Description
Product highlights160 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.05% THD 240 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) 4-ohm capability allows use with a wide range of speakers ESS Sabre32 Reference (ES9018K2M) 32-bit/384kHz digital-to-analog converter for high-performance playback of digital sources high-bias Class A/AB amplifier design large toroidal transformer home theater bypass input for surround sound integration switchable high-pass crossover with variable settings (20-140 Hz) affects speaker-level outputs and RCA and XLR preamp outputs switchable low-pass crossover with variable settings (20-140 Hz) affects subwoofer outputs front-panel subwoofer level control frequency response 10-100,000 Hz (+0/-3dB) signal-to-noise ratio: 103dB (line); 106dB (digital) handles very low impedances for use with virtually any speakers thermal and short circuit relay protection remote control included rack mountable with the optional RMK 33 kit detachable power cord 2 optical and 1 coaxial digital audio inputs (accept stereo PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution) USB Type-B input for connecting a computer (cable included) accepts stereo PCM signal up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution handles native DSD files up to up to 11.2 MHz and DoP (DSD over PCM) 5 unassigned unbalanced stereo RCA audio inputs phono input for use with moving magnet and moving coil cartridges three-position load/cartridge selector switch: MM (47k ohm); MC (47k ohm); MC (100k ohm) balanced stereo XLR input unbalanced stereo RCA input for home theater bypass: bypasses preamp section and allows HINT 6 amplifier to power front left/right speakers in a surround sound system connected preamp/processor must have a volume control dual mono RCA subwoofer inputs route processors subwoofer signal to HINT 6 subwoofer outputs front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting a portable audio player built-in headphone amplifier with front-panel 3.5mm jack fixed stereo RCA record out balanced stereo XLR preamp output balanced mono XLR subwoofer output stereo RCA preamp output dual mono RCA subwoofer outputs heavy-duty gold-plated speaker terminals 12-volt trigger output IR remote input and loop output 17-1/4W x 5-7/8H x 17-1/4D (3U rack spaces) weight: 33 lbs. warranty: 5 years Whats in the boxIntegrated amplifier 6 AC power Cord Remote control (RM5A) 2 AA batteries 39 USB-A to USB-B cable 6 Mono-minijack cable Owners Guide About this itemWritten by Crutchfields Eric A.A high-powered integrated amplifier Parasounds HINT 6 integrated amplifier is loaded with features and design perks that make it an excellent centerpiece of a high-performance two-channel audio system. It offers plenty of digital and analog connections for music sources and delivers 160 watts of clean power per channel. And this amp is stable at low impedances, so its compatible with a wide range of speakers. All that power comes from a large toroidal transformer and the amps high-bias Class A/AB amplifier design (more on that later.) My hands-on experience with the Parasound Halo HINT 6 We like to set up sound system demonstrations here at Crutchfield, so we can really get a sense of how different components perform under real-world conditions. Sometimes we assemble a system thats all made by the same manufacturer. Other times we mix and match, like we did when I auditioned this muscular integrated amplifier in our training room at Crutchfield HQ. I chose this amp specifically because it offers 160 watts per channel, and I wanted to see how that kind of power would drive a couple of pairs of audiophile-quality bookshelf speakers. I had the opportunity to audition Wharfedale EVO4.1s and ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62s — each seated atop solid stands to reduce vibration and get them at ideal ear level. And I gave them a little help with the low end by adding a GoldenEar ForceField 3 subwoofer. In my opinion, the absolute best way to gauge subtle differences in performance between two sets of rock star speakers is to put them in the same room, give them each the same amount of power, and put them through their paces with the same playlist, so thats what I did. The HINT 6s Class A/AB amplifier delivered power smoothly and efficiently, allowing the Wharfedales to showcase the extreme fidelity afforded by their Kevlar cone and AMT tweeter, while revealing a slightly warmer, fuller sound from ELACs three-way design with soft-dome tweeter. As I expected, each pair sounded great in its own way, and I was able to identify characteristics of each signature sound that I could use when recommending them to customers with different tastes. The upshot: I would choose an amp like the Halo HINT 6 as the centerpiece of a sound system because of its proven ability to get the best out of any gear I might choose to connect. Throughout the next decade, I may replace my turntable, get new speakers, or even upgrade my CD player. Its nice to know that an excellent integrated amp like this one can be the heart of any system, no matter what my fickle heart and ears might fancy next. Home theater bypass This is a great amp for music listening, but Parasound hasnt forgotten about home theater lovers. Theres a section of inputs for home theater bypass, so you can use the HINT 6s superior power to drive the front left/right speakers in your surround sound system. Just connect the preamp outputs from a home theater receiver/processor to the dedicated home theater bypass inputs to gain superior power and clarity for those all-important front speakers. Convenient connections You get five unassigned RCA inputs for connecting analog sources, plus a dedicated phono stage for moving magnet and high- and low-output moving coil cartridges. And theres a balanced XLR input for making an audiophile-grade analog connection, too. Digital sources benefit from the HINT 6s high-resolution DAC — there are two digital optical inputs and a single digital coaxial input, plus a USB Type-B port for playing hi-res files from your computer. Versatile subwoofer setup options One mono XLR output and two mono RCA outputs accommodate one- or two-sub setups. And heres a detail we love: a handy subwoofer level knob on the front panel lets you easily adjust the balance with your stereo speakers on the fly. And using the HINT 6s crossover controls, you can dial in high- and low-pass filtering for optimum performance from your whole system. Class A/AB operation for smoother sound The HINT 6 uses a Class A/AB power circuit. You dont see an amplifier described that way every day, so lets break down the benefits. Engineers and audiophiles generally agree that Class A designs offer the purest sound, but they tend to run hot and take up a lot of space. As a result, home audio amplifiers often use a compromise known as Class AB, which hands off part of the audio signal to a different set of output transistors at high power levels. AB can sacrifice a bit of signal purity, but it lets the amp run cooler and more efficiently. So this Class A/AB amp operates in pure Class A mode up to a higher power level than most other amplifiers in its price category, before the second set of transistors kick in. The result is a sound thats smoother, less fatiguing, and more natural.
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