2. amps-preamps
  3. 175543-101401

Next move from Parasound HINT?

I appreciate all input and experiences…I am considering moving up from my Parasound Halo Integrated.  My hope is for better sound quality, particularly with vinyl.

My current configuration is:

1) Anthem MRX 1120 AVR for Home theater (11.1)

2) Parasound HINT to power my fronts (B&W 702 S2) and my subwoofer (SVS PB-3000) and for vinyl playback (Thorens TD-160 Super, Dynavector XX2 cart)

3) Parasound JC3+ Phono Preamp

 

Needs for Integrated Amp:

1) more refined musicality for analog playback - I listen to a lot of rock, particularly hard rock, progressive and metal.  However, I listen to a range of music, as well…from classical to trip hop to new wave…I just want to to really wow me with soundstage, separation, clarity and punch.

2) Home Theater bypass capability - onboard bass management is a plus

3) Balanced In / Balanced Out

4) L/R Speaker / Sub outputs

 

Do not need:

1) onboard phono stage

2) A whole bunch of digital inputs

3) USB

 

Thank you all in advance for any helpful opinions!

tgterm
fastfreight
760 posts
 

Hi OP, 

Funny.  I wanted to add a bsmt system about three years ago. and I started with a Parasound Hint 6.  I have experience with Parasound and liked them.  I own two of the big 5 channel amps A51 and they are tanks.  They are each in a movie setup one in my ex wife's home and one in a vacation home.  So a logical choice was the Hint 6.  Then I started to listen to nicer stuff.  Oh my.  First ps audio BHK pre and BHK amp.  Not that great for all the hype.  Anyway, sold that and in a roundabout way ended up with Audionet Max amps and Pre G2.  Night and Day.  Parasound, as someone said, dark and veiled.  Audionet dynamic and resolving but NOT fatiguing. Over your budget?  sure.  Over mine too but I am so happy with it. My friend listened to mine and then bought the Audionet Watt integrated.  Much of the same sound.  Bill at GTT would help you out there.  Anyway...worth it by a mile!

I also even got in the JC1+ amps...nowhere close to the audionet stuff.  Sometimes you have to spend a bit more to get amazing.  The Max amps are very comparable in price to the JC1+'s but not comparable otherwise.

Thanks, Ken

avanti1960
1,458 posts
 

i switched from a parasound a21+ to a pass labs xa25 and the sound is so much more alive, clear and dynamic.  

look for a pass integrated.  

also a rogue audio pharaoh ii is worth a look.  

fastfreight
760 posts
 

Hi avanti1960.  Have you heard the Audionet stuff?  Have you heard what you are missing? (said in fun!) Ken

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