Parasound Hint 6 Halo 2 Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Description

One Box, Total Control Over Music and Movies

The Parasound HINT 6 is a do‑it‑all integrated amplifier that unites a high‑end ESS Sabre32 DAC, MM/MC phono stage, headphone amp, and 160 W per channel into one elegant chassis. It’s compact yet commanding equally at home with vinyl, high‑res streaming, or movie night.

Based on John Curl’s Class A/AB amplifier design, the HINT 6 delivers 160 W x2 into 8 Ω (240 W x2 into 4 Ω), includes an ESS Sabre32 Reference (ES9018K2M) DAC with USB up to 32‑bit/384 kHz and DSD256, and adds Home Theater Bypass with balanced XLR alongside multiple digital/analog inputs. Clean power, real flexibility.

Preamp and DAC Features

The preamplifier and DAC section features an ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M) for high-resolution digital audio playback. Its asynchronous USB 2.0 input supports PCM audio up to 384 kHz/32-bit and decodes Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DoP DSD formats, while the coaxial and optical inputs accept PCM signals up to 192 kHz/24-bit. Analog bass management with high-pass and low-pass crossovers allows flexible system configuration, while a home theatre bypass input enables integration with surround sound systems. A front-panel subwoofer level control provides convenient adjustment, and the dedicated high-current headphone amplifier, powered by the TI TPA6120, supports personal listening.

The phono input accommodates MM, MC, and MI cartridges with selectable 100-ohm or 47k-ohm loading. Additional connectivity includes a front-panel auxiliary input with an automatic +12 dB gain stage, five pairs of RCA line-level analog inputs, and one pair of balanced XLR analog inputs. Balanced XLR and RCA left and right preamplifier outputs, together with one balanced XLR and two RCA subwoofer outputs, offer versatile connection options. Bass and treble controls feature relay bypass operation through either the remote control or front panel. Rear-panel IR input and loop output jacks, a 12-volt trigger output, and a backlit remote control with dedicated buttons add convenience. Standby power consumption is just 0.5 watts, meeting Energy Star and EU specifications.

Power Amp Features

The power amplifier delivers 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 240 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with both channels driven, using RMS power ratings. Designed by renowned amplifier engineer John Curl, its circuit topology combines high-bias Class A/AB operation with a direct amplifier input that bypasses the preamplifier section when required. An oversized shielded toroidal power transformer and dual-mono power supply and amplifier architecture support stable power delivery, backed by 40,000 µF of power supply filter capacitance. Matched JFET input stages and MOSFET driver stages work alongside 12 high-voltage, high-current bipolar output transistors to support the amplifier's power output. Heavy-duty 24-karat gold-plated five-way speaker binding posts provide secure speaker connections, while over-temperature and short-circuit relay protection help safeguard the amplifier during operation.