Best integrated for my purposes - help me choose 1 of 3!


I did a bunch of research over the weekend and narrowed down choices.  My requirements:  2 channel amp that integrates well with my LS50 - ideally with HT Bypass.  The Ls50s are also part of my HT system.  I can use HT Bypass to send L/R to a 2 channel amp where all of my analog sources are pluged-in.    

1. Outlaw Audio 2160II  ($1k)
2. Parasound Hint6        ($3k)
3. Yamaha A-S1200 (or 2200) ($2-$3.5)

Ok, so right off the bat, the Outlaw will need a 2 amp / 1 speaker switcher - something from Niles maybe.  For $1k it's hard not to consider.  The Parasound is probably the most well recommended of all the choices - it's solid performer.  Yamaha - buy once / cry once.  I'd get years of use with the Yamaha even after the KEFs have been upgraded.

Cost is part of the consideration...  Does the Parasound sound 3x better, not sure, but probably not.  Yamaha 2x better?  Maybe, I've never read a bad review.  Steve Gutenberg suggests that the Outlaw is *very* good bang for buck!  

Thoughts?  
128x128martinman
skypunk,

"Should quit being being such a DB.

Especially about Schitt you do not know."

Classy and astute gentleman that you are, you might have noticed that OP was asking about three amplifiers he had already chosen and not much else.

You may want to forgo judgments about my knowledge of certain equipment or, at least, try to avoid labeling people. If for no other reason, then because it uncovers your personality.

toyman,

I believe that tubes in Blackhawk last longer than in many other applications, but "rest of your life" is, hopefully, overestimation. Not that SS amplifiers are guaranteed to last forever. I am not surprised you love your Blackhawk. I have heard Raven amplifiers at one audio show and was pleasantly surprised. Just by what I heard there, I have already recommended an audition, or two, to people interested in trying tubes. If I were looking to try tubes myself, I would easily start with Raven.

Having said that, OP really does not seem to be looking for tubes. I may be wrong, though.
Gday from Australia, I'd give the Parasound P6 a look/listen. Not sure if you're curious about tubes/valves, but I highly recommend the Primaluna Dialogue Premium preamp. 
Cheers Ricey
To answer a couple questions:

Tubes...  I'm all for tubes but only in specific applications.  I've been building guitar tube amps for the past 10 years all PTP.  I've yet to cross over into HiFi building (save for a bottlehead headphone amp kit).  My current thought is this:  tube preamp section / SS power section is the way to go.  All tubes in the signal chain tend to warm things up too much IMO.  BTW, i've run across old Fender tube amps with the tubes still chugging along.  NOS tubes last a heck of a long time - that is, unless an audiophile comes along and has a tube rolling hobby (*guilty too!*  :)  ).  
  
I have no doubt that the Blackhawk sounds stellar.  My bias with this choice is cost.  You don't need to spend $4k on a PTP wired amp.  I'm quite happy exploring assembly, soldering, component placement and tube rolling from a DIY perspective.  I've 'stuffed' a few circuit boards (guitar pedals, haggermann phono stage) and it's a PITA.  So, i'd rather pay for this type of assembly.  So, just a personal preference.  

Interesting views on the Yamaha vs Parasound.  The Yamaha is a stellar choice but as someone mentioned the transformer change in this model year...  I know from the amp building that this is a major foundational aspect of the design.  Not sure any of the reviews floating around are valid anymore.  This will introduce change for sure.  

The parasound ticks all the boxes and I just recently talked with Mr. Weinhardt :).  We'll see!