where you have more than 7 channels. For example, a 7.1.4 system could use a ZM4 to handle all four “.4” height channels – one zone for top front L/R, another for top rear L/R. This simplifies wiring and ensures all those speakers get equal power. Similarly, if you have a big 7.1 or 7.2.4 system, you might use ZM4 for the four ceiling speakers and perhaps reassign the second zone to power a pair of wide speakers or even shaker transducers (with the low-pass filter engaged). Outside the theater, the ZM4 can concurrently serve the theater and elsewhere: imagine running your 5.1 main system on other amps, and using one ZM4 zone to power Zone 2 (say, patio speakers) and the other zone to power Zone 3 (kitchen speakers). It truly shines in distributed audio scenarios. In essence, use the ZM4 when you need multiple channels of good power in a compact, efficient package – it’s a Swiss army knife for amplifying additional channels without clutter. Home theater owners with advanced setups will appreciate that it can quietly take care of all the “extra” speakers (surrounds/heights/zones) so that your main amps can focus on the primary channels. The result is an elegantly powered system with consistent quality throughout.

ZoneMaster ZM2 (2-Channel / 1-Zone Amplifier)

Overview: The ZoneMaster ZM2 is a 2-channel amplifier (one zone) that condenses a lot of the ZM4’s versatility into a smaller form for two channels. It outputs 120 W x 2 into 8Ω, 150 W x 2 into 4Ω (and 2Ω, and like the ZM4, it uses Parasound’s hybrid Class A/D design to stay efficient. The ZM2 specifically is half the width of a rack (8.5”), and two can be rack-mounted side by side in 1U – meaning it’s extremely compact for what it does. It offers A/B speaker outputs (4 outputs total for the zone), so you can drive two pairs of speakers and even switch between stereo or a summed mono mode for that zone.   Additionally, it has handy features like a 80 Hz low-pass filter for a sub and dual mono RCA outputs (full-range and low-passed) to integrate a subwoofer. Essentially, the ZM2 is the custom installer’s dream for powering either one stereo zone or a couple of speakers in flexible ways.

Strengths: The ZM2’s strengths are similar to the ZM4’s – versatility, size, and surprising power. It’s astonishingly small for a 120 W/ch amp; you could literally place it behind a flatscreen TV or in a cabinet where space is at a premium. Yet it doesn’t compromise on audio: with THD at or below 0.05% at normal levels, it delivers audiophile-grade clarity. It’s 2-ohm stable, which means if you connect both A and B outputs (four speakers total) in stereo, it can handle that load (each channel “sees” 4Ω if two 8Ω speakers are on A and B). The independent level controls for each channel let you balance speakers in different rooms or match levels if needed. One strength particularly for theater: its mono mode with low-pass filter – you could use the ZM2 to power two in-wall passive subwoofers, for example, by setting it to mono and engaging the 80 Hz low-pass on the speaker outputs. The auto-on is also convenient – it can wake on a 12V trigger or audio signal, meaning you can hide it away and not worry about turning it on each time. Sound-wise, while not a Halo amp, it shares Parasound’s sonic neutrality and drive. As one might say, it’s a “big amp in a small suit” – providing the grunt needed for decent sized speakers (and lots of headroom for small ones) in places you wouldn’t imagine an amp could fit.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: For home theater, the ZM2 is great when you have one or two extra channels to power and limited space. Example: If you added front wide speakers to a 7.1 system for a 9.1 setup, a single ZM2 could drive those two wides. Or if you have an older AV receiver that supports 7 channels but you want to add 2 height speakers for Atmos, the ZM2 can power those heights without taking up much space. Another ideal use is as a dedicated amplifier for a zone or pair of speakers in another area: maybe your theater AVR has Zone 2 pre-outs – the ZM2 can amplify the Zone 2 speakers on the patio or bedroom. Also, as mentioned, it can serve as a compact subwoofer amp for passive subs or bass shakers thanks to its mono-summing and filtering options. Car enthusiasts even sometimes use ZM2s in showrooms or simulators to drive multiple small transducers or speakers. In essence, use the ZM2 whenever you have a small set of speakers that need quality power and you don’t want a full-size component. It’s highly reliable, so you can tuck it away and let it do its job. In a modern object-based theater with many channels, a ZM2 is an unsung hero to cover the odd channels (like that extra pair of Atmos heights or surround backs beyond 7.1) with Parasound-quality amplification.

