Parasound Debuts Its ZoneMaster Z-12, Bridgeable, 12-Channel Amplifier For Custom Installation And Home Theatre

12-Mar-01

Parasound, a premier brand of high-end audio/video components, has introduced a powerful and versatile 12-channel amplifier designed to deliver over 50 watts of high quality sound to each of a dozen loudspeakers located throughout a home or business. Pairs of outputs can also be bridged to deliver 100 watts to each of six speakers. The first configuration is ideal for multi-room in-wall and ceiling speakers, and the second is an excellent choice for 6.1 home theatre and multichannel audio.""This is arguably the world's most sophisticated 12-channel amplifier,"" says John Johnsen, Parasound's Director of Sales. ""One look at each of the amplifier sections and you can clearly trace its lineage from the company's high-end power amplifiers. The ergonomics and build quality will make this the must-have product for demanding and practical custom installers. There are cheaper and more expensive 12-channel amplifier products on the market; however, power amplifiers are Parasound's most established core competency. None beats us in our own backyard."" Like all Parasound power amplifiers, the ZoneMaster Z-12 is a durable high-current design with an enormous power supply. Each channel is a version of the companyís highly-regarded audiophile amplifiers with direct-coupled DC servo circuitry. The Z-12's massive 1.2kVA Torroidal transformer and 120,000µF of capacitance supports 24 discrete high speed output transistors with a rated peak current capability of 10 amperes per channel times 12 channels. The Z-12 is unconditionally stable into low impedance loads, while providing the exceptional listening experience and long-term reliability that quality installations demand. The Parasound ZoneMaster Z-12 provides custom audio/video installers with a wide range of options to cover every conceivable contingency. There is a master stereo input bus, plus twelve individual channel inputs. Each channel has its own input assignment switch to select either the master bus left or right channel, a summed left-plus-right channel, or that channel's local input jack. All channels could be used to play the same signal or twelve separate signals, or you could have six stereo pairs playing the same source or six separate sources, or any combination of these. For those who need more channels, there are left and right loop output jacks to daisy-chain one or more Z-12s or other amplifiers.Each of the six pairs of outputs has a dedicated remote enable connection, allowing individual rooms to be turned on or off by remote control. There is also a master automatic power on/off feature that can be triggered by the presence of an audio signal, or a 9_12-volt trigger. Each channel also has a separate level control. The level controls are identified on the rear of the top cover for convenience. There are also 8-ohm/4-ohm switches for added stability with low impedance loads.The Parasound ZoneMaster Z-12 has multiple relay protection, status, temperature, and current overload indicators, a removable IEC AC cord, and gold-plated RCA input jacks. Its gold-plated five-way speaker terminals are staggered to facilitate bare speaker wire hookup without overcrowding.The Z-12 uses a modular design in a standard four rack space chassis. In keeping with its substantial 85-pound weight, front and rear handles are provided to aid installation. Parasound's ZoneMaster Z-12 is currently available with a suggested retail price of $2,000.Visit www.parasound.com for more information.

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