Integra DTC-9.8 Three-Zone Preamplifier/Processor Introduced

[jlahk]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'd like to stay around $1000 for the amp. I was originally looking to spend around 1500 for an AV receiver, but after reading through these boards, it seems like the Integra has everything I want and is affordable--didn't think I could afford a serious SSP until i saw the 9.8.

For speakers, I was looking at Axioms--M60s or M80s for the fronts and the VP150 for the center. Any alternative speaker suggestions?

 

[jlahk]

Also--is there a new Rotel processor that may be an alternative to the Integra 9.8?

 

[adk highlander]

I don't know much about Axioms so I will have to let others comment. I have the Onkyo version of the 9.8 paired with an MPS-1 and it is great.

I am selling my Klipsch on wall speakers and am getting a set of Wharfedale EVO-20 towers for the front and a 9.CM center. I listed to Monitor Audio silver series, Paradigm monitor series v.4, Mordaunt short, and I really like the wharfedales. That and I am getting all three speakers for 700 made it too sweet of a deal to pass up.

 

[jlahk]

That is a sweet deal. Is the only difference between the Onkyo version and the Integra one the two-channel option mentioned earlier? If so, I'm in for the Onkyo since it seems a little cheaper and easier to get.

 

[adk highlander]

Yes the pure mode is the only difference I have found.

The only thing to know is they run HOT! so make sure you have breathing room around the top and sides.

 

[Warpdrv]

I figure I will ask this question here so other people can benefit,

I have a question, it has 2 HDMI outputs, how does it handle a second output...? Can it send the same signal out to 2 displays? or is it only capable of displaying separate outputs individually... (example, I want to play a football game on my plasma, and also have it playing in my kitchen.. is that possible..? ) Or is it DVD to HDMI 1 and DISH to HDMI2

 

[adk highlander]

I have a question, it has 2 HDMI outputs, how does it handle a second output...? Can it send the same signal out to 2 displays? or is it only capable of displaying separate outputs individually... (example, I want to play a football game on my plasma, and also have it playing in my kitchen.. is that possible..? ) Or is it DVD to HDMI 1 and DISH to HDMI2

The 2 HDMI's cannot run together. I am going to use it for a flatpanel for TV viewing and then have a dropdown screen and a projector for movies. The other bummer is that you have to push a button on the front of the receiver to switch between them. There is not a button on the remote. There may be Pronto codes to do this but I am using a Harmony.

The zone 2 has a component out. (non-HD) and these zones only do analog so you could pass it to the kitchen this way.

 

[rmk]

The 2 HDMI's cannot run together. I am going to use it for a flatpanel for TV viewing and then have a dropdown screen and a projector for movies. The other bummer is that you have to push a button on the front of the receiver to switch between them. There is not a button on the remote. There may be Pronto codes to do this but I am using a Harmony.

The zone 2 has a component out. (non-HD) and these zones only do analog so you could pass it to the kitchen this way.

Thats the way I'm using my 9.8 (Plasma and PJ in the same room) and I agree regarding the HDMI out button. It can be done via the Setup menu so I'm sure a macro has been created for the Harmony (I have the 880). I am having HDMI issues with my projector right now but will eventually get to that issue. There is a huge thread on AVS for the 9.8 and as I recall someone had created a Harmony macro to switch the HDMI outputs. You might check there. If you find a solution, please post here.

 

[talannar]

Also--is there a new Rotel processor that may be an alternative to the Integra 9.8?

Rotel has a receiver (1058 I think) and pre/pro (1069) that has Reon processing and HDMI. However, Rotel put HDMI 1.1 in both the units, so if you would like HDMI 1.3a you'll need to look somewhere else.

 

[Tee-HTF]

Rotel has a receiver (1058 I think) and pre/pro (1069) that has Reon processing and HDMI. However, Rotel put HDMI 1.1 in both the units, so if you would like HDMI 1.3a you'll need to look somewhere else.

The 1069 has a Faroudja DCDi no Reon, no Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master decoding and no HDMI.

http://news.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/10381/386267.html

The only Pre/Pro i know of at this time since Cedia is B&K Reference 70 and NAD's (no HBR codecs) SSP due out this year. Right now nothing on the market can compete with the 9.8/885 units.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/home-theatre-amplifiers/T175-Surround-Sound-Preamplifier

http://aventhusiast.com/audio/separates/b-k-shows-new-reference-70-pre-pro

 

[rmk]

Thanks for the link to the B&K Ref 70 Tee. I had my eye on this one but with no Dolby TrueHD , DTS-HD Master decoding I'm glad I lucked into a 9.8.

 

[Tee-HTF]

I love my 9.8 and like you feel lucky to own one.

 

[Guap Oh]

Have owned mine for 10 days. Seems to be a great unit.

 

[TRT]

The 9.8 has been a real joy! Easily product of the year......Easily!

 

[D.R. Payne]

Well, I just arranged to pick mine up next week Friday. No DTS-MA decoding in the PS3 is a bummer for now but I can't wait to hear all the uncompressed audio.

 

[Cozmo]

What are the differences between the Onkyo, Integra and Integra Research brands (besides $$$)? Are there really any major differences that warrant the extra costs?

 

[rmk]

What are the differences between the Onkyo, Integra and Integra Research brands (besides $$$)? Are there really any major differences that warrant the extra costs?

If you are refering to the Onkyo 885 vs. the Integra 9.8, very little difference.

 

[Cozmo]

If you are refering to the Onkyo 885 vs. the Integra 9.8, very little difference.

Well they may have the same or similar features, I guess I was wondering if the build quality is any better with the Integra or better DACs, etc....

 

[rmk]

Well they may have the same or similar features, I guess I was wondering if the build quality is any better with the Integra or better DACs, etc....

By all accounts these two are nearly identical (885 & 9.8). A dealer told me that Integra uses better components than the Onkyo consumer AVR line and he mentioned the DAC's specifically. I think the Toyota vs. Lexus analogy I have heard some use is applicable.

 

[adk highlander]

The photo's that I have seen of both from the inside there are no differences. The only thing visible was the transformer on the Integra had the logo stenciled vs. just a sticker on the Onkyo. Everything else looks the same. There is no reason to believe that they used different DAC's or anything else from the direct comparisons that have been made over at AVS.