2. analog
  3. 164286-1665

Best integrated for my purposes - help me choose 1 of 3!

I did a bunch of research over the weekend and narrowed down choices.  My requirements:  2 channel amp that integrates well with my LS50 - ideally with HT Bypass.  The Ls50s are also part of my HT system.  I can use HT Bypass to send L/R to a 2 channel amp where all of my analog sources are pluged-in.    

1. Outlaw Audio 2160II  ($1k)
2. Parasound Hint6        ($3k)
3. Yamaha A-S1200 (or 2200) ($2-$3.5)

Ok, so right off the bat, the Outlaw will need a 2 amp / 1 speaker switcher - something from Niles maybe.  For $1k it's hard not to consider.  The Parasound is probably the most well recommended of all the choices - it's solid performer.  Yamaha - buy once / cry once.  I'd get years of use with the Yamaha even after the KEFs have been upgraded.

Cost is part of the consideration...  Does the Parasound sound 3x better, not sure, but probably not.  Yamaha 2x better?  Maybe, I've never read a bad review.  Steve Gutenberg suggests that the Outlaw is *very* good bang for buck!  

Thoughts?  
128x128martinman
reubent
6,956 posts
 
You don't need a switcher with the Outlaw. You would hook it up the same as either of the integrated amps, except you would just use any unused analog L&R input (instead of the HT bypass L&R connections). The only difference is you would need to pre-select a pre-set volume position on the Outlaw receiver when you "switch" to HT. Whereas with the 2 integrated amps you would select the unity gain HT bypass. No big deal, just a minor inconvenience.



russ69's avatar
russ69
3,496 posts
 
In the long run you will like the Parasound best. You might also look at a Musical Fedelity but I don't know about the HT aspect.
geof3
1,129 posts
 
Parasound of those three...
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
At $3k you are into the range of a Raven Blackhawk, an amp that is in a whole different league, so much better than the rest you would not believe. But it does not have the silly bells and whistles you want. All of which (HT bypass, omg.) do nothing but add cost while actually making the sound quality worse. 

In the long run an amp like the Raven will have you happy and smiling probably for the rest of your life. You need to get into five figures to be significantly better, and it is built to last for life. It will also be quietly urging you to ditch the HT hoax which is holding you back sound quality wise, more than you know. 

But you know what they say, experience is the school of man, and he will learn at no other. 
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