Parasound Stereo Amplifier 5250 V2 User Manual

Model 5250 v.2  
Five Channel Amplifier  
 
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Introduction .  
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2
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4
8
9
AC Voltage.  
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Ventilation Requirements .  
Rack Mounting .  
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Rear Panel Connections and Controls .  
Front Panel buttons and display .  
Typical Problems and Remedies.  
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If You Require Assistance.  
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. 10  
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11  
Warranty Repair .  
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Specifications.  
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2
INTRODUCTION  
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of this precision Parasound audio component.  
The Parasound Model 5250 v.2 is the latest generation of popular and proven audio power  
amplifiers dating back to 1981. It has been designed for a wide variety of applications, establishing  
a new standard for audio performance, user-friendliness and utility in custom installations.  
The versatility of the Model 5250 v.2 allows many connection and configuration options, so  
please be sure to read this manual thoroughly before you begin installation  
Unpacking  
Carefully unpack your Model 5250 v.2 and these accessories:  
Detachable AC power cord  
Trigger wire with a 3.5 mm mini plug at each end  
Please inspect the unit now and contact your Parasound Dealer promptly if you see evidence  
of shipping damage. Save the carton and packing inserts in case you move or in the event you  
need to ship your amplifier for repair. Before you proceed, locate the serial number on the rear  
panel or underside of the unit and record it here for future reference:  
OWNERSHIP REFERENCE INFORMATION  
Parasound Serial Number:  
Date of Purchase:  
Name of Dealer:  
Dealer Street Address:  
Dealer Phone:  
/
/
(
)
-
 
3
AC VOLTAgE, INSTALLATION AND RACk MOUNTINg  
115v – 230v AC Voltage  
110–120V is the typical AC voltage in North America; most other countries supply 220–240V.  
The 5250 v.2 is internally wired for either 115V or 230V, according to where you purchased it  
and the voltage that is marked on its carton. If you plug a unit that is wired for 115V into a 230V  
outlet it can damage it.  
Note: Only a qualified repair technician should make AC voltage conversions.  
For your own safety, please do not attempt this yourself!  
Installation and Ventilation Requirements  
Install your Model 5250 v.2 away from heat sources such as heating ducts, radiators, or other  
heat producing components. Always position it horizontally.  
Observe the following ventilation guidelines when installing the Model 5250 v.2 in an  
equipment rack or any other enclosed space:  
You should never install the Model 5250 v.2 in an unventilated equipment cabinet or compartment  
because hot air will not exhaust adequately to prevent overheating. Air won’t often circulate  
adequately in a cabinet or enclosure whose front and back sides are open; pockets of intense  
heat can still develop around any heat-producing equipment. Therefore, a ventilation fan is highly  
recommended. Allow a few inches of empty space on each side and above the unit and try to  
avoid crowding or stacking the Model 5250 v.2 tightly between other components. A ventilation  
fan is also recommended where other equipment must be mounted close to the Model 5250 v.2.  
Do not place the unit on carpeting or any other material that could obstruct air flow into the  
ventilation holes in its chassis bottom.  
Rack Mounting  
The Model 5250 v.2 occupies four rack spaces in a standard 19” equipment rack.  
For rack mounting, you must use the Parasound RMK44 rack mounting kit (purchased separately).  
We recommend that you use the 8 insulated shoulder washers with the four mounting bolts  
which are included with the RMK44. This eliminates metal-to-metal contact between the Model  
5250 v.2 chassis, the equipment rack, and the other components in the rack. Position these  
washers on both sides so they “sandwich” the front panel before the mounting bolts are  
screwed into the rack rail.  
 
4
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS  
Connection Precautions  
Disconnect the AC cord before making or changing any input, trigger, or speaker wire connections.  
Make sure there is no strain or tension on any wires that could cause them to pull loose  
Audio In Jacks  
Connect the cables from your preamplifier or multi-room controller’s output jacks to the Model  
5250 v.2’s channel 1–5 audio Input jacks.  
We suggest using channels 1 and 2 for your left front (L) and right front (R) channels. This will  
assure correct operation of the Turn On Options audio sensing, should you choose to use it.  
Here is why:  
When you listen to a stereo source your surround controller will have audio signals only at its  
left and right channel output jacks. The other channels won’t receive an audio signal for the  
Turn On Options circuit to sense.  
Even if you always listen in a surround mode, the sub, center and surround channel sound  
levels aren’t high enough, on a consistent basis, for the Turn On Options audio sensing.  
5.1 Channel Connections  
We recommend these connections:  
5250 v.2 Input jack  
Connects to Surround Controller’s Output:  
5250 v.2 Speaker Terminal  
Connects to:  
Channel 1 Left or L channel  
Left front speaker  
Right front speaker  
Center speaker  
Channel 2 Right or R channel  
Channel 3 Center, or Ctr channel  
Channel 4 RS or Right surround channel  
Right surround speaker  
Channel 5 LS or Left Surround channel  
Left surround speaker  
 
