HELP W/ preamp decision

[vetter345]

<font color='#000000'>I currently have a marantz av9000p and am looking to sell it..I am wanting to replace it with a preamp or receiver, have been considering the sunfire theater grand III but got scared away from some of the reviews..I have seperate amps, so power is not a concern as long as it has pre-outs..I want something w/great sound, ability to control volume of each channel by remote, sub up/down, center up/down, etc. most all surround modes, as dd dts, ddII, neo6, all stereo,etc..Didnt want to spend over 2500.00

What do you recommend? &nbsp; i do like my marantz but want more surround modes..
Thanks for your input, Dave</font>

 

[Khellandros66]

<font color='#000000'>Go to http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.c....9.4&p=i

Check out the new THX Ultra2 DTC-9.4 it has Dual 32bit DSPs, eight 192kHz/24bit DACs, and all the newest surround modes.

I believe it retails for around $2k USD.

~

Bob</font>

 

[Guest]

<font color='#000000'>I really like this, How many people actually own this and how do they like it, how does it compare to the sunfire? &nbsp; THANKS ALOT&lt; &nbsp; Dave</font>

 

[Khellandros66]

<font color='#000000'>Steve Dellasala has the RDC-7 which is similar in design, I would ask him for any detial info. &nbsp;All I really know is for $2000 nothing comes close as far as flexibility, or features per dollar.

~

Bob</font>

 

[steve]

<font color='#000000'>Greetings everyone,

I do not have the Integra DTC-9.4 for review. &nbsp;I do have the Integra Research RDC-7 on hand. &nbsp;They are somewhat similar, but the RDC-7 seems to have additional refinements and improved circuitry/features.

Given the quality of the RDC-7, I'll be willing to bet the DTC-9.4 is indeed a worthy choice for the $2k price range.

I hope that once I'm done with review of the RDC-7, I'll have a chance to review the DTC-9.4. &nbsp;Sorry I can't me more help at this time.</font>

 

[Khellandros66]

<font color='#000000'>Just curious, but what is the price difference between the two?

If Iwere in the market to would definitely buy the DTC-9.4 or the RDC-7.

~

Bob</font>

 

[steve]

<font color='#000000'>The Integra DTC-9.4 retails for $2,000.

The Integra Research RDC-7 retails for $4,500.

I am working with both companies on my review of the RDC-7 to determine the differences between both units.</font>

 

[viggi]

<font color='#000000'>I would suggest getting the Denon 3803  and use it as a pre amp.  It retails for $1,200 and has 4 DACs in dual differential mode in the pure stereo mode and 2 DACs in dual differntial mode in all other modes.  As Gene/steve have mentioned it in the Sunfire review and I cannot think of another Processor with this kind of config- that sells for that price.  Plus you get an amp for free.....and its a pretty good amp btw.  The remote is just OK....so if you get a new remote I think you have a really high end pre amp/processor at a ridiculous price.</font>

 

[PaulF]

<font color='#000000'>This string got me looking at Integra's Web site. I was all excited to read about their DTA-9.4 7 channel amplifier. It uses both digital output and switchmode power supply. Two things that I believe will become mainstream over the next couple of years.

Their whitepaper would lead you to believe they cracked the digital amplifier design issues. However a closer look at their specs shows that the amp is rated at 2.5% THD all channels driven at 120W.

That's hardly anything to get excited about. In fact I don't understand why manufacturers ever quote output levels at anything greater than 1% THD and even then I would not consider this audiophile grade. Also their damping factor is listed as a low 25.

A quick search on the Web for pricing returned ~$3K for the DTA-9.4 and ~$2K for the matching DTC-9.4 preamp/processor. It seems that for ~$5K or less I could have a flagship Denon, Yamaha or Marantz that would far outgun the Integra in audio fidelity (not talking features here, I did not do a detailed comparison but I'm willing to bet the receivers hold their own here too).

This is a shame as it makes digital amplification and switchmode power look like a gimmicky way a putting a lot of audio channels in one box. However other companies have shown that these technologies can compate with mainstream linear amps.

Just wondering what amp vetter345 or others suggesting the DTC-9.4 would pair it with?

Paul</font>

 

[steve]

<font color='#000000'>PaulF,

While I agree with you that the Denon 3803 is indeed an excellent option for the money, I'm not real sure it's as cut and dry as basing it on the number of DAC's.  Granted, in the case of the Sunfire Theater Grand III not only are the DAC's single ended, there seems to be no other method of improving performance.  For this reason, a direct comparision to the number of DAC's may be more valid.  

While quad dual differential DAC's in place of dual differential or single ended DAC's may prove worthwile in some units, it may not be required for DTC-9.4 or RDC-7.  Keep in mind that both processors offer additional pre-processing circuitry that improves the performance of the DAC's.  This includes the Apogee Low Jitter Clock found in the RDC-7, with a derivation in the DTC-9.4, as well as Vector Linear Conversion found in both units.  Both of these pre-processing features are unique to the Integra and Integra Research products.

In my review of the RDC-7, I share the same concerns as you with regard to possible improvement of the DAC's.  We even passed this information on to the manufacturer.  But in my forthcoming article, I have also included a white paper write up that shows how the DAC's performance is actually improved in both units due to the Low Jitter Clock and VLC circuitry.

As for the Integra DTA-9.4 amplifier, I tend to agree with you regarding the THD.  Even the Signal to Noise Ratio seems high.  But one thing I can tell you is that the Integra Research RDA-7 is in a totally different class.  For example, it has a THD of only 0.03%.  

We are still trying to verify the Signal to Noise ratio of the RDC-7 amplifier at 1/2-watt and this information will hopefully be included in our upcoming review.</font>

 

[Guest]

<font color='#000000'>I am using some older carver amplifiers, m1.5t, 2 m1.0t m200t, av705thx, &nbsp; &nbsp;IM SORRY, I just really like the power and sound of my amps.
I dont clip and sound is very engaging, warm, loud if needed..I know there are better but I am happy for now..I really am hoping this integra preamp will compare to my marantz.Wanted the rdc-7 but too much $$$ for me right now..I did order the dtc 9.4, didnt want to spend giggabucks on a preamp and hope it outdoes sunfire, alot of opinions, but your own is the only one that matters. I dont like the specs on the amp earlier in this thread &nbsp;125 at 2.5%thd, does that make it a true 75wpc amp, clean? &nbsp;no bang for the buck there folks &nbsp;

&nbsp; my opinion....

Anywho, whoever is testing this integra preamp, please let us know what you find.Alot of bang for the buck in my opinion, but how does it really perform..Any solid answer on comparison to my marantz? &nbsp;Thanks to all for insight..Dave</font>

 

[Guest]

<font color='#000000'>sorry, as mentioned above, i like carver amps...I am looking for a TFM45 also, anyone know where one is to be found?</font>