Well, so far the Parasound HINT is my benchmark (with the C7es3) by which all others will be judged:
After trying the Heed Elixir for a longer listen with a friend, it’s not a keeper at all. Parasound blows it away. Case in point, listening to Radiohead, All I need. Towards the end when things start getting dense with the organ and bells sounds etc, with the Parasound I was able to hear every distinct sound including hearing exactly what was being played on the bells, imaged high and to the right. Through the Heed I had to strain to hear the same thing as it was all smeared. Also the tone of voices and instruments was much more natural and 3 dimensional with the Parasound and more detail. So, as expected, a blowout win for the HINT. Not unexpected for the price but I had higher hopes for the Heed after reviews.
So, I repeat - if there's a class D integrated that is on the same level or better than the HINT for near the same price let me know and I will see if I can try it.
After trying the Heed Elixir for a longer listen with a friend, it’s not a keeper at all. Parasound blows it away. Case in point, listening to Radiohead, All I need. Towards the end when things start getting dense with the organ and bells sounds etc, with the Parasound I was able to hear every distinct sound including hearing exactly what was being played on the bells, imaged high and to the right. Through the Heed I had to strain to hear the same thing as it was all smeared. Also the tone of voices and instruments was much more natural and 3 dimensional with the Parasound and more detail. So, as expected, a blowout win for the HINT. Not unexpected for the price but I had higher hopes for the Heed after reviews.
So, I repeat - if there's a class D integrated that is on the same level or better than the HINT for near the same price let me know and I will see if I can try it.