Parasound ZM2 Compact 2 Channel Power Amplifier D class by Pascal

Building on the solid foundations laid by its predecessor the ZM250, the Parasound ZoneMaster ZM2 raises the game with increased power and poise! Depsite its demure footprint, the ZM2 will deliver 120 watts of sonically superior audio quality per channel into 8 Ω and up to 150 watts per channel into a 4 (and yes it's high current design even enables powering loads down to 2 ohm as well).

This power and flexibility is of course bridled with deceptively good fidelity, as can be seen in the ZM2's Class AB input stage plus premium Class D power stage - which is of course the key point of any Parasound product. As with any Parasound product, internal components are 'selected' and chosen for these key principles, they are just not assembled to meet the lowest common denominator of production criteria. Often 'Class D' amplifiers can be overly clinical and to an an extent unmusical - but the ZM2 excels with deep enveloping performance and very adept dynamics more akin to a class AB amplifier, and yet has the benefits (especially within custom installation) of low heat and low power consumption.

The ZM2 also has a very adaptable dedicated sub-woofer output, so that it can be the perfect amp for high quality installs where 2.1 set up's are required. Building upon connectivity for sub-woofers,the ZM2 also has an in built 80Hz low pass filter in bridged mode which means it is ideal for driving in-wall/in-ceiling woofers/passive sub(s). So in effect the ZM2 is a little bit like a 'swiss arny knife' for higher end custom intallation projects, so you can keep everything under one banner effectively - which means that the ZM2 can be called upon at all times to be flexible and yet bullet proof in a host of scenarios.

Another highly adaptable feature is the provision of a mono mode, that combines L and R for single speaker applications. This easily overlooked feature means that it can be used highly effectively in corridors, semi commercial installations where stereo imaging is not beneficial and finally a potential 'get out of jail card' for 'compromised' installations too. The ZM2 also features as a consequnce a full range mono RCA output too, so amps can be stacked together and looped together very simply, and with the best level of interconnectivity.

This continuance of 'real world'  custom installation credentials can be further seen with automatic on/off by 12 V trigger (with loop) and also automatic on/off by audio signal with adjustable sensitivity. Level controls for each channel are rear mounted and the unit has gold-plated RCA input jacks and looping line output jacks. The ZM2 also benefits from a dedicated speaker level input too, which in certain applications can be deftly used, especially with other distributed audio systems where integration with other components is more commonly done with high level signals opposed to pre-amplified ones.

The ZM2 has two dedicated speaker outputs also (A & B), and can accept larger gauge speaker cables to (up to 12 guage) - which inevitably comes in useful for projects with longer runs, or alternately higher quality speaker cables that may require a little bit more real estate. Now it can also be rack mounted too - with the additon of Parasound's rack accessories for the ZoneMaster product line.

So if you are looking for a ultra-flexible but seriously great sounding single zone power amplifier (let alone an amp with such a small physical footprint), and one that can be used for a multitude of high performance custom installation situations, then you cannot look any further than the new Parasound ZM2 - it is a must for any serious custom installation professional and project.

Features:

• 120 watts x2 @ 8 Ω
• 150 watts x2 @ 4 Ω or 2 Ω
• 4 speaker connections (A and B outputs for both channels)
• High current for stable operation at 2 Ohms
• Class AB input stage plus premium Class D power stage
• Audio sensing auto-on trigger
• 12 volt auto-on trigger input
• Looping 12 volt trigger output
• Speaker level input for expanding systems w/out pre out jacks
• Looping output to connect additional amplifiers
• Mono mode combines L and R for single speaker applications
• Separate level controls for both channels
• Detachable speaker connectors accept up to 12 gauge wire
• Short circuit and overheat protection with front panel indicators
• Full Range Mono RCA Output
• 80Hz low pass Mono RCA output (for sub)
• Built in 80Hz low pass filter in bridged mode for driving in-wall/in-ceiling woofers or passive sub(s)
• 0.5 watt standby power consumption meets Energy Star & EU specs
• Compact 1u, 1/2 width chassis size

Specifications:

• Power Output – RMS, Both Channels Driven (20 Hz - 20 kHz): 120 watts x 2 @ 8Ω; 150 watts x 2 @ 4Ω or 2Ω
• Minimum Speaker Impedance: A+B Outputs of a Single Channel - 2 Ω
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0/-0.25 dB; 5 Hz - 50 kHz, +0/-3 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.05 % at typical listening levels; < 1.0% at full power
• Interchannel Crosstalk: 70 dB at 20 kHz
• Total Gain: 29 dB (Level controls set to Maximum)
• S/N Ratio: >112 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
• DC Trigger Requirements: +9 Vdc to +12 Vdc, 5 mA
• Audio Trigger Requirements: 2 mV audio signal
• Low Pass Crossover: 80 Hz, 18 dB per octave
• AC Power Requirement: 300 Watts maximum; 30 Watts typical (music playing); 15 Watts idle (no music playing); 0.5 Watts in standby
• 250V AC / 50Hz