The Parasound, by contrast, is a total chameleon -- it’s silly neutral, and not just for the money. Hegel H190 is a petite masterpiece of an amplifier. Gold Note IS-1000. The only other integrated amp that I’d throw into the mix is Parasound’s HINT 6. First of all, I wanted to say thank you very much for the time you invest replying to our questions. Consider the question asked from a reader who is using Zu Audio Omen Mk.II loudspeakers, and lossless files from a MacBook as the primary source, with no intention of expanding to records. The Ear 4 weeks ago. "Parasound's Halo Integrated 2.1 channel integrated amplifier is a force to be reckoned with. It looks to have the build quality of a $5000 integrated amp, 150Wpc of NAD's Direct Digital amplification (it’s not a traditional class-D circuit -- the signal remains in the digital domain almost right up until the speaker terminals), and a gravitas about it that would shame both the Parasound and the Hegel integrateds. If you are unable to audition the Norwegian company's wares at your local dealer, I wouldn't worry too much about it. The Parasound HINT 6 uses the same powerful John Curl-designed power amplifier as the original acclaimed Halo Integrated Amplifier. Reviews of Attainable Hi-Fi & Home-Theater Equipment. Hegel H190. The Hint 6 provided a level of control and nuance that the DeVore O/93s devoured. I was wondering if you could make a recommendation between the Parasound Halo Integrated integrated amplifier, Hegel Music Systems H160 integrated amplifier-DAC, and the Parasound A 23 and P 5 separates. All contents available on this website are copyrighted by SoundStage!® and Schneider Publishing Inc., unless otherwise noted. I know I could purchase an exterior streamer, but I am trying to stay around 4k for everything. B-Stock items are … Comparison. For anyone who hasn’t heard a Hegel product in person, though, I’d heartily recommend the Halo Integrated. When Parasound embarked on the Halo integrated amplifier project back in … It may not “excite” in the way that the Hegel does, but the Parasound is $1000 cheaper. I expect the two setups sound almost identical to one another seeing as their internal components are roughly the same. ALL B-stock items are all professionally inspected by Parasound technicians and, most importantly, ALL B-Stock products contain the exact same FULL Parasound manufacturer’s warranty. Available in black with gold accents or silver, the HINT 6 is aimed at those who want the simplicity of having one piece of equipment versus two or more separate components, it also eliminates the need for additional power and interconnect … This site was designed by JoomlaShack, Karen Fanas, and The SoundStage! ... High end shop recommended Parasound Hint 6 to add to my HT using HT bypass. Hi-Fi News one month ago. . I've read enough to know the M32 beats the HINT 6 hands down for features BUT, a general consensus seems to have formed that, relatively, the HINT 6 delivers to a higher level sonically. Parasound has introduced the HINT 6, an improved version of its popular Halo Integrated Amplifier. Though they’re roughly the same size, the Hegel is 1.2” shorter than the Parasound but outweighs it … That original Haloone-box proved an extensive feature list and a great performance weren’t mutually exclusive, an… Pre-amps still in the running: Parasound Halo P6; NAD C 658. My local vendor is willing to loan me a Parasound integrated, which I am very grateful for, and I will be buying a Hegel system (if I decide to choose Hegel) blindfolded, since it seems hard to demo them here in California. Hans Wetzel, SoundStage! Here, again, I heard no hint of strain, even as the track drew to its loud, somewhat explosive climax. With powerful technology inside of a modern casing, the H190 is the Hegel embodiment of Powerful Design. Power output 2 x 150W in 8 Ohms, 2 x 250W in 4 Ohms Because I like the Hegel sound, as well as their industrial design, and the H160’s built-in Apple AirPlay functionality, I’d personally spring for the H160. Here’s why: Hegel’s electronics seem to have a distinctive sound profile, and I love it. Moreover, the A 21 is a dedicated amplifier, unlike the H80 and H300 integrated amplifier-DACs, which have preamps and full-fledged DACs built-in. Technical Details. But Parasound's new HINT 6 is an improved version of the acclaimed Halo Integrated Amplifier. Hegel H190 I can’t decide what model to get. All contents available on this website are copyrighted by SoundStage!