Parasound Debuts NewClassic Surround Processor

THX Ultra2 certification, 7.1-channel processing, video upconversion, and a bevy of integration and control features for custom installers

Additional photos at the end of this release.

SAN FRANCISCO (3/2/05) -- Parasound has introduced the Model 7100 surround processor in its NewClassic line of custom installation focused products. The unit is THX Ultra2 certified and delivers state of the art 7.1-channel processing as well as a wide array of control and integration features, all at a cost well below that of comparable models.

"This is an exciting product not only for the audio and home theater enthusiasts we have always built for, but also for custom installers," says Parasound President Richard Schram. "I think we've really raised the bar with this unit, making it better-performing, and easier to install, integrate, and use than any other surround controller in its price league."

The Parasound Model 7100 is capable of switching up to ten audio and video sources, with six analog audio inputs, four coaxial and four optical digital audio inputs, and a 7.1-channel analog input, including bass management. For video, there are six composite, four S-Video, and three component video inputs. All video signals, including the unit's on-screen display, are upconverted to the component video output to simplify connection to video displays.

For the custom installation professional, the Model 7100 includes a wide array of features for integration and control, including a two way RS-232 port for connection with home automation systems and touch-panel controls. There are also two external IR remote control repeater inputs, as well as one fixed and two programmable 12V trigger outputs for control of external equipment such as amplifiers or automated equipment. For control of a second stereo zone, there are both fixed and variable zone out jacks.

Parasound's Model 7100 boasts a powerful 7.1-channel Motorola Symphony 56367-7 DSP engine that supports every major surround sound format currently in use, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES and 96/24. Multichannel and stereo soundtracks are processed for optimum quality with any speaker arrangement using Dolby ProLogic IIx, DTS Neo:6, and the full suite of THX Ultra2 processing modes, including THX Cinema, Music, and Games modes. All Analog to digital and digital to analog conversion is handled by multiple 192kHz/24-bit Wolfson WM8770 codecs, one of the most highly regarded multichannel conversion chips available. For processes better accomplished in the analog domain, such as volume and level trim controls, the 7100 uses superb analog controls that exhibit very low noise and an extremely wide dynamic range.

Bass management on the Model 7100 is accomplished with a patented hybrid of digital and analog circuitry, which optimizes headroom while reducing noise and distortion. This system not only boasts greater flexibility than other designs, it improves bass coherence by reducing the time smearing that occurs when channels with differing delay times are combined into a single subwoofer output. For those so desiring, there is even an "Ebass" setting, which routes bass frequencies to both full range satellite speakers, and to the subwoofer output.

Each individual source component can be designated with any of five fully customizable preset combinations, allowing different processing setups for different sources. Each preset includes adjustments for customized Sub, Center, and Surround channel trim level adjustments as well as bass and treble boost or cut for the front speakers only. Additionally, A/V sync delay, or "lipsync" adjustment can be customized from 0 to 150 ms in precise 1 ms increments to compensate for variations due to external processing and errors introduced by other equipment.

The unit also includes a full-featured backlit universal/learning remote control that is capable of controlling up to six additional devices. The processor is rack mountable in three rack spaces with the optional RMK-33 rack mounting kit.

The Model 7100 features Parasound's 10 years parts, 5 years labor warranty, and is currently available in an attractive black finish at a suggested retail price of $3000.

Founded in 1981, Parasound Products, Inc., is a privately owned U.S. company that specializes in providing affordable audio and home theater components to the critical listener. Parasound's products are available from quality audio/video retailers, and select custom installation specialists. For more information, visit www.parasound.com or call 415-397-7100.

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Model 7100 Specifications

Audio Performance

Frequency Response
     20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 0.1 dB
     20 Hz - 35 kHz, +/- 0.5 dB

Intercahnnel Crosstalk
     -105 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion
     Digital Inputs 0.005%
     Analog Inputs 0.005%

S/N Ratio, A-Weighted
     Digital Inputs 105 dB
     Analog Inputs 100 dB
     7.1 channel Analog Input 103 dB

Maximum Analog Input Level
     2 Volts RMS

Input Impedance
     Coaxial Digital Inputs 75 Ohm
     Analog Inputs 12k Ohm

Maximum Analog Output Level
     Main Outputs 8 Volts RMS
     Record Output 1Volt RMS
     Fixed Zone Output 1Volt RMS

Output Imedance
     Analog Outputs 120 Ohm
     Record Output 120 Ohm

 

Video Performance

Bandwidth
     Component Video 100 MHz, -3 dB
     S-Video 8 MHz, -3 dB
     Composite Video 8 MHz, -3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
     Component Video 80 dB
     S-Video 70 dB
     Composite Video 70 dB

Input Impedance
     All Video Inputs 75 Ohm

 

General Information

Dimensions
     Width: 17-1/4" (437 mm)
     Panel Height: 5-1/4" (133 mm)
     Total Height, with feet: 5=7/8" (150 mm)
     Depth: 16" (406 mm)

Power Requirements
     90 V to 260 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 65 Watts

Net Weight
     18 lb. (8.2 kg)

Shipping Weight
     26 lb. (11.8 kg)