Halo A51 v. Classic 5250 Amp

[gostan]

Obviously, the specs on the A51 are superior to the new Classic 5 channel amp. Lower distortion, more current, balanced ouputs, etc- but similar power. Does anybody use the new Classic 5250 amp and with what speakers. I am looking for a new 5 channel amp, but since the bulk of my system will be black, I am curious about the classic amp. The Halo is certainly beautifully designed, but I wish it came in black. And the Classic amp looks like an economic bargain. Has there been a trickle down technology effect from the Halo amp to the similar sized Classic amp?

[bhuskins]

The NewClassic 5250 is an excellent amp. I would consider it an improvement to the very popular HCA-2205AT and one very small step down from the A51. With a $1,500 MSRP difference from the A51, it's a great value. I've directly compared the 2 amps on a few different sets of speakers and it was consistently capable of performing exceptionally well. One of the advantages of the 5250 is that it lacks heat. These new amps run very cool (yet they're NOT digital.)

Also, as far as I know, the 5250 is the least expensive THX Ultra2 5-channel amp with 250 watts per channel available from anyone.

The entire NewClassic line sets the bar for value and performance.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[gostan]

Brent,

Thanks for the response. I purchased a new Arcam AVP700 pre/pro and the specs of the matching Arcam amp (P1000) seem to pale in comparison to the Classic 5250. The Arcam P1000 has decent distortion figures and the like, but the power is only 2x 190 or 5 x 135 and is about 29 lbs. lighter than the Parasound Classic. I am not able to do a direct listening comparison of the two amps, but the THX Ultra II Parasound would appear to have more power and current to run my B&W N803's, etc. and the Halo A51 is a little out of my price range with the balance of my planned system upgrades. I am a little surprised, however, that nobody in Club Halo/Parasound appears to be running the Classic, as it does seem like a great multichannel amp at a reasonable price.

Stan

[bhuskins]

I think the biggest issue is that it's fairly new. They just received their 1st magazine review and have only been shipping for the last couple of months. The 5250 would pair very well with the Arcam.

Let me know if you need more info.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[Savannah]

Brent
What magazine was the review in?

[bhuskins]

Home Theater Magazine.

Both the 7100 and 5250 scored in the mid to high 90's.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[gostan]

The NewClassic 5250 is an excellent amp. I would consider it an improvement to the very popular HCA-2205AT and one very small step down from the A51. With a $1,500 MSRP difference from the A51, it's a great value. I've directly compared the 2 amps on a few different sets of speakers and it was consistently capable of performing exceptionally well. One of the advantages of the 5250 is that it lacks heat. These new amps run very cool (yet they're NOT digital.)

Also, as far as I know, the 5250 is the least expensive THX Ultra2 5-channel amp with 250 watts per channel available from anyone.

The entire NewClassic line sets the bar for value and performance.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

Brent, Thanks for your feedback.
I was looking at specs and reviews of the discontinued 2205 and that was a pretty impressively constructed amplifier. How is the 5250 an improvement over this amp and how close will it come to the performance of the A51 for normal useage.
Stan

[bhuskins]

Better overall design really. The lack of heat alone is a huge advantage over the 2205 and with absolutely no loss in sound quality. I actually think it's more refined. It is extremely close to the Halo A51

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor