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Which integrated amp for better musicality - Parasound Hint vs Primaluna vs ???

I've been having a blast looking up threads and doing some research but my dilemma is this - I want to get more enjoyment out of my music (don't we all). My Anthem and Oppo setup honestly sound great but I can't help but think that maybe I am missing out. I am thinking of upgrading some of my gear by either adding an integrated amp or separates. I'd love to hear some recommendations. Based on some reading, I am considering: 

1. Parasound Halo Integrated 6
2. Primaluna Dialogue Premium or Premium HP

My current setup is as follows: 

Oppo 105D
Anthem MRX 510 AVR
Ascend Acoustic Sierra RAAL Towers and Horizon Center

Any recommendations or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. 
freesole
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
freesole,
The Rogue Pharaoh integrated would be a good choice. It's a hybrid tube pre section with a class D output (175 wpc). Also has a MM/MC phono stage and a pair of balanced inputs.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Sorry about my double posts. Had some computer problems. Or maybe it was me.....:-)
helomech
1,852 posts
 
I've owned the Halo Integrated, the Rogue CMII (stock tubes), and the Pharaoh. Both the Cronus and Halo are better amps by a good margin. I actually preferred the Sphinx V2 to the Pharaoh as it seemed to have more grunt despite the specs.

I'd check out Raven Audio's recently revised Nighthawk - the only tube integrated I'm aware of with a built-in, adjustable high pass filter for sub integration.

If you want a SS amp that can actually mimic some tube sonics (unlike the Rogue hybrids), consider the Yamaha A-S2100. 

This amp is very intriguing:
https://stillaudio.com/products
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
helomech
Intesting of your observations of the Rogue CMII and the Sphinx vs. the Pharaoh. I replaced the stock tubes in the Pharaoh with British Mullard NOS tubes. It went way above the sonics of the stock tubes. 

Also talked to guys at Rogue about the above comparison of Cronus Mag.II , Sphinx V2 vs. Pharaoh. They all preferred the Pharaoh. But then, what do they know? Right???
helomech
1,852 posts
 
@mr_m,

I also spoke to the guys at Rogue before purchasing a Pharaoh. My local dealer suggested the Cronus is the better amp and he was certainly correct. In my system, it was better in every regard: resolution, instrument separation, imaging, bass... you name it. I’m not talking small margins either. IMHO, it’s the CMII that should be their flagship integrated. I’m baffled as to why the Rogue rep I spoke to claimed to prefer the Pharaoh. He said it manages greater detail than the Cronus, but my experience was quite the opposite.

I tried one pair of NOS tubes in the Pharaoh and Sphinx - Brimar 4003s. Didn't make any notable improvement. Have you owned a full-tube integrated? They don't sound anything like the hybrids I've encountered.
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