Hi Gene, and thank you for your reply. The design of that amplifier was truly done from clean slate, without looking at any products on the market. Our goal was to create a musical multi-channel amp, not just an amp for home theater.
The details of our agreement with Integra Research are, of course, confidential. The subject of multiple power transformers versus singe, versus dual was discussed between us and Onkyo representatives at length, and the decision to use two I think was right one given the product positioning.
Onkyo wanted a 7 channel amp, so we designed one, even though you are right, we do not have such a product in our product line - the closest one to that is VK-6200 which has six channels, which we believe is a better fit for OUR business model. Making seven channels fit a narrow chassis was one of the biggest challenges. As I said, the whole design, including the layout, general architecture and everything else was done by our design team.
The decision to use individual transformers in the VK-6200 was dictated by a different product positioning and price point.
Onkyo requested very tough compliance with various standards, including the THX and various safety ones, and the design met all the guidlines.
I too don't want to dwell on this issue, just wanted to clarify a question which was presented to me in an email.
Best of luck with your forum, and thank you for a good review!
Regards,
Victor Khomenko