Parasound Hint 6 or separates?

@drowe  - Do you own either of the setups from Parasound? If not, are you open to other manufacturers, or just Parasound?

For what it's worth, I've been in this game for 40 years and I've gone from separates to integrated, and back, multiple times. I've settled on Integrated due to less complexity, fewer cables and less real-estate on the audio rack. I'm currently using a Rega Elicit-R Integrated amp, and I love it.

Many moons ago, I used to own A23 and P5 and compared it to the Halo integrated that my dealer was kind enough to let me borrow for a week. There was absolutely no difference in sound quality. It was only when I went up to A21 that the improvements justified the ’separates’ route. Now, I understand the possibility that my experience is irrelevant with respect to the newer P6 and Hint 6, so take it with a grain of salt.

FWIW, I ended up selling my Parasound stack as I found it to be just so so. IMO, Parasound makes decent gear but it does not in any way punches above its class in 2021 anymore. And I agree with @reubent that you should not limit yourself to Parasound unless you’re dead set on it.

Thanks for the responses. No, I am not completely sold on Parasound. I am concerned with power, though, due to my speakers and large listening room. The Hint 6 offers a lot of watts for the money compared to most competing integrateds in its price range. So that is really it's one major selling point. Hegel integrateds looks enticing as well - similar power but a bit more money layout. I'd welcome other suggestions.

I'm a Parasound dealer and in general, I'll sell about 5 to 1 HINTs to the separates combo (P6/A23+).  The HINT really is a well done integrated that's a pretty nice value in regards to other units out there.

Sonically, as noted above by a few others, I think the two are very, very close.

I am a new owner of the Hint 6, and i am finding it does very well with my Aerial 5Ts. They complement each other perfectly.

Do you leave your Hint 6 on 24/7 or power off. Any harm in leaving it on?