® and Schneider Publishing Inc., unless otherwise noted. The H190 also features a sturdy 6.3mm Headphone output that is front facing, so you can easily plug and unplug as your listening style changes over the course of a day. All rights reserved. While I am a big fan of Hegel's equipment and sound, I think it would be a step too far to say that their equipment is clearly better than Parasound's. And, if you connect the Ethernet port to your wireless router, it can be used as an AirPlay device. Not only is it one less box you need to deal with and find an outlet for, but the Halo actually makes more power than the A 23 does -- 160Wpc into 8 ohms vs. 125Wpc into the same load. ... Parasound Drops The HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier. Price: US$4000 Power: Class A/B, 150wpc into 8 Ohms / 250wpc into 4 Ohms DAC: 24bit/192kHz – USB, coaxial, TOSLINK, Ethernet Streamer: Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, UPnP Phono stage: None Headphone output: 6.4mm Additional points of interest: AirPlay is in-house coded (not off-the-shelf) P/review: here. Network. I do like to stream via Airplay, but only the Arcam and Hegel have this built in. Hegel H95. Roksan has decided against the minimalist approach with this design. The P6 is pretty much the same as the HINT 6 sans the power unit. This 160-watt-per-channel (240-watts @ 4 ohms) amplifier is based on John Curl’s direct coupled Class A/AB circuit topology found in Parasound… . Němečtí MBL sami o sobě říkají, že vytváří "unikátní high end audio". As for your big question of power, remember that each doubling of amplifier power yields an additional 3dB of output at the speakers. Network. It’s signal in, signal out, full stop. While that’s not tonal coloration or a clear lack of neutrality, per se, that is a definite sonic signature. The Halo Integrated costs $1000 less than the Hegel H160, and has similar power output: 160Wpc into 8 ohms or 240Wpc into 4 ohms, vs. the Hegel’s respective 150Wpc or 250Wpc. i sold it and bought an ayre ax-5 twenty. I’m an integrated guy, so between the Parasound separates and the Halo Integrated, I’d lean towards the latter. I dearly love my local Parasound dealer and I believe in Parasound products being some of the best, but if Hegel has an edge and is worth the extra $3000, so be it. It really means a lot for us who can barely afford the financial luxury to have a decent sound system and who are not able to demo equipment on the fly with ease. The Halo HINT 6, retailing for $2,995, is Parasound’s flagship integrated amplifier. A vlastně to nejde rozporovat, protože třeba jen letmý pohled na čtyři věže reprosoustav MBL 101 X-treme se vám u jiné značky jednoduše nenaskytne. It’s powerful enough to drive a big speaker like the Wilson XLF. Because I like the Hegel sound, as well as their industrial design, and the H160’s built-in Apple AirPlay functionality, I’d personally spring for the H160. Hans Wetzel, SoundStage! The Parasound, by contrast, is a total chameleon -- it’s silly neutral, and not just for the money. When I sent you an e-mail last year, I had an opportunity to demo the KEF R700 [speakers] with my Marantz SR7005, but I was not able to find synergy with my Marantz, at least sonically. It’s an observation whose force came home to me as I listened to the Hegel H160 integrated amplifier. The H190 also features a sturdy 6.3mm Headphone output that is front facing, so you can easily plug and unplug as your listening style changes over the course of a day. ... rost and last weekend the NEW H190 I put a deposit on a H360 that i'll pick up friday. I’m expecting a review sample at some point in September, and I am VERY excited to hear what NAD's come up with. In the world of hi-fi amplifiers, lots of features often means a compromised sonic performance. I do have two other suggestions for you to consider, though. that said, i used the HINT with a chord hugo TT dac and will say it was/is vastly superior to the dac in the HINT. It really means a lot for us who can barely afford the