The JCM250 is a mono power amplifier by Parasound that delivers 250 watts into 8 ohms, 450 watts into 4 ohms and 800 watts into 2 ohms, per chassis. This is a monoblock: a stereo system needs two. It was released in 2022. It is a 1-channel design using a Class A/AB output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 1 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The Parasound JCM250 has an MSRP of $4,250.
There are 5 Parasound amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
Parasound Power Amplifier Series
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Parasound JCM250 is rated at 250 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Parasound provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.15% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 250 watts into 8-ohms (2 Hz-110 kHz) at 0.15%
- 450 watts into 4-ohms
- 120dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 250 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the Parasound JCM250?
250 W into 8 ohms, 450 W into 4, rated down to 1 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
Parasound JCM250 is rated at 250 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Over 180 watts band. That is the top band we cover, so there is no step up from here - if it is not enough, the answer is more sensitive speakers or a smaller room, not more watts.
When pairing the Parasound JCM250 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the Parasound JCM250 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Parasound JCM250 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Are you nuts? |
| Small Room | Bad |
| Mid-size Room | Poor |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Good |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Parasound JCM250, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Parasound JCM250 has total of 2 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Outputs
Bluetooth Connectivity
Parasound JCM250 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your Parasound JCM250. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the
iFi Zen Blue V2 and the
Audioengine B1.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
Parasound JCM250 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Parasound JCM250 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Balanced connections
Parasound JCM250 has a balanced XLR input. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
Parasound JCM250 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Power nearly doubles into a harder load, 250 watts into 8 ohms rising to 450 into 4, which points to a power supply with real current in reserve.
- ✓250 watts per channel into 8 ohms is more than most rooms and most speakers will ever ask for.
- ✓Rated down to 1 ohms, so even a speaker with a punishing impedance dip is within its brief.
- ✓Class A operation, the topology most often chosen where distortion at low levels matters more than efficiency.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓A monoblock - one per speaker, so the two channels share no power supply and no chassis.
- ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
- ✓Detachable mains lead (Yes).
- ✗Class A runs hot and draws mains power whether or not it is playing; it needs room to breathe.
- ✗Being a monoblock, you need two of them for stereo.
- ✗A power amplifier has no volume control and no input selection - it needs a preamplifier, or a source with a variable output, in front of it.
Parasound JCM250 External Dimensions and Weight
Parasound JCM250 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-1/8 x 17-1/4 x 20 inch (104.8 x 438.2 x 508 mm ). The unit weighs
19.05 kg (42 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Parasound JCM250 is approximately 2226.1cm2 / 345.0inch2.
- Width: 438.2mm (17-1/4")
- Height: 104.8mm (4-1/8")
- Depth: 508.0mm (20")
- Weight: 19.05 kg (42 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2226.1cm2 / 345.0inch2
- Volume: ~23.3 liter / 6.2 gallon
Available colors
Parasound JCM250 is available in Black and Silver color options.
| General |
| Brand |
Parasound |
| Full Model Name |
Parasound JCM250 |
| Release Date |
2022 |
| Amplifier Type |
Power Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
1 |
| Amp Class |
Class A/AB |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
250 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
450 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
2 Hz-110 kHz |
| THD |
0.15% |
| Minimum Impedance |
1 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
120 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
2 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Headphone Output |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
Yes |
| Speaker Connectors |
Binding posts |
| Level Controls |
Switchable gain, 29 dB or 23 dB |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
104.8mm (4-1/8") |
| Width |
438.2mm (17-1/4") |
| Depth |
508.0mm (20") |
| Weight |
19.05 kg (42 lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Black,Silver |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
How much power does the Parasound JCM250 have?
The Parasound JCM250 delivers 250 watts into 8 ohms, 450 watts into 4 ohms and 800 watts into 2 ohms, per chassis. This is a monoblock: a stereo system needs two. Its output almost doubles into 4 ohms, which points to a strong power supply that can hold its composure with demanding, low-impedance speakers.
Does the Parasound JCM250 use vacuum tubes?
No. The Parasound JCM250 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the Parasound JCM250?
The Parasound JCM250 uses a Class A/AB amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Does the Parasound JCM250 have a built-in DAC?
No. The Parasound JCM250 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Can I connect a turntable to the Parasound JCM250?
No. The Parasound JCM250 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Does the Parasound JCM250 have Bluetooth?
No. The Parasound JCM250 does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the Parasound JCM250 have a headphone output?
No. The Parasound JCM250 does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.
How much does the Parasound JCM250 cost?
The Parasound JCM250 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,250.
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