PAAHINT6B

AHINT6B

Parasound

Connect your favorite audio sources and speakers to enjoy high-end performance with the Halo Hint6 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier from Parasound. The HINT6 employs a class A/AB amplification system, based on the designs of legendary audio engineer John Curl, along with a versatile analog preamp and DAC.The input section features asynchronous-USB, coaxial, and two optical digital audio inputs processed through a high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC capable of up to 384 kHz/32-bit decoding. Five analog stereo RCA inputs are available along with a fifth shared audio input that can be either RCA or balanced XLR. Furthermore, a high-grade phono stage input is capable of MM and MC cartridge loads.The power amp section is capable of outputting 160W at 8 ohms, two channels driven, while running cool and quiet. 2.1-channel output is available via balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA with adjustable high and low-pass filters to connect to additional power amps. For convenience, the front panel houses a 3.5mm aux input for a portable music player, and a 3.5mm high-current headphone output. Additionally, IR in and loop out, along with a 12V trigger out make it easy to incorporate into a larger AV system.Circuit Designed by John Curl Parasound design consultant John Curl has been a legend among audiophiles and electronic engineers for decades. He pioneered measurements to correlate musical accuracy with the materials used in parts, worked with world-class touring companies, has designed highly coveted audio classics, including the original Mark Levinson JC-2, Denneson JC-80, Vendetta Phono Preamplifier, and CTC Blowtorch preamplifiers; master recorders for Wilson Audio and Mobile Fidelity; and the mixing consoles used in live concerts by The Grateful Dead and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.Audio Circuit Path Topology Parasound s circuit topology is a hybrid of carefully chosen discrete transistors that result in superior performance at each stage. Parasound uses JFETs (Junction Field Effect Transistors) for the input stage, MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistors) for the driver stage, and bipolar transistors for the output stage. Discrete transistors are more sonically accurate than integrated circuits commonly used by other brands.Class-A/AB Operation Pure Class-A operation provides the purest sound. However, an amplifier operating entirely in Class-A would be enormous, highly inefficient, and generate far too much heat. Class AB combines the main advantages of Class-A with the efficiency of Class-B operation. It is a compromise that reduces the heat generated in pure Class-A operation and the higher order odd harmonic distortions created in Class-B. In Class-AB, the driver and output stages are always partially turned on, which provides a nominal amount of pure Class-A operation. At higher power levels, when the musical waveform swings from positive to negative and vice versa, each bank of transistors is allowed to rest momentarily. This resting, or quiescent time, makes it possible to deliver high amounts of power without overheating. It also makes it possible to use passive cooling and avoid fans, whose noise can be heard over the music. The A 23+ input and driver stages employ pure Class-A while its output stage operates with higher level of pure Class-A power than many amplifiers selling for twice or three times its price. The result is less fatiguing, more natural sound.High and Low Pass Crossover Setup The HINT6 is equipped with adjustable low-pass and high-pass crossovers. Crossovers are filters that allow certain frequencies to pass while blocking other frequencies. A low-pass filter permits only low frequencies to pass and blocks high frequencies. A high-pass filter permits only high frequencies to pass and blocks low frequencies. 80 Hz is the best starting frequency for both the high and low-pass crossovers if you are using a subwoofer and are not certain where to set the crossover frequency. If you are not using a subwoof