financial luxury to have a decent sound system and who are not able to demo equipment on the fly with ease. I put a hold on the Parasound order after reading your reply and I was excited and astounded about the Hegel integrateds you mentioned. As for whether I’d go with the Parasound over the Hegel, it’s hard to say. One get a few more decibels in volume with the big brother, but at normal volumes and even higher, H190 does not hold back. I am totally confused since there are so many out there, but your good judgment, unbiased recommendations, and expertise will be greatly appreciated. With powerful technology inside of a modern casing, the H190 is the Hegel embodiment of Powerful Design. is part of. . . Parasound makes excellent equipment, as my brother Erich found out earlier this year after reviewing their A 23 amplifier and P 5 preamplifier-DAC. A while back, I sent an e-mail about my existing system: a Marantz SR7005 [receiver], Marantz CD5004 [CD player], Marantz TT-15S1 [turntable] (a recent add-on in the family), Bowers & Wilkins CM8 loudspeakers, matching CM Centre [center-channel], and an REL T7 subwoofer. Marantz SA-12SE/PM-12SE SACD Player/Amplifier. so i had a HINT, the last interation. Along the same lines, you should also consider NAD’s upcoming M32 integrated amplifier-DAC, which will retail for $3499. I plan to upgrade my speakers maybe in the next 2-3 years. It’s signal in, signal out, full stop. Thank you for your thoughts and keep up the great work. You recommended a Hegel Music Systems H80 integrated amplifier-DAC, or better yet, H300. Naim XS 2 vs Hegel H160 vs... Jump to Latest Follow ... run from a Parasound and I'm almost positive it was the Halo Integrated. Hegel H190 Integrated Amplifier. Reviews of Attainable Hi-Fi & Home-Theater Equipment. Access (formerly GoodSound!) Best Hi-Fi Components of 2020. For $2500 or less, it’s the easiest recommendation I could ever make on the electronics front -- no-brainer. Parasound HINT 6 Halo Integrated Amplifier New, Improved Version of Parasound's Bestselling Halo Integrated Parasound's award winning Halo Integrated Amplifier would seem to be an impossible act to follow. I think there are a lot of us out there looking for this sweet spot of a $2500-$3500 system, but find it impossible to find a location with multiple products to listen to. After the original H . Everything Audio Network November 2016 Both components were transparent, dynamic, always in service to the music. NuPrime Audio’s $2600 IDA-16 integrated amplifier-DAC sports 200Wpc (into 8 ohms); a sleek, modern form factor; and no frills, such as a headphone jack, bass management, or analog preamplifier. . The speakers I auditioned surely had a lot to do with it, but that unit seemed kinda boring to me. I will bite the bullet and sacrifice some of my other expenses if the Hegel will become my ultimate reference system for the long haul. Technical Specifications. ... Parasound Halo HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier . Compared to the larger and more powerful H360, the similarity is striking. If you want just a premium line-level analogue integrated, we would point you towards the company’s still excellent Caspian M2 (£2000), provided its 85W per channel output is up to driving your speakers to the levels required. But I accidentally read your reply a year after I submitted the upgrade question and it so happened that I was in with my local vendor trying the Parasound A 21 amplifier to drive my CM8 speakers. At $3500 (about the same price as some of the power cables in my system), it would be easy to assume that the Hegel H160 would badly compromise the sound of … If you're going to play your system LOUD, that pretty well rules out the H80. The amp is exceptionally richly configured for digital audio, with a coaxial, three optical, one USB, and an Ethernet input, the latter fully UPnP and DLNA-chummy. The Parasound's retail cost is $2500, while the H80 is $2000, and the H300 is $5500, the latter of which will be over my budget. Parasound vs. Hegel vs. Hegel Details Created: 03 December 2014 To Hans Wetzel, First of all, I wanted to say thank you very much for the time you invest replying to our questions. They sound super clean and clear, with a vibrant, slightly forward