Hegel H95. I’m expecting a review sample at some point in September, and I am VERY excited to hear what NAD's come up with. is part of. If you're going to play your system LOUD, that pretty well rules out the H80. "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. 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. Hegel H190 is a petite masterpiece of an amplifier. If you are unable to audition the Norwegian company's wares at your local dealer, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I am totally confused since there are so many out there, but your good judgment, unbiased recommendations, and expertise will be greatly appreciated. Network. All rights reserved. To contact us, please e-mail info@soundstagenetwork.com. The Hint 6 provided a level of control and nuance that the DeVore O/93s devoured. While that’s not tonal coloration or a clear lack of neutrality, per se, that is a definite sonic signature. . Roksan has decided against the minimalist approach with this design. 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. i had buyers remorse, the parasound HINT sounds extremely close to the ayre at a fraction of the price. 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. Along the same lines, you should also consider NAD’s upcoming M32 integrated amplifier-DAC, which will retail for $3499. 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. 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. I plan to upgrade my speakers maybe in the next 2-3 years. 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. Hans Wetzel, SoundStage! 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. A quietly elegant, self-effacing component, it offers performance far exceeding its price. Best Hi-Fi Components of 2020. It is a one-box solution that contains both the Halo P6 preamp ($1,499) and the Halo A23+ amplifier($1,499). . . Works like a charm. I put a hold on the Parasound order after reading your reply and I was excited and astounded about the Hegel integrateds you mentioned. Hegel presents the H190, an amp with DLNA streaming capabilities that can play music from any stream.. £3,200.00. The asynchronous USB 2.0 input supports PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit, native DSD256 and DoP DSD bit streams. B-Stock items are … 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? The P6 is pretty much the same as the HINT 6 sans the power unit. That original Haloone-box proved an extensive feature list and a great performance weren’t mutually exclusive, an… All contents available on this website are copyrighted by SoundStage!® and Schneider Publishing Inc., unless otherwise noted. Access (formerly GoodSound!) Hegel H190 I can’t decide what model to get. I still want to keep my Marantz SR7005 for surround and movie watching. It’s an observation whose force came home to me as I listened to the Hegel H160 integrated amplifier. ... High end shop recommended Parasound Hint 6 to add to my HT using HT bypass. Thank you for your thoughts and keep up the great work. It’s a PWM-based switching amplifier, built with digital playback principally in mind. They sound super clean and clear, with a vibrant, slightly forward presentation. Gold Note IS-1000. All rights reserved. Hegel H190. The 250Wpc on offer from either the A 21 or H300 should be more than sufficient for your needs, though. Hegel pulled out all the stops on the H160, especially on the digital side. is part of. 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. . 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. With powerful technology inside of a modern casing, the H190 is the Hegel embodiment of Powerful Design. 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. But if you need a fully equipped unit that can connect to your computer, smartphone, turntable and headphones, the Blak makes a mighty strong … 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. i sold it and bought an ayre ax-5 twenty. 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 … 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. Hope this helps. This site was designed by JoomlaShack, Karen Fanas, and The SoundStage! To contact us, please e-mail info@soundstagenetwork.com. 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. First of all, I wanted to say thank you very much for the time you invest replying to our questions. But Parasound's new HINT 6 is an improved version of the acclaimed Halo Integrated Amplifier. Pre-amps still in the running: Parasound Halo P6; NAD C 658. Network. Everything Audio Network November 2016 It’s signal in, signal out, full stop. 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. And, if you connect the Ethernet port to your wireless router, it can be used as an AirPlay device. 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. 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. Hegel H160 $3500 The Hegel H160 is an integrated amplifier that sneaks up on you rather than grabbing you by the lapels. For anyone who hasn’t heard a Hegel product in person, though, I’d heartily recommend the Halo Integrated. 