That’s a good sign. In an online report posted in July 2014 by Jason Victor Serinus, one factory there "has been engaged in continuous production of Parasound products since 1982. For $2495 it includes a powerful basic amplifier coupled to an excellent preamplifier that includes a built-in analog crossover as well as a DAC that supports all modern formats. And when you include a sound of ruler-flat neutrality, top-to-bottom linearity, and a gorgeous midrange, it becomes peerless. It shows me how my thoughts, feelings, and poetic imagination fit in with yours, Keith Jarrett's, and everyone else's. Any integrated amp that can readily drive high-current loads while providing clear, clean, and spacious sound for under $2500 is a winner. 180 watts x 2 @ 8 Ω But enjoyably, on the 1981 Munich concert included in Keith Jarrett's Concerts: Bregenz München (3 LPs, ECM-3-1227), the Parasound reproduced the pianist's vocalizations, as well as the applause and audience sounds, with an easy, intimate realism that I think all Jarrett enthusiasts would appreciate. I kept playing discs and listening for a Parasound personality—an obvious sonic signature—but I couldn't hear one. Why? ", Goodsound.com January 2016 The Halo's USB, optical, and coaxial digital inputs are selectable from the front panel: That's a lot of inputs. I asked my Facebook friends what they thought is meant by a reviewer who describes a component's sound as "neutral." The HINT should be on anyone's ", Enjoy the Music.com's Blue Note Award 2016, Stereo Times May 2016 If you are a 2.1 user though, it needs to jump We say 'wow.' 270 watts x 2 @ 4 Ω, Current Capacity In the world of hi-fi amplifiers, lots of features often means a compromised sonic performance. Whether you’re talking analogue or digital, the Halo performed superbly, across all formats and sub-formats, providing a basic sound quality that hit a peak way above its own inherent price point. Total Preamp Stage Gain: 10 dB All I can conclude from this definition is that, if I listen to the same recording through a number of different high-end systems, I might develop an imaginary construct of what was written on the disc. > 800 at 20 Hz, Preamp Stage Input Sensitivity     Input Impedance "If there was ever a product that personifies the modern integrated amplifier, this is it. 10 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Next to the Input knob are the Sub Level and Balance controls. The Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier is a first rate, high-current amplifier. DEALER AD: Parasound Halo A23+ Amplifier Combo, Open Box, Only $1899: Solid State Amplifiers: $1899.00: ON Dec 14, 2020: 12 : DEALER AD: Parasound Halo Hint 6 Integrated Amplifier - Open Box, Only $3499.00: Solid State Integrated Amplifiers: $3499.00: ON Dec 14, 2020: 13 ", The Ear Hi-Fi Music Gear (UK) July 2016 Positive Feedback Writer’s Choice Awards 2016, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, August 2016, SoundStage! According to Schram, "The Halo Integrated is the only amp on the market that provides a sub channel/out for the two-channel analog and the digital sources that are connected to it. I like having two turntables and sometimes two or three external computer/DAC/CD sources; gloriously, the Halo Integrated's rear panel has five line-level inputs (RCA). It has a raft of analog and digital inputs, built-in bass management, fully featured moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stages, a discrete headphone amplifier, and defeatable tone controls -- a feature set that, all by itself, makes Richard Schram's Hint unique among its peers. Speaking of Listening Line in: - 103 dB (input shorted) In the price range under kr. "I believe that J. Gordon Holt would characterize the Parasound Halo Integrated as neutral and accurate. "You'll be hard pressed to find another integrated amplifier at this price that can match the HINT 6's impressive list of features, power, and smooth and engaging sound." Any integrated amp that can readily drive high-current loads while providing clear, clean, and spacious sound for under $2500 is a winner. After the original Halo Integrated Amplifier was introduced, it quickly became known as "HINT" in the Parasound community, and that name is now adopted in the new model as the HINT 6. "The Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier is one of the really exciting amplifier purchases one can make for under 30,000 kroner. the Halo a fantastic value. Even if you don't need these, it is still a bargain. It hits on so many touchpoints of convenience, flexibility, usability, and musicality that it's hard to not develop an immediate crush. VIA VT1731, 384 kHz / 32-bit, Headphone Amplifier Parasound Halo JC2 BP Two Channel Preamplifier.     