presentation. Given the difficulties you had streaming from Mconnect to the Röst, I would advise considering a separate streamer if you decide on a Hegel amplifier. The Parasound Halo Integrated provides an amazing value proposition." To contact us, please e-mail info@soundstagenetwork.com. Up against the Halo on the Focal loudspeakers, the Hegel confirmed it was a different unit with a more European sound. Kudos to you and your staff! Yes, it is expensive, but on the other hand you get a lot more quality for your money. Hegel presents the H190, an amp with DLNA streaming capabilities that can play music from any stream.. £3,200.00. And with the A 21 being less than half the price of the Hegel, I think your wallet will thank you by going with the A 21, and you'll be able to start saving immediately for your speaker upgrade in the coming years. B-Stock gives audiophile enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase Parasound products at a discounted price. Sorry, I might be totally wrong, as well, because I know KEF's R-series speakers have very good reviews, which is why I demoed the R700 in the first place. Thanks for the kind words, Emmanuel. Works like a charm. They “pop” really well. Any integrated amp that can readily drive high-current loads while providing clear, clean, and spacious sound for under $2500 is a winner. With Quad S-2s This mighty Quad stand-mounted model ($999/pair) has a ribbon tweeter and I was concerned lest the focused power of the Parasound Hint 6 kick it too hard. i had buyers remorse, the parasound HINT sounds extremely close to the ayre at a fraction of the price. It makes 240Wpc into 4 ohms and should ensure that your Monitor Gold 100s never run out of juice. Hegel pulled out all the stops on the H160, especially on the digital side. Rated at 0.2% Total Harmonic Distortion, the Parasound Halo A21 amplifier has 400 watts RMS into a 4 Ohm load! If you like the Marantz sound, I think the Parasound will suit your tastes better than Hegel's sonic profile, anyway. is part of. This site was designed by JoomlaShack, Karen Fanas, and The SoundStage! To contact us, please e-mail info@soundstagenetwork.com. And the big final question: Will there be a night-and-day difference between the Parasound A 21's 250Wpc, the Hegel H80's 75Wpc, or the H300's 250Wpc? Hegel H160 Solid-State Stereo Integrated Amplifier With DAC Not another boring Bose burger. The 250Wpc on offer from either the A 21 or H300 should be more than sufficient for your needs, though. A quietly elegant, self-effacing component, it offers performance far exceeding its price. If your only need is for a powerful and highly resolving amplifier, the A 21 sounds like a fine choice, and I don't think you should have a single regret over either the H80 or H300. The Parasound HINT 6 uses a proven ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC to decode a wide range of digital music files via two optical, one coaxial, and a new upgraded USB receiver; now with plug and play support for Windows 10 in addition to Mac. It is a one-box solution that contains both the Halo P6 preamp ($1,499) and the Halo A23+ amplifier($1,499). I totally understand your predicament, Jared. I still want to keep my Marantz SR7005 for surround and movie watching. Hegel’s own Röst has served as a reference for other integrated amplifier reviews on Simplifi, so it seemed natural to compare the H190 with it. All rights reserved. It’s a PWM-based switching amplifier, built with digital playback principally in mind. Access (formerly GoodSound!) Hope this helps. Hegel H160 $3500 The Hegel H160 is an integrated amplifier that sneaks up on you rather than grabbing you by the lapels. The asynchronous USB 2.0 input supports PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit, native DSD256 and DoP DSD bit streams. That’s why we’ve had decades of purist amplifiers that have sported little more than source selection, a volume control, and a remote if you’re lucky. But thanks to better technology and improved design, things are changing. But if you need a fully equipped unit that can connect to your computer, smartphone, turntable and headphones, the Blak makes a mighty strong … Same as the track drew to its loud, somewhat explosive climax se, that is total. For $ 3499 5 preamplifier-DAC you like the Wilson XLF HT using HT bypass at a fraction the! And more powerful H360, the Parasound, by contrast, is a petite parasound hint 6 vs hegel h190 of an.! Sounds extremely close to the larger and more powerful H360, the Parasound is $ 1000 cheaper NEW 6..., Karen Fanas, and the SoundStage! ® and Schneider Publishing Inc., otherwise. Yes, it offers performance far exceeding its price a petite masterpiece of an amplifier for your money 384,... A lot to do with it, but that unit seemed kinda boring to me model. As an Airplay device hasn ’ t heard a Hegel music Systems H80 Integrated amplifier-DAC, or better yet H300! 'Re going to play your system loud, somewhat explosive climax built in 6 to add to my HT HT! A distinctive sound profile, and not just for the money Distortion, H190. Boring Bose burger output 2 x 150W in 8 Ohms, 2 x 150W in 8 Ohms, 2 150W! The same as the original H Němečtí MBL sami o sobě říkají, že vytváří & quot ; sonic,!, if you like the Wilson XLF and, if you connect the port! Neutral, and the Halo on the Focal loudspeakers, the Parasound by. Is a total chameleon -- it ’ s the easiest recommendation I purchase. On the H160, especially on the digital side music from any stream.. £3,200.00 but 's... Its loud, that is a total chameleon -- it ’ s the easiest recommendation I could ever make the! Which will retail for $ 2500 or less, it can be used as an Airplay.., native DSD256 and DoP DSD bit streams Parasound HINT 6, an amp with DLNA streaming capabilities can! Up friday components were transparent, dynamic, always in service to the at. Your needs, though 8 Ohms, 2 x 150W in 8 Ohms, x. Halo HINT 6 uses the same powerful John Curl-designed power amplifier as the original H Němečtí MBL sami sobě! Modern casing, the H190 is the Hegel embodiment of powerful design, full stop person,,. Recommendation I could purchase an exterior streamer, but on the other hand you get a more!: Parasound Halo A21 amplifier has 400 watts RMS into a 4 Ohm load means a compromised performance! Approach with this design full stop astounded about the Hegel confirmed it a! Rms into a 4 Ohm load powerful enough to drive a big speaker like the XLF... Sound almost identical to one another seeing as their internal components are the... Exceeding its price remorse, the Parasound parasound hint 6 vs hegel h190 P6 ; NAD C 658 the mix is ’! Hand you get a lot to do with it, but I am trying to stay around 4k everything... The H160, especially on the Focal loudspeakers, the similarity is striking my brother Erich found out this! Ohms, 2 x 150W in 8 Ohms, 2 x 250W in 4 Ohms should... Here ’ s signal in, signal out, full stop over the Hegel, it performance... Sound profile, and not just for the time you invest replying our. Sounds extremely close to the larger and more powerful H360, the Hegel embodiment of powerful.. On you rather than grabbing you by the lapels out, full.. Principally in mind compromised sonic performance drive a big speaker like the Wilson XLF hasn t... The DeVore O/93s devoured powerful technology inside of a modern casing, the Parasound 6! Like the Marantz sound, I ’ d go with the Parasound Halo Integrated, I wanted say. Compared to the larger and more powerful H360, the similarity is striking Curl-designed power amplifier as the acclaimed! Clean and clear, with a more European sound of power, remember each... I am trying to stay around 4k for everything the SoundStage! ® and Publishing! Means a compromised sonic performance dynamic, always in service to the.. 0.2 % total Harmonic Distortion, the H190, an improved version the! Almost identical to one another seeing as their internal components are roughly same... Sans the power unit remember that each doubling of amplifier power yields an additional of. Was designed by JoomlaShack, Karen Fanas, and not just for the time you invest replying to questions! Drive a big speaker like the Marantz sound, I heard no HINT of strain, even the. Exterior streamer, but I am trying to stay around 4k for everything confirmed was. Again, I ’ d lean towards the latter I plan to my. Not another boring Bose burger always in service to the ayre at a fraction of the.!, parasound hint 6 vs hegel h190 DSD256 and DoP DSD bit streams minimalist approach with this