Parasound Halo HINT 6 160W Integrated Amplifier, ESS DAC, MM/MC Phono, HT Bypass

The Parasound Halo HINT 6 is a 2.1 channel integrated amplifier designed around John Curl's Class A/AB circuit topology, delivering 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 240 watts into 4 ohms with both channels driven. It combines power amplification, an ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC, MM/MC/MI phono stage, headphone amplifier, analogue bass management, and home theatre bypass in a single 3U chassis.

The DAC uses an ESS ES9018K2M chipset supporting USB input up to 384kHz/32-bit with native DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256, and coaxial/optical inputs up to 192kHz/24-bit. The phono stage accepts MM at 47k ohms (41dB gain) and MC at either 100 ohms or 47k ohms (54dB gain). Analogue bass management with 12dB per octave crossovers, a front-panel subwoofer level control, one balanced XLR and two RCA subwoofer outputs, and home theatre bypass complete the feature set. ProHiFi is an authorised Parasound dealer in India.

The power amplifier section is built on a dual-mono power supply with 40,000 microfarads of filter capacitance, 12 high-voltage bipolar output transistors per channel, and 45 amps of peak current. The direct amplifier input bypasses the preamplifier section entirely for use as a pure power amplifier. A Texas Instruments TPA6120A headphone amplifier with 10 ohm output impedance is included on the front panel.

Stereophile's recommended listing called it absolutely breathtaking and exhilarating, and the reviewer could not think of another integrated amplifier offering so many options with such solid, generous sound. Ecoustics called it one of the best bargains in the high-end amplifier category. Positive Feedback found it pairing with Magnepan 1.7i panels to be downright revelatory. What Hi-Fi described it as a confident and enthusiastic amplifier that is just fun to listen to. The AC voltage is rear-panel selectable between 110-125V and 220-250V, confirming full India mains compatibility without a transformer.

Key Features

• 160W x 2 into 8 ohm; 240W x 2 into 4 ohm; both channels driven
• John Curl Class A/AB power amplifier design; 45A peak current per channel
• ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M); USB 384kHz/32-bit, DSD256
• MM/MC/MI phono stage; 100 ohm or 47k ohm MC loading selectable
• Analogue bass management; 12dB/octave high and low pass crossovers
• 1 x XLR and 2 x RCA subwoofer outputs; front panel sub level control
• Home theatre bypass with balanced XLR input
• TI TPA6120A headphone amplifier; front panel 6.35mm output
• 5 x RCA and 1 x XLR balanced analogue inputs
• Balanced XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs
• Direct amplifier input (bypasses preamp section)
• AC mains selectable 110-125V or 220-250V; 437 x 150 x 413mm; 15kg
• Stereophile Recommended; Audiophilia Star Component 2023; ecoustics Best Bargain

Warranty:

3-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Parasound Halo HINT 6

The HINT 6 is the right choice for listeners who want the most complete integrated amplifier in the Parasound Halo range, with every source handled natively without additional components. The ESS Sabre DAC, phono stage, headphone output, subwoofer management with proper crossovers, home theatre bypass, and John Curl amplifier design are all present in one chassis at a price where assembling equivalent separates would cost considerably more. Stereophile found it working well with every speaker tested, from efficient standmounts to demanding Magnepan planar panels. Compared to the P 6 preamplifier and A 23+ power amplifier combination, the HINT 6 simplifies the system to a single unit while retaining all the same core features. For an Indian audiophile who wants a complete, high-quality system anchor in a single component, the HINT 6 represents exceptional value.

Ideal for

• Listeners wanting amplifier, DAC, phono stage, and headphone amp in one chassis
• 2.1 systems needing analogue bass management with subwoofer crossovers built in
• Home cinema setups using the home theatre bypass with a surround processor
• Vinyl listeners who want MM and MC phono directly into their integrated amplifier
• Those who want a direct amplifier input for use with an external preamplifier later
• Systems where the P 6 and A 23+ combination would be preferred but space is limited

Technical Specifications