Integrated Amp Reviews

Parasound Halo Hint 6 integrated amplifier Specifications

Sidebar: Specifications

Description: 2.1-channel, solid-state integrated amplifier. Analog inputs: RCA (5), XLR (1), minijack (3.5mm). Theater/Sub: RCA (2), XLR (1). Digital inputs: optical, coaxial, USB. Headphone output: 3.5mm. Power output: 160Wpc into 8 ohms (22dBW), 270Wpc into 4 ohms (21.2dBW). Frequency response: 10Hz–100kHz, +0/–3dB.
Dimensions: 17" (437mm) W by 5.9" (150mm) H by 16.1" (413mm) D. Weight: 33 lbs (15kg) net, 44.9 lbs (20.4kg) shipping.
Finishes: Black, Silver.
Price: $2995. Approximate number of dealers: 200+.
Manufacturer: Parasound Products, Inc., 2250 McKinnon Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124. Tel: (415) 397-7100. Web: www.parasound.com.

COMPANY INFO
Parasound Products, Inc.
2250 McKinnon Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
(415) 397-7100
www.parasound.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Ortofan's picture
Submitted by Ortofan on May 16, 2019 - 3:03pm

... a wide variety of speakers, perhaps every Stereophile reviewer should own one of these amps to serve as a fixed point of reference when reviewing other equipment.

helomech's picture
Submitted by helomech on May 16, 2019 - 3:24pm

was a terrible combo in my experience. The bass became overbearing and bloated. The horn coloration seemed to increase two-fold. I can't imagine the Hint 6 differs enough from the original that it makes for a good partnering.

Even so, it's nice to read a review of an affordable integrated from someone other than HR for a change.

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on May 16, 2019 - 4:40pm

PS Audio Stellar pre-amp + Stellar stereo amp are also in this power and price range :-) ........

georgehifi's picture
Submitted by georgehifi on May 17, 2019 - 12:05am

This seems to be light on for a JC designed amp in current department, will be interesting if JA does bench tests to see if these are for real as well, and to see what they show up.
Power output:
160Wpc into 8 ohms
270Wpc into 4 ohms

Cheers George

Long-time listener's picture
Submitted by Long-time listener on May 17, 2019 - 10:09am

"Both versions ... have ... defeatable tone controls (!)..."

I guess the exclamation mark is appropriate given how few amps have tone controls. I, and other listeners, would love to see more.

But not all tone controls are equal. JA's measurements for the earlier version of this Parasound show tone controls that, when boosted, reach their maximum values only at the extreme ends of the audible spectrum. The sad result is that you don't really get any audible boost in bass or treble (i.e., the mid-bass or mid-treble); you only get deep subterranean one-note thumping in the sub-bass, and unpleasant hiss and brightness in the treble. Some manufacturers are so concerned with "keeping the tone controls out of the all-important midrange" that they become useless.

Bass and treble controls as implemented by NAD or Outlaw Audio(see Stereophile measurements) produce a much more pleasant listening experience and a much more useful, and musical, result.

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on May 17, 2019 - 9:33am

One of the features missing in many of these integrated amps and many pre-amps is a 'processor loop' ...... That would be useful for an add-on external EQ unit ....... Such an external unit would be useful for the main speakers, as well as the headphone output and the subwoofer(s), in the HINT-6 :-) ........

As a side note ...... McIntosh makes several pre-amps, integrated amps/receivers with built-in, bypass-able tone controls, 5 and 8 band parametric EQ ......... McIntosh units are more expensive, but most are under $10k :-) ..........

Rogue Audio also provides 'processor loop' in some of their pre-amps and integrated amps under $5k :-) .......

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on May 17, 2019 - 7:35am

BTW ...... that is a 'hint' :-) .........

funambulistic's picture
Submitted by funambulistic on May 17, 2019 - 1:58pm

This Parasound model does indeed have one.

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on May 17, 2019 - 3:43pm

Thanks ...... I missed that :-) .........

Shangri-La's picture
Submitted by Shangri-La on May 17, 2019 - 2:27pm

I wonder how the new version sounds differently from the original?

cundare's picture
Submitted by cundare on January 13, 2020 - 11:46am

Re: your question, , my understanding is that, other than improved crosstalk, the HINT & HINT 6 sound nearly identical. Most of the HINT6 improvements are cosmetic -- perhaps in part to justify the price increase?

Me, I'm looking for guidance re: whether the HINT6 is a better choice than Peachtree's similar nova500 for a Harbeth-based system. The only nova review in Stereophile (or TAS) was a nova300 review that was controversial to the point of being inconclusive. Despite Parasound's consistently positive reviews, the nova500 (a significant circuit upgrade from the 300) has broader functionality than either HINT, including WiFi, a much better DAC, and 3 times the power. Because it's often discounted, the 500 is also at least a few hundred bucks cheaper. Harbeth tells me that, despite officially published specs, 300-500 wpc provides the best dynamics with even its smallest speakers, so I'm tempted to go Peachtree over Parasound. But, jeez, without ever hearing either unit? -- the nearest high-end store is a half-day plan trip away. Has anybody actually compared the two in person?

Raja's picture
Submitted by Raja on August 19, 2019 - 1:37pm

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claytonpd's picture
Submitted by claytonpd on October 4, 2021 - 3:45pm

I have the original Hint and the newer Klipsch Heritage Heresy Iv. It is indeed a winning combination. I am enjoying pulling out all of my music to hear it on this combo, with great results. My room is 13 by 16 (that extends to 30 feet with pocket doors open) with an 8 foot ceiling. I have moved the sub into my basement home theater room, as it is no longer needed upstairs. I believe the biggest difference in the updated integrated is a newer DAC chip. But I am very content with this investment. It's all good.

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