Input Capacitance ", Hometheaterrview.com, September 2015 Dynamics, especially microdynamics, were enjoyably natural; their well-scaled action made me feel closer than usual to Jarrett's disquieting art. Like the previous HINT , which we reviewed three years ago, the HINT 6 has particular party piece in that it is unusually well specified for the business of operating with 2.1 speaker systems - something we’ll be covering in the review itself. ", HiFi Choice Editor's Choice (UK) December 2015 I simply removed my Parasound P 7 preamp and Perreaux E110 power amplifier and put the Integrated 2.1 in their places. Actually, there's another problem: I am an audiophile who only minimally comprehends what accurate and neutral actually mean in terms of reproduced sound. Surprisingly, many of them said, "boring or dull." 45 lb. "A highly accomplished piece of hi-fi equipment, the Parasound Halo offers a wealth of sonic options that should satisfy any determined audiophile. Really dynamic recordings, like Antonio Sanchez' drums solos on the Birdman soundtrack amply demonstrated the Halo Integrated's muscle. David Robson takes a listen to this £2999 well specified amp. Very good condition with one scratch on top of the front plate near the "P" (See attached images). Recommended Award < 0.01 %, average listening levels Description The only problem: Often, the stereo components that most enhance my experiences of devotion and identity are not those that I can sincerely declare to be the most accurate or neutral. As the primary and sole integrated amplifier in the Halo range, Parasound has packed the 2.1 with a slew of nifty features in a clean and conservative, as far as amps of this level go, a relatively compact but substantial form factor – it measures 437 x 150 x … Its class-A/AB output section, which provides 160Wpc into 8 ohms, is based on bipolar transistors, while its input and driver stages use JFETs and MOSFETs, respectively. I’ve been using the Parasound P 7 as my reference preamplifier for several years. ", Home Theater Review Best of 2015 I gulped. Macrodynamics and inner detail dramatically increased. (I'd begun to type soft, but gentle is more accurate.) (During a recent solo performance at Carnegie Hall, Jarrett urged his fans to embrace his LP catalog: "I believe my work is best understood by listening to the LPs."). They can be switched out of the signal path when not needed, giving a slightly clearer sound. No surprise then that I consider the Halo to be outstanding value for money. Amplifier Product of the Year. ", SoundStage! How can any audio component not have a personality? If that is the case, they may find that the Parasound Halo Integrated 2.1 amplifier is the high-value solution. An Audio Glossary": accuracy The degree to which the output signal from a component or system is perceived as replicating the sonic qualities of its input signal. I thought, How can it not? “The Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier is one of the really exciting amplifier purchases one can make for under 30,000 kroner. If you're after Parasound Halo Integrated 2.1 Channel Integrated Amplifier. Like baking bread or watering my garden, playing records in my monk's cell is an expression of my devotion to living mindfully. In his review in the November 2015 issue, Herb Reichert wrote that Parasound's Halo Integrated amplifier "has a recognizable sonic personality: easy flowing, mostly smooth, and decidedly mellow. The Halo's phono stage has RCA inputs with gain that's switch-selectable for MM or MC, and with a choice of loading MC cartridges with 100 or 47k ohms. His definition of neutral is easier. Sound, Features, Build ★★★★★, Australian Hi-Fi (Australia)September/October 2016 "I suspect that many audiophiles who never anticipated wanting or needing an integrated amplifier may find, someday, that they do need a compact yet powerful one. played tunes and sang songs as if they mattered. An enthusiastic nomination for EAN's Parasound Halo HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier . The HALO A23+ stereo power amplifier that is reviewed here is the updated version of the HALO A23 amplifier. 