Next move from Parasound HINT?
I appreciate all input and experiences…I am considering moving up from my Parasound Halo Integrated. My hope is for better sound quality, particularly with vinyl.
My current configuration is:
1) Anthem MRX 1120 AVR for Home theater (11.1)
2) Parasound HINT to power my fronts (B&W 702 S2) and my subwoofer (SVS PB-3000) and for vinyl playback (Thorens TD-160 Super, Dynavector XX2 cart)
3) Parasound JC3+ Phono Preamp
Needs for Integrated Amp:
1) more refined musicality for analog playback - I listen to a lot of rock, particularly hard rock, progressive and metal. However, I listen to a range of music, as well…from classical to trip hop to new wave…I just want to to really wow me with soundstage, separation, clarity and punch.
2) Home Theater bypass capability - onboard bass management is a plus
3) Balanced In / Balanced Out
4) L/R Speaker / Sub outputs
Do not need:
1) onboard phono stage
2) A whole bunch of digital inputs
3) USB
Thank you all in advance for any helpful opinions!
@arafiq My budget is around $5K, thought I’d prefer to stay under. @twoleftears Using my sub when listening to analog is still a very strong preference, though. I feel much less strongly about onboard phono preamp (love my JC3+). @stereo5 which McIntosh did you move to? Thanks! |
I have a similar setup, but mine is a Musical Fidelity M6si integrated and an Anthem MRX 520. I run the front channels via HT bypass to the MF. The HT sub and surrounds stay with the Anthem. Then, to supplement the two channel, I run a distributed bass array of 4 subs via a miniDSP 2x4 from the pre out on the Musical Fidelity. Works for me. |
