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?  
martinman
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,228 posts
 
the Outlaw will need a 2 amp / 1 speaker switcher - something from Niles maybe. For $1k it's hard not to consider.
Yes, I totally agree that Outlaw Audio 2160II at $1k is hard to beat.
Actually, a true HT bypass circuity is just a simple line level A/B switcher to disconnect the internal preamp section and switch the power amp input to a external source.
you can simply use a line level source a/b switcher on the Outlaw 2160II pre-out/main-in jacks to get the job done.

reubent
7,093 posts
 
As @imhififan said: 
you can simply use a line level source a/b switcher on the Outlaw 2160II pre-out/main-in jacks to get the job done
This is correct. However, you should pre-select a volume setting to use when you run the HT auto-setup on your HT system, and choose that pre-determined volume setting when you select/listen to HT in the future. This way your front L&R speakers will always be set correctly as they were when you ran your setup routine.
dadork
633 posts
 
I have the Hint 6 and am very happy with it. I guess MC doesn't understand HT bypass. I think you can find new a bit cheaper than 3k, Try Dave Weinhardt at Weinhardt Design.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,433 posts
 
Ah, my favorite song is coming on again. It goes, "Raven Raven Raven, Tekton Tekton Tekton, Raven Raven Raven, Tekton Tekton Tekton."
martinman's avatar
martinman OP
96 posts
 
Thanks everyone,

HT bypass is a convenient feature for WAF that's all - kids too.  Its not that high up on the list tbh, and I would't want to compromise 2-channel listening.  But it would make for a nice and tidy setup.  

@millercarbon: I agree, i'm all for tubes.  In fact, if they offered a DIY kit, I'd be all over it.

I wouldn't necessarily need a line level switch.  I was thinking of this:
https://www.nilesaudio.com/product/amplifierspeaker-b-selector-FG00003
Slight bump in the signal chain though.. 
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