Zamp v3 (Z-Series Compact Stereo Amplifier)

Overview: The Zamp v3 is a compact stereo amplifier from Parasound’s half-width Z-Series, which are mini components designed for tight spaces and small systems. The Zamp v3 provides 45 W x 2 into 8Ω (60 W x 2 into 4Ω)  and can be bridged to ~90 W x 1 (8Ω) for mono use.  It’s housed in a half-rack chassis similar to the ZM2, but it’s a more traditional Class AB amp (fully discrete circuitry) with a linear power supply. It even includes a front-panel headphone jack, making it double as a little headphone amp. While the Zamp v3 is the smallest amp in Parasound’s lineup, it’s quite popular for what it offers. In home theater scenarios, a Zamp can be used to drive a zone of audio, a pair of smaller speakers, or maybe some effect channels where only modest power is needed.

Strengths: The ultra-compact size and build quality are major strengths. The Zamp v3 is sometimes affectionately called a “baby Parasound,” but it’s built with the same care: it has a toroidal transformer, fully discrete transistors, and even hefty 5-way binding posts – all the hallmarks of bigger amps. Its measured performance is impressive: <0.07% THD at full power and <0.02% at typical levels , and a frequency response up to 100 kHz indicating hi-fi sound. It’s essentially noise-free at idle (116 dB S/N A-weighted). So, despite being small, it’s sonically transparent and capable. One strength is its inclusion of both a headphone output and looping RCA outputs, allowing it to fit in a desktop or small-room system and pass the signal on to another amp or sub. It also has a 12V trigger and audio sense turn-on, which is rare in such a small amp – meaning you can automate it in a custom install or hideaway use. Many users and even critics have lauded the Zamp v3’s sound quality relative to size; it’s not uncommon to see it driving fairly high-end small speakers in nearfield listening because it has a very sweet and balanced output. A review quote even mentioned it “is hardly a newcomer, but it’s very feisty... I was really taken by its sound quality and ability to drive lower-efficiency speakers... a stellar bargain”. In other words, it’s considered a bit of an overachiever.

Home Theater / Big Screen Use Cases: The Zamp v3 is perfect for small-scale applications in the home theater context. If you have a dedicated theater rack, maybe not – but think about a scenario: you have a bedroom TV and want better sound with in-ceiling speakers; a Zamp v3 could power those two speakers easily and fit in a bedside cabinet or closet. Or perhaps you have a pair of surround speakers in a secondary media area that your main system’s amps don’t reach – the Zamp can take a zone output and drive those. It’s also ideal for desktop or gaming setups: connect it to your PC or game console’s audio output and drive a couple of bookshelf speakers for a mini-theater experience at your desk. Audiophiles also use Zamps for driving nearfield monitors when they want that Parasound clarity in a small office or studio. Additionally, since it can bridge to 90 W, it could power a single channel like a center speaker in a pinch (for example, if your AVR’s center channel amp died, a Zamp could stand in). It’s not intended to fill a large room or drive big towers, but at moderate volumes it actually sounds as full-bodied as larger amps. In summary, the Zamp v3 finds its niche anywhere you need “just a little amp”: maybe to complete a 7.2.4 setup’s last two channels without buying another big amp, or to run a pair of zone speakers quietly and efficiently. It delivers genuine Parasound hi-fi DNA in a form factor that can literally sit on a bookshelf – making high-quality amplification accessible almost anywhere you need it.