Any class D integrateds out there around the same price as the Parasound HINT that compare favorably with it?
Are the Wyred 4 Sound units on that level? I've not heard their gear yet but I hear good things. I would put the Primare I25 on that level.
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I forgot to mention Wyred 4 Sound, although I'm not sure which IcePower modules they use. I hear nothing but good things though. |
I did find the Marantz PM10 that is based on the NC500 but that is $8k, so not in my definition of affordable. |
It looks like the Nord INT can be had with the IcePower 1200AS2, so there's one at least. Still haven't seen an NC500 based integrated yet. LKV is a good suggestion. I'm sure it sounds great but again it's based on a lower end Hypex module. |
yes but which Hypex? Not the higher end modules that I'm aware of. |
im Willing to go back to separates if I have to, just it would be nice to have the choice without it being a huge compromise. |
BTW the Primare I25/I35 use proprietary class D tech where as the I15 uses Hypex modules, but again not the more powerful modules. |
Well I am looking up to 2k used and I’m class agnostic. I’m putting together a system from scratch around the speakers I’ve wanted for awhile now, C7es3’s. I do have a Job Integrated which works very well with the Harbeths but I want to have an upgrade path and options. The Job only allows you to use the internal DAC even the RCA’s go through it (older version). I’ll be selling it as soon as I find its successor. Right now I’m borrowing a used Parasound HINT from a local dealer and I have to say it sounds pretty fantastic with the Harbies even using the internal DAC. I will probably borrow the Heed Elixir as a possible bubget option. They do carry Primare as well but the I25/I35 are over my budget right now, although I think they sound fantastic and have NONE of the high frequency issues mentioned above to my ears, so I may try the Primare I32. I am also thinking of trying the Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 and the Clones 25IRH. Like I said, class agnostic. Just want to find the magic combo in my range. Any input or other ideas is appreciated.
As far as separates, Nord and Odyssey are on my radar, possibly Parasound again. |
What I do know is that in one of these tests supposedly the Nuprime Ref 20 fared very well. Did you hear the same? |
Now this is getting good... |
toetapaudio
I saw in another discussion you mentioned Nord as being good in the affordable range. I'm wondering if any of these tests you are talking about included IcePower 1200AS based amps as well as the Hypex stuff? |
mr_m
What kind of modules do the Rogues use? |
Well, so far the Parasound HINT is my benchmark (with the C7es3) by which all others will be judged:
After trying the Heed Elixir for a longer listen with a friend, it’s not a keeper at all. Parasound blows it away. Case in point, listening to Radiohead, All I need. Towards the end when things start getting dense with the organ and bells sounds etc, with the Parasound I was able to hear every distinct sound including hearing exactly what was being played on the bells, imaged high and to the right. Through the Heed I had to strain to hear the same thing as it was all smeared. Also the tone of voices and instruments was much more natural and 3 dimensional with the Parasound and more detail. So, as expected, a blowout win for the HINT. Not unexpected for the price but I had higher hopes for the Heed after reviews.
So, I repeat - if there's a class D integrated that is on the same level or better than the HINT for near the same price let me know and I will see if I can try it. |
The Marantz HD-AMP1 is sort of an Enigma. Between reviews and discussions, it’s either the best budget amp ever or a piece of crap lol. I guess maybe the truth is usually in between. I think it uses less powerful hypex?
Thanks for the Rogue info. Been curious to hear their hybrids. |
2channel8
I have not heard the I32 yet, however I have heard the I25 and I35 In 2 separate systems that are not my own. The I35 is at the same shop as the HINT but in a different system. I’m very familiar with the HINT at this point and I find it to be commendably transparent and neutral to warmish. It lends a certain body and weight to instruments and voices that Can work great in Many systems.
The Primare amps strike me as even more neutral with stunning clarity. They are very truthful amps with very good bass response. So my take is that the Primare is more revealing so if your source is great you will get great results. The HINT seems a bit more forgiving. All 3 are great amps in my estimation. I’m still considering the I32 but I haven’t moved on anything yet. |
Mapman
that seems like a solid deal. Never heard any Bel Canto. Are there true analog inputs or does it run everything through the dac? Also, if you tell me that it compares well with the Parasound, it will get lots of love.
i would put it on the list with Primare. |
I heard the Bel Canto black dac and amp today briefly with t+a speakers and was surprised at the warmth and natural tone. Very nice musical gear. |
Off topic, but I borrowed a Naim UnityQute2 over the weekend that I ended up really enjoying with my Harbeths. I get the Naim/Harbeth love now, even with an entry level unit no longer in production.
One thing I noticed when A/B’ing with my setup is that things sounded cleaner and clearer at a microdynamic level, esp at low volumes when streaming Tidal. My SMS-200 into Ideon Audio 3R into the Job amp sounds impressively clean and spacious, for a USB setup but I feel like the UnityQute2, with just ethernet going straight in and no USB in the chain had some sonic advantages that brought it closer in some ways to CD or CD rips on a server. Anyone else have this experience? Makes me rethink everything really.
We buy all these high end cables and reclockers etc to improve the USB signal when just eliminating USB entirely from the chain seems, in my limited experience admittedly, to be the simplest and best performing option. I'm now looking at all in one options as potentially superior for those doing a lot of streaming.
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