Integra DTR-20.4 for 2.1 or 2.2?

[Nilrem]

Hi,

I've been looking to upgrade my PC's 2 channel amp with something that had dedicated sub out. I currently run a Schiit stack to a Sonamp 260 (60 watt/channel) to some Kef Q100 speakers, and various subs. It's fine for movies, or 2 channel music. The problem is 2.1 music sometimes sounds right, and sometimes it sounds off. The speakers are carrying too much of lows, and the sub needs more separations from the higher notes IMO. I am hoping a receiver with high/low controls will provide better separation before I invest in a new sub (sealed).

I've been kinda eyeing the Yamaha A-S series for a couple years. They look nice, and have all the features I'd basically need. Since I already have a decent DAC, I was thinking the original A-S500 or A-S700 would be plenty, but I haven't found any deals on them recently.

While researching, I read that many AVR's can provide as good an experience as the 2 channel amps, and are much more abundant. So I opened up my search, and found the Integra unit. It has a decent DAC, and would give me a lot of freedom since I use my pc for everything.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/intdtr204/integra-dtr-20.4-5.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

It's been on sale for $180, and I was wondering if anyone had one. How's the sound quality, and if there are better options in this price range for 2.1/2.2 sound.

 

[lovinthehd]

It is more about a unit having bass management rather than merely a sub pre-out......

 

[zieglj01]

So I opened up my search, and found the Integra unit. It has a decent DAC, and would give me a lot of freedom since I use my pc for everything.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/intdtr204/integra-dtr-20.4-5.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

It's been on sale for $180, and I was wondering if anyone had one. How's the sound quality, and if there are better options in this price range for 2.1/2.2 sound.

With 20% off it is $144 after you add it to the cart -- for sound quality the Integra line is more clean with less distortation than many receivers that I have owned. And, it comes with a two year warranty.

 

[Nilrem]

It is more about a unit having bass management rather than merely a sub pre-out......

Right. I'm assuming this unit has some kind of bass management. The last couple HT systems I set up (Denon and Yam) both had it. Though I haven't found a real review yet on this lower end unit. I did find that many people had problems with the HDMI like they did with those other Onkyos a few years ago. I went with other brands because of that.

I suppose I could also try a preamp with a sub out, but there's not a lot of options. Maybe a used AVR from a different company.

 

[lovinthehd]

Right. I'm assuming this unit has some kind of bass management. The last couple HT systems I set up (Denon and Yam) both had it. Though I haven't found a real review yet on this lower end unit. I did find that many people had problems with the HDMI like they did with those other Onkyos a few years ago. I went with other brands because of that.

I suppose I could also try a preamp with a sub out, but there's not a lot of options. Maybe a used AVR from a different company.

I looked at the manual for the A-S500, just a sub pre-out, no bass management; back panel of the A-S700 doesn't even seem to have a sub pre-out jack. Many 2-ch integrated amps, particularly the lower priced ones, don't have bass management.

That Onkyo (Integra) unit may be fine but believe it dates back to the period where Onkyo had hdmi/network board issues....but with a 2 year warranty that may work out fine.

For avrs these days I'd check mostly Yamaha, Denon & Marantz....

 

[Nilrem]

With 20% off it is $144 after you add it to the cart -- for sound quality the Integra line is more clean with less distortation than many receivers that I have owned. And, it comes with a two year warranty.

Thx! I missed that part. Was about to go grab that denon to test out if the bass management would fix it. Just going to go through a bit of research before deciding. I was really liking just having that tiny schiit stack on my desktop since the amp was hidden away. This will be up top I think. It seems bigger, but nicer looking lol.

Any other options? Does that 20% stack with other amps too?

Edit: DTR 30.3 is $200 after 20%. Doubt it's worth the premium.

 

[zieglj01]

Thx! I missed that part. Was about to go grab that denon to test out if the bass management would fix it. Just going to go through a bit of research before deciding. I was really liking just having that tiny schiit stack on my desktop since the amp was hidden away. This will be up top I think. It seems bigger, but nicer looking lol.

Any other options? Does that 20% stack with other amps too?

Edit: DTR 30.3 is $200 after 20%. Doubt it's worth the premium.

The 20.4 would be enough for your needs if you go that route -- the AC4L 20% off is only for the items where it is highlighted. There are also some items that are only $20 off.