I have the preamp, NewClasssic 2100, that was replaced by the Pre 200. NewClassic, that's an oxymoron...
Taking Parasound's published specs as accurate (which it seems they are for the Pre 200), it's interesting to note that the 2100 and higher model P7 preamp have better performance than the 200:
P7 preamp:
Total harmonic distortion:
< 0.006% at 20 kHz
S/N ratio:
> 110 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 95 dB, input shorted, unweighted
2100 preamp:
THD Distortion
< 0.008% at 20 Hz
S/N Ratio
> 105 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 95 dB, input shorted, unweighted
The current P5 and P6 preamps have similar performance to the 200. Seems newer products are underperforming older ones - hitting "good enough" design targets?
My system is modest, but I like the sound of the 2100. In A/B comparison (volume matched, sighted) with the Yamaha AVR (as preamp) in my system, it seems quieter with better bass performance, FWIW.
Agreed; I think it's important to remember Parasound specs line up closely with these tests:
S/N Ratio – Line Inputs:
> 100 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 90 dB, input shorted, unweighted
S/N Ratio – Digital Inputs:
> 100 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 90 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Total Harmonic Distortion: (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
< 0.03 %