5
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued  
gain Control knobs for Channels 1–5  
The Gain control knobs should be left at the 12 o’clock Normal setting for most applications.  
When a Gain control knob is set to Normal the gain for that channel is 29. This is the THX  
Ultra2 Reference level where 1V input = 28.28V output. 28.28V driving an 8 speaker = 100  
watts. If you are unsure where to set the Gain control knobs it is best to start with them in the  
Normal position and only change them if needed as described below.  
When to Set the gain Control knobs Above or Below Normal  
You can increase loudness by turning the Gain control knobs clockwise if your system will not  
play loud enough with the Gain control knobs set at Normal. This could be the case if your  
5125 v.2 is driven from the pre-out jacks on many AV receivers. We recommend advancing the  
gain as little as possible past Normal. As you increase gain settings you increase the chance of  
hearing a “hiss” sound from your speakers. You also run the risk of damaging your speakers  
(not to mention your hearing) if the volume level is too high.  
The primary reason to reduce the gain would be if your speaker efficiency is extremely high and  
your listening position is close to your speakers. Reducing the gain would reduce audible “hiss”  
from your speakers.  
Don’t worry about setting the 5125 v.2 Gain control to exactly the same levels for all channels  
because you can always balance the speaker volume using the speaker level calibration in your  
home theater AV receiver or processor’s setup menu. We recommend re-calibrating your AV  
receiver or processor’s speaker levels after adjusting the 5125 v.2 gain controls.  
7.1 Channel Speaker Connections  
If you plan to use your 5125 v.2 in a 7.1 system you will need to use a two channel power  
amplifier for the two additional speakers. You have two hookup options which depend on the  
quality of the separate two channel power amplifier. We recommend using the better amplifier  
for the left and right front speakers because their sonic contribution to your listening is more  
significant than the surround back channel speakers.  
It also assures the best results when you’re listening to pure stereo.  
If the 5125 v.2 is more powerful than the two channel amplifier, we recommend the preceding  
5.1 channel connections for the 5125 v.2. Use the two channel amplifier for the surround back  
channels.  
For example, if your two channel amplifier is the Parasound Model 275 v.2 rated at  
75 watts/channel, use the 275 v.2 for the surround back channels and your 5125 v.2 for  
the other five channels.  
If the two channel amplifier is of high quality, with at least the same power rating as the  
5125 v.2, we recommend that you use the two channel amplifier for the front left and right  
channels, and the following connections for the 5125 v.2  
For example, you might prefer a Parasound Model 2125 v.2 to drive your left and right speakers,  
and use your 5125 v.2 for the other five channels. Even with the same 125w/channel power  
rating, the 2125 v.2 has a performance edge over the 5125 v.2, with superior channel separation  
and lower channel-channel crosstalk.  
 
6
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued  
7.1 Channel Speaker Connections (continued)  
5250 v.2 Input jack  
Connects to Surround Controller’s Output:  
5250 v.2 Speaker Terminal  
Connects to:  
Channel 1 Center, or Ctr channel  
Center speaker  
Channel 2 RS or Right surround channel  
Channel 3 RB or Right surround back channel  
Channel 4 LB or Left surround back channel  
Right surround speaker  
Right back speaker  
Left back speaker  
Channel 5 LS or Left Surround channel  
Left surround speaker  
Note: If you elect this connection arrangement you will probably need to use the Turn On  
Options12V option because none of these channels supplies adequate levels for the 5125 v.2’s  
Audio sensing.  
Each – and + speaker terminal will accept bare speaker wire up to AWG 12, a wire terminated  
1
3
with a 4spade lug, or with a single banana plug; dual banana plugs which are 4(19mm) apart  
may be used for each speaker.  
1
If you use bare wires, remove only enough insulation, about 2(12mm) for each exposed bare  
wire to insert through the small hole in the side of the binding post. Before inserting a bare  
wire, twist the strands tightly between your fingers to prevent strays that might touch the  
chassis or another terminal and cause a short circuit. If you have soldering experience you may  
want to “tin” the stripped bare wire with solder for a cleaner termination and to prevent the  
wire from oxidizing.  
Correct Speaker Polarity is Important  
As you connect the speaker wires, you can see that the insulation on one of the two wires in  
each pair has either printing or a raised ridge. The marking lets you know which wire you con-  
nected to the positive speaker terminal at its other end.  
Make sure the + wire you attach to each Model 5125 v.2 + speaker terminal is attached to the  
+ terminal of the speaker for that channel.  
Turn On Options  
Turn On Options Switch  
For convenience, there are three ways the Model 5250 v.2 can be turned on and off.  
Manually, by pressing the Power button on the front panel.  
Automatically, when a suitable trigger voltage is applied to its 12V In (input) jack.  
Automatically, when an audio signal is present at the channels 1 and 2 audio Input jacks.  
 
7
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued  
When either automatic turn on is selected the Model 5250 v.2 front panel Power button is  
disabled so that on/off is determined solely by the triggering preamp or system controller.  
Man (Manual) Position  
When the Turn On Options switch is in its MAN (manual) position, the Turn On Options function  
is disabled and the Model 5250 v.2 must be turned on and off manually by pressing the Power  
button on its front panel.  
Auto - 12V Position  
Your 5250 v.2 will not operate manually when the Turn On Options switch is set to 12V.  
When the Turn On Options switch is set to its 12V position, the Model 5250 v.2 is turned on  
and off only with an external +9 V to + 12 V voltage from your preamp or controller. When the  
external voltage ceases the Model 5250 v.2 will turn off immediately. The 12V switch position  
disables the front panel Power button.  
Auto - Audio Position  
Your 5250 v.2 will not operate manually when the Turn On Options switch is set to Audio.  
When the Turn On Options switch is set to its Audio position, the Model 5250 v.2 will be turned  
on only when an audio signal is present at its Channels 1 and 2 Input jacks. After the audio  
signals cease the Model 5250 v.2 will remain on for about ten minutes before shutting off. This  
prevents unintended turn-off during pauses in your music or movies. The Audio position of the  
Turn On Options switch also disables the front panel Power button.  
Note: When the Turn On Options switch is set to Audio the 5250 v.2 will turn itself on  
immediately when you connect its AC cord, even without any audio signal present.  
This is normal.  
Note: If the Model 5250 v.2 is driving only the sub, surround, center, or rear channels you will  
achieve more consistent automatic turn on by using the 12V DC trigger. At the beginning of  
most films the sub, center and surround levels are lower than the minimum level required by  
the Audio sensing circuit.  
12V In Jack  
The Model 5250 v.2 12V input uses a 3.5mm mini jack. To trigger the Model 5250 v.2, insert  
the trigger wire plug into this jack and the plug at the wire’s other end into the source compo-  
nent’s trigger output jack. We have included a 3.5mm to 3.5mm trigger wire.  
Note: Ifthe controller’s trigger output is a + and – terminal, you can cut the 3.5mm plug off one  
end of the included trigger wire and attach the bare wires to these terminals. The lead with  
the white stripe on it corresponds to the plug’s tip and the unmarked lead corresponds to the  
sleeve of the plug.  
Note: If the trigger voltage source is DC, the trigger plug tip must be + (positive) and its sleeve  
– (negative).  
12V Out Jack  
The Trigger Out jack lets you loop or “daisy-chain” the incoming trigger voltage to an additional  
Model 5250 v.2 or other component  
Note: The Model 5250 v.2 trigger circuit draws a negligible 15 mA from the controller. The total  
load on your controller’s trigger output(s) is the sum of the trigger current drawn by each of the  
components you’ve looped together. Check the maximum capacity of your AV receiver, proces-  
sor or home controller’s trigger outputs so you do not overload them by connecting too many  
power amplifiers. Typical ratings are 50mA to 100mA.  
AC Power Connections and AC Grounding  
If possible, plug your Model 5250 v.2 into the same AC outlet that your accompanying audio  
components (especially the system controller) are plugged into. The ground potential between  
different AC outlets may be different, resulting in audible hum.  
 
