Parasound HINT 6 Halo Integrated Amplifier – Open Box

Parasound HINT 6 Halo Integrated Amplifier - Open Box

The Parasound HINT 6 Halo Integrated Amplifier, available in an open box, represents a significant advancement in high-performance integrated amplifiers. This latest iteration, known as the HINT 6, builds upon the success of its predecessor, the original Halo Integrated, which garnered widespread acclaim from over two dozen reviewers. Their praise included descriptions like Sounds downright sumptuous, Uncompromising ‘best sound for the dollar’ value, and Superlative and affordable. Stereophile even bestowed upon the Halo Integrated the prestigious Class A Recommended Component title among a field of fourteen integrated amplifiers, most of which were priced significantly higher.

In the pursuit of creating the HINT 6, the designers posed a crucial question: Can we develop a next-generation Halo Integrated that not only surpasses the finest integrated amplifiers but also outperforms higher-priced separate preamps and power amps? To answer this question, they embarked on a journey to enhance various aspects of the amplifier’s design.

Key enhancements were made in the analog preamp circuitry to achieve unparalleled sonic transparency. The ESS-based DAC was redesigned to facilitate seamless integration with Windows 10. In response to customer feedback, a second optical input was added to improve connectivity options. The volume control underwent a modernization process, replacing its motorized potentiometer with an electronically switched, pure analog resistor ladder array, ensuring impeccable channel tracking even at low listening levels. The HINT 6 retained the massive, 160-watt, Class A/AB power amplifier stage from the Halo Integrated, designed by legendary John Curl.

The HINT 6 stands out as a powerful, musically compelling, and remarkably versatile integrated amplifier. With its exceptional performance and compelling value, the HINT 6 sets a new benchmark for high-end integrated amplifiers.

Notable features of the HINT 6 include a dimmable front panel volume display that shows the precise volume setting, user-defined turn-on volume, and favorite volume settings. The solid machined aluminum volume control knob, equipped with ball bearings, offers rock-solid and silky-smooth operation.

In the realm of audio quality, the HINT 6 employs a Burr-Brown high-performance, electronically-controlled analog volume control IC with a high dynamic range. This approach ensures that analog audio is not converted to digital, which is common in most IC volume controls. To minimize noise and distortion, Parasound engineers bypass the onboard gain stage, utilizing an external high-performance operational amplifier with a dedicated power supply.

The power supply at the core of the HINT 6 is anchored by a massive 1.1 kVA toroid power transformer, custom-designed for minimal radiated hum, high efficiency, and ample power delivery. The independent secondary windings of the transformer provide ample voltage to each channel’s power supply even under the most demanding conditions. The amplifier benefits from 40,000uF of Lelon electrolytic filter capacitors, ensuring an ample reserve of power for unrestricted bass reproduction. Additionally, the input stage of the power amplifier section features highly-coveted Toshiba J-FETs, which contribute to low noise and maximize the dynamic range.

An innovative high and low pass crossover network stands as a particularly useful feature of the HINT 6. This network enables analog bass management and facilitates the integration of subwoofers and stereo speakers. With this crossover network, subwoofers can seamlessly serve both two-channel and multi-channel playback, simplifying the setup without requiring constant reconnecting when transitioning between two-channel and multi-channel operation.

The HINT 6 also brings several new features and improvements compared to the original Halo Integrated. These enhancements include a Burr Brown analog resistor ladder volume control, a dimmable front panel volume display, updated USB compatibility with Windows 10 and MAC, an additional optical input, and a ball-bearing-supported solid aluminum volume knob. Users can program the default turn-on volume setting and store a favorite volume setting for convenient access.

Furthermore, the HINT 6 boasts a comprehensive set of preamp and DAC features. It incorporates the ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M), supporting high-resolution audio up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DoP DSD. The analog bass management with high and low pass crossovers facilitates subwoofer integration and stereo speaker performance. The Home Theater Bypass input ensures seamless integration with surround sound systems.

The power amplifier stage of the HINT 6 is characterized by its impressive performance, offering 160 watts per channel at 8 ohms (RMS) and 240 watts per channel at 4 ohms (RMS). Designed by legendary John Curl, the amplifier features high-bias class A/AB operation, an oversized shielded toroid power transformer, and a dual-mono power supply and power amplifier configuration.

With the HINT 6, Parasound has taken a leap forward in the realm of high-end integrated amplifiers, delivering outstanding performance, innovative features, and compelling value for audio enthusiasts. This amplifier not only builds upon its predecessor’s success but sets a new standard for excellence in the field.