Are these the same recievers in different clothing

[Mchacona]

Are these the same receivers in different clothing

I have been looking for a reciever and was pointed towards an Integra product today. I was told that Integra is made by Onkyo but better build quality. I tried to do a comparison but can't make heads or tails of it. wondering what you folks think. Thanks


http://www.onkyo.net/uk/cms/products/home/av_rec/TX-SR602E/indkey.htm

http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?m=DTR-5.5&class=Receiver&p=f

 

[kfessler]

That is correct. Whomever told you that Integra is made by Onkyo is right. It's just the same way that Honda & Acura, Toyota & Lexus and Nissan & Infinity are from the same company.

 

[JPW]

I've owned two Integra receivers. The 1st was a DTR 7.1 that was replaced by Onkyo/Integra for a DTR 7.4 (the current model) due to machanical failure.

When I bought the 7.1, Integra and my dealer were boasting about upgraded components (capacitors, resistors, circuit boards, and power supply). This suppose to equated to better sound. I confirmed that the 7.1 did use different components than the comparable Onkyo unit. They clearly used "Fine Gold" products as called out in their literature. Did this equal better sound?? My ears said yes, but possibly that's because I owned the Integra. I believe that the only true test is double blind, which I never conducted.

When Onkyo/Integra replaced my failing 7.1 with the current 7.4, I wondered if it would be better than the current crop of Onkyo receivers, and did they still use the upgraded "Fine Gold" components. The answer is NO! The "Fine Gold stuff is no longer present in the Integra line up. When asking my dealer about this, he stated that Integra had changed and no longer offered the upgraded quality components, over what Onkyo uses. For this very reason he stopped carring thier product line.

So for what it's worth, I believe you'll get a longer (3 year) warranty with Integra. But let me preference this by saying that it took 4 months of HELL and many trips to the repare shop before they agreed to replace my failing unit.

With that said I'd save my money, and by an Onkyo product over the higher priced Integra product anyday. However, because of the grief I experienced, I will NEVER by another Onkyo or Integra product again! I believe there are more customer oriented companies out there.

If I were you, I'd look at the comperable products from Yamaha, Denon, Harman Kardon, or Pioneer.

Good Luck!

 

[Mchacona]

JPW, I appreciate your input. I was leaning towards the Denon until the Integra appeard on my radar. I find it interesting that the photos of the Integra and Onkyo look identical I haven't been able to find anything that explains the difference. I thought I would call Onkyo/Integra headquarters and talk to someone in the tech department for a definitive answer but the website doesn't show any US numbers other than service centers. Kind of makes me wonder.

I'm not savvy enough to decode all the specs and such so I thought I'd check here...Back to the drawing board I guess.

 

[JPW]

Mchacona, you are wise to research this before your purchase. I don't know what your budget is, but I would look at the Denon 1804 in under $500 retail catagory. In the $500 to $750 range I'd look seriously at both the Pioneer 1014 and Yamaha 1500. Over $750 and up to $1000 I'd look at the Denon 2805, but probably opt for the Yamaha 2500.

Good luck in your search.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I was pretty disappointed in my dealings with Integra. I installed a good Integra unit and was integrating it with the RS-232 port. I ran into some problems with their unit acting up and not doing what it was supposed to.

When I called them they let me know that they were aware of the issue. When I asked WHEN the problem would be fixed since it was a major feature we wanted to use in their receiver, I was told it was not going to be fixed in the current model.

I had a similar discussion with McIntosh with the MX-134 when it debuted.... The RS-232 was not working... 1 week later they sent me an email with the new firmware and instructions on how to load it and started shipping all new units with the updated firmware.

I think a company that pays attention to the details of a product and supports the details when they screw up, is a sign of how dedicated the company is to the consumer. Sometimes you have to pay more for that though.

 

[mickster1972]

Integra v. Onkyo

I had the same questions about the "upgrades" available on an Integra versus the Onkyo counterpart. After many different calls and emails to Onkyo and Integra, I got the following response from Integra (which I've also posted to the aperionaudio.com forum):

***
As I menioned in another Onkyo thread, I had asked this question of Integra (advantages of Integra over comparable Onkyo model), and here was their "official response":

Integra vs Onkyo Advantages

Ø Integra engineered power supplies-Labeled Integra
Ø Extensive use of coupling caps throughout the signal paths
Ø Precision matched parts selection
Ø Detachable Hi-Current Oxygen Free power cable
Ø Multi-Room capable on all models

Ø 3-Year Warranty

Ø 12-V triggers on selected models- Home Automation

Ø Unique Integra cosmetics

Ø The feature differences are minor and audible performance differences are due to the limited production runs and precise parts quality control used in manufacturing of the Integra models.

Hopefully this will help those trying to figure out which brand to choose.

***

Korey Kather, the guru over at Aperion Audio, also followed up with several folks at Integra and concluded the same thing. Anyway, it didn't seem to me like much was different, other than the RS-232 port for custom home installation/automation and the longer warranty.

I ended up buying the top of the line Onkyo at the time TX-NR900, and have been generally happy with the feature set and overall sound, although for the size of my room (almost 9000 cubic feet), I am now looking at a more powerful 5 to 7 channel amp. Good luck and I hope this helps!

 

[JPW]

Integra vs Onkyo Advantages

Ø Integra engineered power supplies-Labeled Integra
Ø Extensive use of coupling caps throughout the signal paths
Ø Precision matched parts selection
Ø Detachable Hi-Current Oxygen Free power cable
Ø Multi-Room capable on all models

Ø 3-Year Warranty

Ø 12-V triggers on selected models- Home Automation

Ø Unique Integra cosmetics

Ø The feature differences are minor and audible performance differences are due to the limited production runs and precise parts quality control used in manufacturing of the Integra models.

I believe you were given this answer. Unfortunately, I also believe this answer is like snake oil.

My 7.4 has a power supply with a sticker that says Integra, however upon closer inspection with the case off, the side of the power supply says Onkyo. As for special stuff in the signal path??? I can't comment. Precision machined parts?? Where? Are they talking about the face plate? I thought that went along with the unique Integra cosmetics which equates to round buttons vs. square, and silver knobs instead of black. Yes it has a detachable power cord, is multi room capable, has 12 volt triggers, and a 3 year warranty.

I feel that Integra is built for custom installers with a few nice features that they might use. As for the rest of us, Onkyo should be just fine. Integra is just a high priced Onkyo with a few simple upgrades. There's nothing there IMO that justifies a $400 to $600 price difference.

 

[Mchacona]

Thanks for the resonses. I had a feeling it was something of this nature. I had an Onkyo in the past with no complaints but after all this I'm headfing for a Denon.. Thanks again

 

[Mchacona]

Onkyo Integra Similarities/ Differences

here is a link I found after referencing the post above.

http://www.aperionaudio.com/forum/shwmessage.aspx?forumid=4&messageid=211