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
helomech
1,670 posts
 
The Yamaha has both the best build and sound quality. Economy of scale allows them to use better parts than what you’ll find in the others. 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,774 posts
 
Hardly true in the yamaha argument  parasound uses very high quality parts and they are designed by John cure a genius in circuit design

We are a parasound dealer and we have a demo set of the pre 6 and a21 amp so we can give you a good price on the combo

Dave and troy
Audio intellect nj

Parasound dealers
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,373 posts
 
Send me a PM and I can give you the name of the dealer I bought the Halo Integrated from.  I got a good discount  on a brand new unit.  He will ship if you are too far away. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,373 posts
 
If the Yamaha has the same sound now, as when I had one of their integrated amps which was in 1989, then I would pass. Kind of a bleached sound and was not that musical. I remembering asking the dealer if that was their “natural sound”. Go with the Parasound, it sounds great and at 160wpc, it’s a great unit. Plus, it’s got a decent built in DAC and if you want to add a sub, it has the adjustable crossover frequency and level.
hudsonhawk
137 posts
 
Why not a Hegel? You should be able to get an H200 or similar on the used market, checks all your boxes. Over performers for the money.
More to discover