160 watts x 2 @ 8 Ω "Let me say it without a blush: I absolutely loved this piece of gear. Frustrated, and for the sake of this review, I was forced to speculate about the nature of accurate and neutral. . ", The Halo Integrated, which measures 17.25" wide by 16.25" deep by 5.875" high and weighs 33 lbs, is the first new integrated amplifier from Parasound since 1986. Height, without feet: 5-1/4" (133 mm), 3U, Shipping Weight Here is the power to breathe life into a party house with resolution and musicality in spades. This is a big box, spanning 437 x 413 x 150mm and weighing in at (bend those knees first) 15kg. There is no better DAC-integrated on the market for the price. Height, with feet: 5-7/8" (150 mm) It’s not clear why it took them this long but it may be something to do with the companies enthusiasm for offering more features than you can shake a … Unique among its peers. ", The Audiophile Man (UK) April 2017 In contrast to its MM stage's gentleness, the Halo Integrated's MC stage exhibited more punch and openness. Parasound Halo Integrated 2.1 Channel Amplifier It's cutting-edge DAC decodes 384kHz PCM and DSD using the latest ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC. "A classy integrated amp with D/A. On the right is a small Input knob: As this is rotated, 11 tiny blue LEDs light up in sequence below a row of 11 minutely labeled input choices: Aux, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Phono, Opt, Coax, USB, Bypass. A well-engineered, well-performing product. I learned it from Goldilocks: not too warm, not too cool, not too bright or dull, nor too hard or soft, etc. Then I began playing some favorite recordings with Parasound's new Halo Integrated amplifier ($2495). "It's not often that such a fully-specified amplifier The Ear Best Buy. (0.9% THD, RMS, 20 Hz - 20 kHz) Coax/Opt: up to 192 kHz / 24-bit PCM, Digital to Analog Converter Network Reviewers' Choice January 2016 Network Reviewers' Choice January 2016, HiFi Choice Editor's Choice (UK) December 2015, Latest generation ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M), Asynchronous USB 2.0 supports PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, USB input decodes Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DoP DSD, Coax and optical accept PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit, Analog bass management with high & low pass crossovers, Home theater bypass input for surround sound integration, Dedicated high current headphone amplifier (TI TPA6120), Phono for MM & MC with 100 Ω or 47k Ω load, Front panel Aux input with automatic +12 dB gain stage, Balanced XLR and RCA left and right preamp outputs, 1 balanced XLR and 2 RCA subwoofer outputs, Bass & treble controls with relay bypass from remote or front panel, Rear panel IR input and IR loop output jacks, Back-lit remote control with discrete buttons, 0.5w standby power consumption meets Energy Star & EU specs, 160 Watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven), 240 Watts x 2 @ 4 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven), Power amp circuit topology designed by legendary John Curl, Direct amplifier input to bypass preamp section, Oversized shielded toroid power transformer, Dual-mono power supply and power amplifier, Matched JFET input stages and MOSFET driver stages, 12 high voltage/high current bipolar output transistors, Heavy-duty 24k gold-plated 5-way speaker binding posts, Over temp and short circuit relay protection. The Halo HINT 6, retailing for $2,995, is Parasound’s flagship integrated amplifier. And despite what the purists say, on occasion, for example when playing a poorly engineered recording, they can be useful. It does a bit of this and a bit of that and, thus, will appeal to a lot of people. The little fullness that's there is like magic washing over us, and we can sit and listen to music for hours. It is, instead, an everything's-under-control, don't-worry-now mellow." 