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. When Parasound embarked on the Halo integrated amplifier project back in … The Parasound, by contrast, is a total chameleon -- it’s silly neutral, and not just for the money. Any integrated amp that can readily drive high-current loads while providing clear, clean, and spacious sound for under $2500 is a winner. I totally understand your predicament, Jared. I know I could purchase an exterior streamer, but I am trying to stay around 4k for everything. 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. Kudos to you and your staff! I do like to stream via Airplay, but only the Arcam and Hegel have this built in. Reviews of Attainable Hi-Fi & Home-Theater Equipment. Parasound makes excellent equipment, as my brother Erich found out earlier this year after reviewing their A 23 amplifier and P 5 preamplifier-DAC. Thanks for the kind words, Emmanuel. It makes 240Wpc into 4 ohms and should ensure that your Monitor Gold 100s never run out of juice. Here, again, I heard no hint of strain, even as the track drew to its loud, somewhat explosive climax. 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. 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. 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. It’s signal in, signal out, full stop. With powerful technology inside of a modern casing, the H190 is the Hegel embodiment of Powerful Design. For $2500 or less, it’s the easiest recommendation I could ever make on the electronics front -- no-brainer. so i had a HINT, the last interation. ... Parasound Halo HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier . They “pop” really well. 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. In the world of hi-fi amplifiers, lots of features often means a compromised sonic performance. I’m an integrated guy, so between the Parasound separates and the Halo Integrated, I’d lean towards the latter. ... Parasound Drops The HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier. 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. Hegel H160 Solid-State Stereo Integrated Amplifier With DAC Not another boring Bose burger. Comparison. Though they’re roughly the same size, the Hegel is 1.2” shorter than the Parasound but outweighs it … All contents available on this website are copyrighted by SoundStage!® and Schneider Publishing Inc., unless otherwise noted. 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. ... rost and last weekend the NEW H190 I put a deposit on a H360 that i'll pick up friday. I do have two other suggestions for you to consider, though. Power output 2 x 150W in 8 Ohms, 2 x 250W in 4 Ohms 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. Technical Details. 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… 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. After the original H The speakers I auditioned surely had a lot to do with it, but that unit seemed kinda boring to me. 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. As for whether I’d go with the Parasound over the Hegel, it’s hard to say. This site was designed by JoomlaShack, Karen Fanas, and The SoundStage! Němečtí MBL sami o sobě říkají, že vytváří "unikátní high end audio". Up against the Halo on the Focal loudspeakers, the Hegel confirmed it was a different unit with a more European sound. B-Stock gives audiophile enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase Parasound products at a discounted price. Access (formerly GoodSound!) 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. Here’s why: Hegel’s electronics seem to have a distinctive sound profile, and I love it. 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 … Compared to the larger and more powerful H360, the similarity is striking. Marantz SA-12SE/PM-12SE SACD Player/Amplifier. 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. If you like the Marantz sound, I think the Parasound will suit your tastes better than Hegel's sonic profile, anyway. Rated at 0.2% Total Harmonic Distortion, the Parasound Halo A21 amplifier has 400 watts RMS into a 4 Ohm load! 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. Hi-Fi News one month ago. 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. . 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. But thanks to better technology and improved design, things are changing. I expect the two setups sound almost identical to one another seeing as their internal components are roughly the same. . 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. The Parasound, by contrast, is a total chameleon -- it’s silly neutral, and not just for the money. One get a few more decibels in volume with the big brother, but at normal volumes and even higher, H190 does not hold back. It may not “excite” in the way that the Hegel does, but the Parasound is $1000 cheaper. The only other integrated amp that I’d throw into the mix is Parasound’s HINT 6. Technical Specifications. You recommended a Hegel Music Systems H80 integrated amplifier-DAC, or better yet, H300. Hegel H190 Integrated Amplifier. It’s powerful enough to drive a big speaker like the Wilson XLF. 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 Halo HINT 6, retailing for $2,995, is Parasound’s flagship integrated amplifier. 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. Recommend the Halo Integrated provides an amazing value proposition. to audition the Norwegian company 's wares at local! End shop recommended Parasound HINT sounds extremely close to the music a hold on Parasound. 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