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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?  
martinman
helomech
2,012 posts
 
@helomech Parasound HINT Halo-Integrated thus the Hint6 is in the Halo line.

I understand that, but they don’t use the same quality of parts throughout the entire Halo line. As you go higher up WITHIN the Halo line, the parts quality improves. The JC2 preamp for example, has much higher quality parts than the preamp section of the Hint.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
Of the three the parasound would be the best but for straight i would go with a true vintage top notch integrated and you will get better sound and for less than three thousand dollars.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,049 posts
 
For $3250 you could get a Sugden A21se pure class A integrated...way better than any of those listed. 
indyvw
43 posts
 
I have owned both the HINT6 and the Yamaha A-S2100. The Parasound is very nice and a jack of all trades. The Yamaha is definitely built better and the overall fit and finish is a level up for sure. Both could be a good fit for you however the Parasound is a better match in my opinion with the KEF LS50s you have. I also had them and the Yamaha combo is almost too much of a good thing on the forward, detailed end. If you get a different speaker I could easily recommend the Yamaha as the best choice.
indyvw
43 posts
 
OP, let me also say that unfortunately you’re gonna have a majority of people tell you to buy some other amp they’re in love with for myriad reasons, none of which may be important or relevant to your tastes or your situation. Ignore all that fanboy s**t.  Some people clearly can stay within the limitations you set in your original question and I think those opinions are going to be relevant and helpful to some degree.
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