Parasound - 12 Channels of Flexible Power

Respected home cinema specialist Parasound have launched a 12 channel power amp this week.

This is interesting due to the way the channels are independently configurable and can be mixed and matched for 12 independent channels or lower channel count with some of the modules bridged for more power.  More details via the announcement at WHF magazine.

Flexible and future proofed for multi-channel or for actively driving multi-driver speakers (with a suitable active crossover of course).

http://www.whathifi.com/news/parasound-launches-12-channel-amplifier-cedia-expo

Meanwhile, In The World of Multi-Channel

I run a pre-pro in my system (a combined pre-amplifier and surround processor that needs to be connected to multiple power amps rather than having built-in power amps) as I like the idea of one decent quality system rather than splitting funds between AV and music systems (although if I had a big enough house and I'd won the lottery, that's exactly what I'd do).

Unfortunately, there's a restricted choice of such products out in the market.  I've used a Meridian Pro-Logic pre-pro for about 11 years and have recently moved to a Linn AV5103.  However, Linn are out of that market and Meridian are only producing products in the stratosphere.

So that leaves Rotel (good value), Arcam (apparently a great product, but not exactly budget) and other esoterics such as Parasound.  Now Bryston has a new product called the SP-3, launching at the Bristol Show later this month.  It won't be a bargain, but its good to see some more choice.  I look forward to trying to find a review!