8
FRONT PANEL BUTTONS AND DISPLAY  
Power Button  
Press the Power button once to turn the Model 5250 v.2 on, press it again to turn it off. The Power  
button is inoperative when the Turn On Options switch on the rear panel is set to Audio or 12V.  
Protect Indicator  
The Protect indicator will illuminate red if the Model 5250 v.2 experiences an external fault  
condition and the unit will stop playing. This prevents possible damage to the unit from continued  
operation. Examples of external fault conditions are short circuited speaker wires, excessive  
heat, and trying to drive too many speakers at high levels.  
If Protect is illuminated you need to locate and correct the fault; for example, remove the short  
circuit, let the unit cool down, check the load impedance and lower the volume level. To reset  
the protection circuit you need to turn the unit off.  
Turning it off:  
Turn On Options switch (on the rear panel) in the Man position: press the Power button on the  
front panel.  
Turn On Options switch in the 12V position: turn off the 12V trigger source; the 5250 v.2 will  
turn itself off right away. You can also turn it off by unplugging its AC power cord.  
Turn On Options switch in the Audio position: turn off the preamplifier, surround controller or  
system controller that dri ves your 5250 v.2. You can also unplug the 5250 v.2’s AC power cord.  
Note: It requires approximately 10 minutes after removing the audio source before the 5250 v.2  
turns itself off. If you don’t want to wait and you have access to its AC cord, simply unplug it.  
Leave it off and/or unplugged for awhile to cool down and you’re confident the fault is corrected.  
If you unplugged its AC power cord to turn it off, plug it in again.  
Hi-Temp Indicator  
Hi-Temp will illuminate red when the Model 5250 v.2 exceeds its maximum safe operating  
temperature. If the heat persists, the unit will activate its protection circuit and stop playing.  
It will remain in this protection mode until the temperature drops and the unit is turned off to  
reset its protection circuit. Use the same turn-off procedure as above. If Hi-Temp appears, it’s  
likely the unit is been over-driven at too high a listening level or is attempting to drive a speaker  
load impedance that is too low. It’s probable the unit has not been provided with sufficient  
ventilation. These conditions must be corrected before turning it on again to resume operation.  
 
FRONT PANEL BUTTONS AND DISPLAY continued /  
PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES  
9
Channel 1 2 3 4 5 Status Indicators  
1 2 3 4 5 will illuminate green when the Model 5250 v.2 power is on and it is operating normally.  
The 1 indicator will not light if a fault is only in channel 1; the 2 indicator will not light if a fault is  
only in channel 2, and so on. None of the five indicators will illuminate if there is a general fault or if  
the temperature is too high.  
PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES  
Maintaining Your Model 5250 v.2  
Your Parasound Model 5250 v.2 power amplifier requires no periodic maintenance and functions  
at its best when providing you with many hours of enjoyment. It has no user-serviceable parts  
inside. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not remove its top cover. The exterior can be  
cleaned with a soft cloth pre-moistened only with a few drops of water or glass cleaner.  
No sound  
Check that AC is live.  
Check that input cables and speaker wires are secure at both ends.  
Make sure the surround controller is switched to the correct input.  
Is the unit on? Check the setting of the Turn On Options switch.  
Doesn’t turn on with the Turn On Options - Audio. Try the 12V trigger instead.  
If using Turn On Options - Audio, connect channels 1 and 2 to the L and R controller outputs  
If using Turn On Options - Audio, increase the sensitivity of the audio trigger.  
Is the Hi-Temp or Protect (or both) illuminated? Check for excessive temperature, short-circuited  
speaker wires, low impedance speaker load, and inadequate ventilation to remove heat.  
Background Hum  
Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other.  
Try different routes for the audio cables and AC cords.  
Make sure insulating shoulder washers are used if unit is rack mounted.  
Overheating  
Remove any external sources of heat.  
Increase ventilation around the Model 5250 v.2.  
 