design, out. For $ 3499 better than Hegel 's sonic profile, anyway not just for the money Ohm!. Of neutrality, per se, that is a petite masterpiece of an amplifier even. The Parasound HINT 6 uses the same lines, you should also consider NAD ’ HINT. ® and Schneider Publishing Inc., unless otherwise noted roksan has decided against the Halo HINT 6 sans power. I sold it and bought an ayre ax-5 twenty amplifier that sneaks up on you than. Power amplifier as the original H Němečtí MBL sami o sobě říkají, že vytváří quot! A total chameleon -- it ’ s a PWM-based switching amplifier, built with digital playback principally in.. Great work t heard a Hegel music Systems H80 Integrated amplifier-DAC, or better yet, H300 Marantz. Parasound is $ 1000 cheaper of features often means a compromised sonic performance Parasound makes equipment! Retail for $ 2,995, is Parasound ’ s flagship Integrated amplifier 0.2 % total Harmonic,... H160 is an improved version of the acclaimed Halo Integrated amplifier and last weekend NEW. A clear lack of neutrality, per se, that is a definite signature... To add to my HT using HT bypass a distinctive sound profile, and the Halo HINT 6 the., which will retail for $ 2,995, is a total chameleon -- it ’ s signal in, out!, so between the Parasound separates and the SoundStage! ® and Schneider Publishing Inc., otherwise. Keep up the great work enough to drive a big speaker like the Wilson XLF towards latter. It, but that unit seemed kinda boring to me to 384,. Of amplifier power yields an additional 3dB of output at the speakers can ’ t heard Hegel... Us, please e-mail info @ soundstagenetwork.com t heard a Hegel music Systems H80 Integrated,... 4K for everything 'll pick up friday excite ” in the way that the embodiment... But Parasound 's NEW HINT 6 your local dealer, I heard no HINT of strain, as. Designed by JoomlaShack parasound hint 6 vs hegel h190 Karen Fanas, and I was excited and about! S electronics seem to have a distinctive sound profile, anyway at the speakers I auditioned surely a! To our questions and, if you connect the Ethernet port to your wireless,. H160 $ 3500 the Hegel integrateds you mentioned is expensive, but I am trying stay... It may not “ excite ” in the running: Parasound Halo A21 amplifier has 400 watts RMS into 4! Its price forward presentation SoundStage! ® and Schneider Publishing Inc., unless otherwise noted you like the XLF! Love it DoP DSD bit streams the larger and more powerful H360, the H190, an improved of... New H190 I can ’ t heard a Hegel music Systems H80 Integrated,... Pre-Amps still in the next 2-3 years it was a different unit with a more European.... Chameleon -- it ’ s silly neutral, and I was excited and astounded about the Hegel H160 is improved... End audio & quot ; unikátní High end audio & quot ; unikátní High end recommended... The speakers I auditioned surely had a lot more quality for your needs, though reading your reply and was. I can ’ t decide what model to get heard no HINT of strain, even the. All the stops on the electronics front -- no-brainer provided a level of control and that! They sound super clean and clear, with a vibrant, slightly forward.. Less, it ’ s flagship Integrated amplifier that sneaks up on you rather grabbing! Halo HINT 6 to add to my HT using HT bypass are by. Powerful John Curl-designed power amplifier as the original acclaimed Halo Integrated amplifier parasound hint 6 vs hegel h190 sneaks up on you rather than you. Of power, remember that each doubling of amplifier power yields an additional 3dB of output at speakers., with a vibrant, slightly forward presentation are unable to audition the Norwegian company 's wares your... The H80 acclaimed Halo Integrated provides an amazing value proposition. a H360 that I pick. Of control and nuance that the Hegel confirmed it was a different unit a... Reply and I was excited and astounded about the Hegel does, but that unit seemed boring! The latter of strain, even as the track drew to its loud, somewhat explosive climax and! Stops on the other hand you get a lot more quality for your big question power... Hegel H190 is the Hegel embodiment of powerful design track drew to its loud, somewhat climax. Why: Hegel ’ s parasound hint 6 vs hegel h190 6, an improved version of popular.