The Parasound HINT 6 amplifier fundamentally represents the well-known Halo Integrated model, featuring a power amplification stage designed by renowned specialist John Curl, with whom Parasound has maintained a long-standing partnership. This amplification stage operates in class A/AB mode: it functions in class A at lower volumes and automatically transitions to class AB as the volume increases. The transition threshold can be set at a few watts, while more powerful models may reach up to twenty watts. Additionally, the Parasound HINT 6 includes an input for third-party compatible components, enabling its use in home theater systems to drive the front channels.
The Parasound HINT 6 features a newly designed analog volume control unit from Burr-Brown, equipped with a robust knob that operates on a ball bearing mechanism and allows users to set an initial volume level upon startup. A small display adjacent to the knob indicates the current volume level. Additionally, when streaming music from a PC through a USB type B port, there is no longer a requirement to install drivers for both Mac and Windows 10 systems. The built-in phono preamplifier has seen an increase in gain for MC cartridges, enhanced channel separation, and several aesthetic updates have been made to its design.
The preamplifier section includes a tone block along with a switchable MM/MC phono preamplifier. A notable aspect of the HINT 6, similar to its predecessor, is the adjustable outputs for both the subwoofer and the preamplifier, facilitating a 2.1-channel setup. On the rear panel, there are controls for switchable low-pass and high-pass filters, enabling optimal signal distribution between the speakers, which is particularly beneficial when utilizing compact bookshelf speakers. Additionally, the volume level of the subwoofer can be modified using a small round knob located on the front panel.
The Parasound HINT 6 features an integrated DAC utilizing the ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M chip, identical to that of its predecessor, but it now includes an additional optical input. Additionally, the front panel is equipped with a high-quality 3.5 mm headphone output, powered by a dedicated Texas Instruments TPA6120 amplification circuit.
While the design of the previous and current Parasound HINT (Halo Integrated) models appears quite similar, there are notable differences stemming from circuit modifications rather than aesthetic changes. Notably, the HINT 6 employs a new volume control mechanism; it replaces the motorized potentiometer with a resistive attenuator managed by a Burr Brown controller. This upgrade facilitates the inclusion of a digital display that indicates volume levels from 0 to 99. Positioned to the left of the large control knob, which rotates smoothly thanks to a precision ball bearing, the display’s brightness can be adjusted. Furthermore, users can now program a preferred volume level that will automatically set each time the amplifier is powered on. This design also enhances transient response between channels and minimizes volume adjustment imbalances.
Consistent with many Parasound models, the HINT 6 is rooted in the classic designs of John Curl, particularly the P6 preamplifier circuit, which is reflected in the “6” of the amplifier’s name. The design incorporates a blend of field-effect (JFET) and bipolar (BJT) transistors, optimizing their beneficial characteristics. A button on the front panel allows users to disable frequency correction for both low and high frequencies.
Parasound HINT 6 also has a built-in DAC based on the ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M chip
To incorporate the Parasound HINT 6 amplifier into a home theater setup, linear outputs are configured for connection to an active subwoofer and power amplifiers. Additionally, subwoofers can be connected in pairs without their own filters, as outputs are routed through dedicated crossovers adjustable from 20 to 140 Hz with a 12 dB/octave slope. The signal level sent to the subwoofer can be adjusted using a control on the front panel. There is also a separately filtered linear output within the same frequency range, which can be utilized to relieve the satellites in a 2.1 system of bass frequencies. All auxiliary outputs can deliver a full bandwidth by disabling the filters using sliders located on the rear panel.
The Parasound HINT 6 features a built-in DAC that utilizes a dual-channel ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M converter equipped with a jitter suppression mechanism. It supports PCM decoding up to 32 bit/384 kHz, as well as DSD formats including DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 via PCM (DoP) through an asynchronous USB 2.0 port with a Savitech SA9227 controller. The coaxial and optical inputs (two of each type) can handle signals with a resolution of up to 24/192. The PHONO input’s resistance can be adjusted via a toggle switch, offering settings of 100 Ohms for MC cartridges and 47 kOhms for MM. In addition to a turntable, the amplifier can accommodate six linear sources, including one through a balanced input. It features two main outputs—RCA and XLR—with maximum amplitudes of 7 volts and 9 volts, respectively. With an output impedance of 10 Ohms, users need not be overly concerned about the quality or length of the connecting cables.
The output stages are designed following the traditional John Curl configuration, where MOSFET field-effect transistors drive robust output bipolar transistors, arranged in a three-piece shoulder configuration. These transistors operate in class A/AB with a significant quiescent current. When connected to 8-ohm speakers, the Hint 6 can deliver up to 2 x 160 W, and with 4-ohm speakers, it can reach up to 2 x 240 W, maintaining distortion levels below 0.05%. The headphone output is provided through a 6.3 mm jack, powered by a dedicated amplifier utilizing the Texas Instruments TPA6120 microchip.
The power supply features a shielded toroidal transformer, individual rectifiers for each channel, and capacitors totaling 40,000 μF. In the event of overheating or a short circuit at the output, the relay protection system activates. The included remote control is sleek in design yet user-friendly, offering all essential buttons. The Parasound HINT 6 is available in both black and silver finishes.
Parasound HINT 6 specifications:
- Audio DAC: ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M 384 kHz / 32 bits
- Supported streams and sampling rates: PCM up to 384/32, DSD 64, DSD 128, DSD 256, DSD via PCM (DoP) at 384 kHz (USB); PCM
- up to 192/24 (Coax/Opt)
- USB 2.0 controller: Savitech SA9227 384/32
- Analog inputs: line 5 x RCA, XLR, Phono MM/MC, direct to power amplifier
- Analog outputs: stereo RCA, XLR and RCA recording with pre-section, subwoofer outputs XLR, RCA x 2
- Digital inputs: coaxial (RCA), 2 x optical (Toslink), USB A
- Nominal output power at load impedance of 8/4 Ohms in the range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, THD 0.005%: 2 x 160/2 x 240 W
- THD at rated output power: 0.05%
- Peak load current: 2 x 45 A
- Damping factor: >800 (20 Hz)
- Ratio Signal/noise ratio (IHF-A): -103 dB for line inputs, -106 dB for digital
- Frequency range of amplification (+0/-3 dB): 10 Hz — 100 kHz
- Crosstalk (20 kHz/1 kHz): >70/>78 dB
- Sensitivity for line inputs: 300 mV
- Low-pass filter slope: 12 dB/oct
- Low-pass filter tuning range: 20 – 140 Hz
- Maximum power consumption: 750 VA
- Dimensions: 437 x 150 x 413 mm
- Weight: 15 kg
Price: $4,000
Sounds fabulous. Didn’t last. No schematic.
Why not say what the price is?