Halo Hint 6

Parasound has introduced the Hint 6, which it says is an improved version of its popular Halo integrated amplifier. The new model features a Burr-Brown resistor-ladder volume control, an upgraded USB receiver with plug-and-play functionality for Windows and Mac, a second optical digital input, increased phono gain, and greater channel separation, but still uses the same John Curl-designed power amplifier section, which is rated at 160-watt per channel into 8Ω and 240-watts per channel into 4Ω. It’s based on the same direct-coupled Class-AB circuit topology found in Parasound’s renowned separate power amplifiers.

The Parasound Hint 6 volume control replaces the original model’s motorised potentiometer and sliding mechanical contacts with a Burr-Brown electronically-controlled analog resistor ladder volume control. ‘ The new volume control offers a more distinct sound stage by increasing the dynamic range, lowering the noise floor, improving left–right separation and maintaining absolute left–right channel tracking at any volume level,’ said Claver Harper, of Network Audio Visual, which distributes Parasound in Australia. ‘ It also enables users to program both a default turn-on volume level as well as a favourite volume level, plus the control is made even more useful thanks to the dimmable two-digit front panel display that shows output volume level in increments from 0–99.’

The Parasound Hint 6’s digital section uses an ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC to decode a wide range of digital music files via two optical, one coaxial, and an asynchronous USB 2.0 input that supports PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, native DSD256 and DoP DSD bit-streams. The coaxial and optical inputs accept PCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit. Available now in either a black or silver finish, the Parasound Hint 6 integrated amplifier retails for $5,995.

For more information call Network Audio Visual on (02) 9949 9349 or visit www.networkav.com.au