Parasound NC 200PRE Preamplifier
Clean, detailed and remarkably adaptable, the NC 200PRE brings crystal-clear resolution, assured dynamics and a wide soundstage to mixed-source systems. Its rare analog bass management makes subwoofer integration genuinely transformative, while the DAC, MM/MC phono stage and headphone amp add serious versatility. HomeTheaterHifi found it equally convincing in ambitious high-end systems.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
94/100
Value for Money
93/100
Pros
Exceptionally flexible analog bass management delivers deeper, more palpable bass, a larger soundstage, and greater clean output when paired with a subwoofer.
Built-in DAC produces detailed, well-defined sound with strong channel separation and a wider soundstage.
Comprehensive connectivity includes digital inputs, MM/MC phono, theater bypass, subwoofer outputs, and a capable headphone amplifier.
Quiet, refined operation: reviewers heard no hiss at high volume and no switching noises or artifacts.
Cons
The DAC can sound less open, spacious, and immersive than a higher-performing standalone streamer/DAC.
Its presentation can place slightly greater emphasis on sibilants.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers found the 200 Pre notably clear, detailed, controlled, and spatially capable, with particularly strong results from its DAC and bass-management facilities. Its presentation is more accurate and matter-of-fact than overtly lush, with one listener finding it less enveloping than a competing streamer/DAC and somewhat more revealing of sibilance.
Transparency Resolution
91/100
HomeTheaterHifi was immediately taken by the preamp's “incredibly detailed” presentation, reporting crystal-clear dialogue and vocals. SoundStage likewise heard tighter, better-defined horn passages, more individual woodwind detail, and improved diction through the built-in DAC.
Tonal Balance Musicality
87/100
SoundStage described the tonal balance as natural and better balanced than its comparison component, while finding no obvious sonic offensiveness. However, the same review felt the sound did not fully immerse or envelop the listener, and noted a slightly stronger emphasis on sibilants.
Dynamics
88/100
The 200 Pre brought more definitive control and preserved dynamic variation better than the comparison setup when it was bypassed. Reviewers also noted an insistent bass punch and substantially greater clean output in a system using the unit's crossover facilities.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
HomeTheaterHifi heard a deeper and wider soundstage, while SoundStage reported a wider stage, strong channel separation, and clearer distinction between individual woodwinds. These comments point to convincing spatial organization rather than an artificially enlarged presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Reviewers describe a slim, solidly constructed one-rack-space chassis with a high-quality overall feel. Operational refinement was also a strength: source changes were free of clicks or artifacts, and the unit remained free from hiss or other unwanted noise even at very high volume.
Features Connectivity
94/100
This is an unusually comprehensive control center, combining MM/MC phono, USB/coaxial/optical DAC inputs, analog inputs, a dedicated headphone amplifier, theater bypass, variable and fixed outputs, and remote operation. Its standout provision is flexible analog bass management with adjustable high- and low-pass filtering, plus both full-range and filtered subwoofer outputs.
Value for Money
93/100
At the reviewed $895 to $1,000 pricing, reviewers repeatedly considered the feature set and execution unusually strong, citing the DAC, phono stage, headphone amp, and bass-management functions. HomeTheaterHifi called it a fantastic value and noted that it performed convincingly in a system otherwise costing close to $25,000.
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Specifications
- Frequency Response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0 / -0.05 dB 10 Hz - 80 kHz, +0 / -3 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- < 0.03 %
- Interchannel Crosstalk
- 75 dB at 20 kHz
- Input Sensitivity
- 250mv = 1V output, Total gain = 12 dB (volume set to 100) Unity Gain = Volume set to 76 Maximum output = 3.5V
- Phono Stage Sensitivity / Input Impedance
- MM: 40 dB / 47 k Ω MC: 50 dB / 100 Ω
- Input Impedance
- 24k Ohms
- Output Impedance
- 470 Ohms
- 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
- DC Trigger Output
- 12 Vdc, 50ma
- AC Power Requirement
- 10 Watts maximum <0.5 Watts in standby 90-250 VAC 50/60 Hz (automatic)
- Dimensions
- Width: 17.25" (437 mm) Depth: 14.25" (362 mm) Depth: 16" (369 mm) with cables connected Height, with feet: 2.5" (105 mm) Height, without feet: 1.75" (89 mm), 1U
- Weight
- Net: 11 lbs (5 kg) Shipping: 17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Manufacturer's Description — Parasound
Small Box, Big Control
Drop the NC 200PRE into your system and everything snaps into place. Voices step forward, bass integrates cleanly with your sub, and late‑night or loud‑and‑proud sessions feel relaxed and musical. It’s the compact, budget‑smart preamp that makes records, streams, TV, and movies sound more like the real thing.
Designed as a true 2‑channel control center, the NewClassic 200PRE adds what most systems miss: a Burr-Brown 192kHz-24 bit DAC; optical/coax digital audio inputsMM/MC phono, and analog‑domain bass management with a variable 20–140 Hz high‑pass to the mains plus two sub outputs you can toggle and trim from the remote. You also get Home Theater Bypass, tone/balance controls, and system‑friendly 12 V trigger/IR/RS‑232 in a slim chassis that tucks anywhere.
* Remote control included.
Praised by audiophiles and reviewers alike:
- With the Parasound, I could enjoyably listen to entire LPs.” — SoundStage! Access.
- Sets a high bar for performance and features … for just $1,000.” — Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity.
- Every record I played had that natural sound that makes you forget you are listening to electronics.” — Dagogo.
Covered by Parasound's 2-Year Parts & Labor Warranty
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Authorized dealers for Parasound NC 200PRE Preamplifier
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- All That Audio — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Anointed Soundz — in-store — Cedar Hill, Texas, United States (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Audible Images — in-store — Melbourne, Florida, United States (website)
and 86 more verified dealers