Published On: June 16, 2018

Parasound Announces HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier

Published On: June 16, 2018
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Parasound Announces HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier

Picking up on the popular nickname for the original Halo Integrated Amplifier, Parasound has dubbed its upgraded and updated model the HINT 6.

Parasound Announces HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier

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In his review of the original Parsound Halo Integrated Amplifier, Dennis summed it up as "so much more than the sum of its parts with a few extra bits thrown in," noting that its incredible bass-management capabilities made it stand apart in the crowded integrated amp market. Here we are, not even three years later, and Parasound is already tinkering with this tried-and-true platform. Its new HINT 6 takes the platform of the original, leaves the amps and DACs alone, and upggrades the package with a new electronically controlled analog resistor ladder volume control in place of the original motorized pot.

The new HINT 6 also benefits from upgraded USB connectivity that now features plug-and-play compatibility with Windows 10 machines, as well as Macs. There's also a second optical digital input, if you found the back of the original Halo Integrated a little too sparse. Look for it to ship to authorized Parasound dealers in July, for just about a Venti White Chocolate Mocha shy of $3,000.

From Parasound:

Parasound has introduced the HINT 6, an improved version of its popular Halo Integrated Amplifier. After the original Halo Integrated Amplifier was introduced, it quickly became known as "HINT" in the Parasound community, and that name is now adopted in the new model. The amazing sound quality and musicality of the original Halo Integrated (HINT) carries on in the HINT 6. The new model features a Burr-Brown volume control with easy-to-read front panel display. It also adds an upgraded USB receiver with plug and play functionality for Windows and Mac, a second optical input, increased phono gain, greater channel separation, and some pleasing refinements to its appearance.

The Parasound HINT 6 uses the same powerful John Curl designed power amplifier. This 160-watt per channel (240-watts @ 4 ohms) amplifier is based on Curl's Class direct coupled A/AB circuit topology found in Parasound's renowned separate power amplifiers. These capabilities are further enhanced with a home-theater bypass function, 2.1-channel analog bass management, a dedicated high-current headphone amplifier, and MM/MC phono stage.

The Parasound HINT 6 volume control replaces the original model's motorized potentiometer and sliding mechanical contacts with a Burr-Brown electronically controlled analog resistor ladder volume control. Technical advancements in the new volume control offer a more distinct sound stage by increasing the dynamic range, lowering the noise floor, improving left-right separation and maintaining absolute left-right channel tracking at any volume level. The solid aluminum volume knob is supported on ball bearings to rotate with exceptional smoothness, while the dimmable two-digit display shows volume level in increments from 0-99. This advanced volume control enables users to program both a default turn-on volume level as well as a favorite-volume level with remote control button.

The Parasound HINT 6 uses a proven ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC to decode a wide range of digital music files via two optical, one coaxial, and a new upgraded USB receiver; now with plug and play support for Windows 10 in addition to Mac. The asynchronous USB 2.0 input supports PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit, native DSD256 and DoP DSD bit streams. The coax and optical inputs accept PCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit.

Among other circuit improvements are an upgraded op-amp in the preamp gain stage, improved L-R channel separation, and increased gain for the MC and MM phono inputs.

The new chassis is available in either black or silver finish, with its visual appeal enhanced by the addition of subtle gold highlights and sand-blasted solid aluminum end caps.

The Parasound HINT 6 will ship to dealers in July, with a suggested retail price of $2,995.

Additional Resources
• Visit the Parsound website for additional information.
Parasound Halo Integrated 2.1-Channel Amplifier Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Check out our Stereo Amplifiers category page to read similar reviews.

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