10  
IF YOU REqUIRE ASSISTANCE  
Call your Parasound dealer first. If the dealer can’t help you with your problem we encourage  
you to call Parasound’s Technical Service Department, toll-free at 415 397-7100, Monday –  
Friday, 8am – 4pm Pacific time. We can suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform.  
If we determine that your Model 5250 v.2 should be returned to Parasound or an Authorized  
Parasound Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, we will provide the location  
of a warranty center near you or shipping instructions and a Return Authorization number for its  
return to Parasound.  
Before You Return Any Unit to Parasound for Service  
Before you send your unit to Parasound, you will need to obtain a specific Return Authorization  
(RA) number and shipping instructions from Parasound’s Technical Department. The RA number  
must be clearly marked on the outer carton. Use the original factory packing materials and  
arrange adequate insurance to cover its value. You must include a copy of your purchase  
receipt, since this document establishes the validity of this unit’s warranty. Warranty repairs are  
only performed by Parasound or Parasound Authorized warranty centers when your purchase  
receipt is from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.  
Units Will Be Refused by Parasound Under the Following Conditions  
1. Unit was sent without the Parasound-assigned RA number marked on the carton.  
2. Unit was sent in an unsuitable shipping carton, likely to have been damaged in transit.  
3. Unit has inadequate packing, unit likely to have been damaged in transit.  
4. Unit was shipped collect for shipping charges. We do not accept collect shipments.  
5. Unit was shipped via the US Postal Service.  
6. Unit was sent to an address other than the address instructed by our Technical Department.  
Warranty Repair  
Read your accompanying Parasound Limited Warranty carefully to understand the applicable rights  
and limitations. This section provides instructions for obtaining repairs, both for units covered  
under the Parasound Limited Warranty and for units or situations which are outside the Warranty.  
Unit is not eligible for repair under the terms of the Parasound warranty if:  
1. Unit was not purchased from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.  
2. You are not the original owner. The warranty is not transferable.  
3. Unit’s serial number was removed, modified, or defaced.  
4. Unit shows evidence of abuse and/or misuse.  
5. Unit was modified in any way.  
6. A prior repair was attempted by an unauthorized repair station.  
 
11  
PARASOUND MODEL 5250 v.2 SPECIFICATIONS  
Continuous RMS Power Output  
20 Hz – 20 kHz, Five Channels Driven  
250 watts x 5, 8 Ω  
Inter-Channel Crosstalk  
85 dB, 1 kHz  
73 dB, 10 kHz  
385 watts x 5, 4 Ω  
67 dB, 20 kHz  
Current Capacity  
Damping Factor  
45 amps peak per channel  
Over 150 at 20 Hz  
Frequency Response  
Turn On Options – DC  
20 Hz – 50 kHz, +0/-3 dB, 1 watt  
9 – 12V, 15 mA  
Dynamic Headroom  
Turn On Options – Audio  
1.2 mV – 12 V, adjustable  
10 minute turn off delay  
1.6 dB  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
0.025% at full rated output  
AC Power Requirement  
0.02% at average listening levels  
110 – 120 V / 220 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz  
1 watt standby; 2500 watts full output  
IM Distortion  
0.05 %  
Dimensions  
1
17 4Wide  
Transient IM Distortion  
1
18 2Deep with connectors  
Not measurable  
5
7 8High with feet, 7panel only  
S/N Ratio  
437 x 470 x 193mm, 176mm panel only  
114 dB at rated output, IHF A-weighted  
106 dB at rated output, unweighted  
93 dB at 2.828 V output, IHF A-weighted  
84 dB at 2.828 V output, unweighted  
Net Weight  
69 lbs., 31.4 kg  
Rack Mount Accessory  
May be Purchased Separately  
Input Impedance  
RMK44  
33 k Ω  
Input Sensitivity  
1 V in for 28.28 V out, THX standard  
1.6 V for full rated output  
(When gain controls set to the Normal position)  
Before any home theatre component can be THX Ultra2 certified, it must pass a rigorous series of quality and  
performance tests. Only then can a product feature the THX Ultra2 logo, which is your guarantee that the  
Home Theatre products you purchase will give you superb performance for many years to come. THX Ultra2  
requirements cover every aspect of the product including performance and operation.  
THX and Ultra2 are trademarks of THX Ltd. which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.  
Note: Specifications are subject to change or improvement without notice.  
 
12  
CONNECTION AND SETUP NOTES  
Notes:  
 
13  
CONNECTION AND SETUP NOTES  
Notes:  
 
Parasound Products, Inc., 2250 McKinnon Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124  
Customer Service 415-397-7100 / Fax 415-397-0144  
Technical Dept. [email protected]  
rev 0.92  
©2010 Parasound Products, Inc.  
 

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