2 = Positive (Is that a gauntlet I see lying on the floor?). But when Parasound originally announced the new Halo Integrated amplifier, I immediately assumed that the company had simply soldered its excellent P 5 … ", EnjoytheMusic.com, August 2015 Truth is, I like any integrated that plays music enjoyably. by far the most musical. Quality parts, design make Class A Recommended Component ", Stereophile April 2016 An accurate device reproduces what is on the recording, which may or may not be an accurate representation of the original sound. The Parasound does an awful lot for the money but it gets the important thing right, it makes you want to listen to more music. The Parasound HINT is just as good as everyone claims it is and it deserves an audition. But several said that neutral means "no personality." "The Halo Integrated transformed the sound of the .7s. "Parasound's Halo Integrated 2.1 channel integrated amplifier is a force to be reckoned with. The Halo's MM stage sounded quiet and gentle. Maximum: 750 watts "For many audiophiles such mid-priced components will deliver a high enough level of sonic excellence to make for joyous listening for many years to come. Texas Instruments TPA6120A 300 mV in for 1 V at Pre Out jacks The Parasound HINT 6 (Halo Integrated) is an integrated amplifier that combines digital and analogue inputs with a hefty amplification section. Both cartridges were fastidiously fine-tuned for correct vertical tracking angle (VTA) and stylus rake angle (SRA), but even so, the Halo's MM stage imparted a slightly hesitant, placid touch to all transients. What little personality it had remained hidden, like a cat in the bushes—which made it easy to hear the sonic qualities of every associated component I used with it. Legendary designer John Curl designed the critically acclaimed JC 1, JC 2, Halo Integrated, and other no-compromise Halo components. And that's what it's all about! We can’t remember the last time we reviewed a product such as this with bass and treble controls. At this price it is perfect. (20.4 kg), Power Requirement Some, agreeing with Goldilocks, thought it meant "just right." Digital in: - 106 dB, Amplifier Damping Factor A force to be reckoned with when it comes to high resolution digital audio. Despite being 35 years old the Halo Integrated or Hint is the first integrated amplifier that Parasound has made. Almost perversely, JGH's definition of accuracy requires 100% speculation on the part of the critical listener. But! < 0.05 %, 160 watts x 2 @ 8 Ω, Interchannel Crosstalk Hands-on with the HINT 6, Parasounds full-feature integrated amplifier. Balanced: 100 k Ω per leg, Output Impedance 110-125 VAC 60 Hz or 220-250 VAC 50 Hz But don't worry it's not milquetoast mellow or unwashed-hippy-stoner mellow. AC mains voltage is set on rear, Hifi Pig (UK) March 2018 The Halo Integrated, which measures 17.25" wide by 16.25" deep by 5.875" high and weighs 33 lbs, is the first new integrated amplifier from Parasound since 1986. Throughout my listening for this review, the Halo Integrated played with generous measures of that afore-defined neutrality. "Pretty much anything you pump through the Halo Integrated's speaker outputs sounds downright sumptuous. Highly recommended. Add to Compare. Parasound's award winning Halo Integrated Amplifier would seem to be an impossible act to follow. It really is that good and an early favorite to receive 'Best of' honors in the category. If, like the Halo, its standard equipment includes a moving-magnet/moving-coil phono stage, a discrete headphone amplifier, and a 32-bit ESS Sabre32 DAC chip, then please, Mr. Schram, make it better than what I can afford to add on my own. With ruler-flat neutrality, top-to-bottom linearity, and a gorgeous midrange, it becomes peerless. Jarrett's close-miked foot stomps and spontaneous vocal provocations had extremely natural tone through the Halo Integrated. USB: up to 384 kHz / 32-bit PCM MC: 52 dB / 47 k Ω or 100 Ω Uncompromising 'best sound for the dollar' value. The Parasound HALO Integrated is actually going to sound a lot warmer. Like the Halo P 5 2.1-channel D/A preamplifier, the Integrated has built-in, variable-frequency high- and low-pass crossovers, a home-theater bypass input for integration into a surround-sound system, and a front-panel level control for a subwoofer. But thanks to better technology and improved design, things are changing. Highly Recommended", Positive Feedback December 2016 Total Amp Stage Gain: 28 dB, Phono Stage Sensitivity / Input Impedance 3 = Negative (Return), Input Impedance In short, just right. 30,000 this is the amplifier that currently reigns, and I have difficulty seeing any other integrated amps, or for that matter preamp and power amp combinations which can deliver the same capabilities and the same sound. Parasound are a brand I’ve known of for many years mainly for their Pre and Power amplifier combinations, but never experienced first hand. Access - "In the Halo Integrated, Parasound has succeeded in creating the ultimate affordable DAC-integrated amplifier. 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