Integra Research RDC-7 Home Theater Processor

gene

gene

Audioholics Master Chief
Administrator
<font color='#000000'>Brian;

We have been contacted by Parasounds rep firm to get a sample for review. &nbsp;It may be some time however, since we have a whole new slew of gear coming, and as you know, it takes us considerable time to write reviews since we attempt to write thorough ones, and we all have day jobs &nbsp;
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Last edited by a moderator:
G

Guest

Guest
<font color='#000000'>I have an RDC-7, and I agree with your review, it is the best piece of gear in my rack. &nbsp;I do have a question, I am looking into using the RS-232 to control the pre. &nbsp;I cannot afford an AMX of PHAST implementation so I was considering using something similar to CQC to control my theater. &nbsp;Does anyone know of any documentation about the protocol on this interface?</font>
 
G

Guest

Guest
<font color='#000000'>Theirs a new &quot;build to order&quot; Integra Research RDC-7.1 on the horizen and it has some amazing improvements.  Here's the link.  Check it out.  More bells and whistles; better DACs; ect.

Integra Research RDC-7.1 at CES 2004</font>
 
G

Guest

Guest
<font color='#000000'>Sorry about that. &nbsp;I don't know how to do links. &nbsp;How about a paste?


News from Integra Research
photo library
backgrounder

For immediate release:
Integra Research Debuts Build-to-Order High-End
AV Controller Platform for Audio, Video, or Both

 


 
LAS VEGAS, (1/8/04) – Audiophiles, video enthusiasts, and custom installers will soon be able to choose their own ideal combination of features on Integra Research’s build-to-order RDC–7.1 card-based modular audio/video controller. With the help of the dealer and a configuration wizard on Integra Research’s web site, customers will be able to pick and choose among eight different optional modules to create their personal ideal system. This platform will also allow for ongoing upgrades to reflect new technology, program sources, and connection options. The first planned upgrade modules will be introduced in the fall of this year.

There are several important new technologies represented in the initial modules available in April, including HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) for compatibility with the new DVI (digital video interface) components, and iLink (IEEE-1394) for direct digital inputs from DVD-Audio and SACD players. The modular configuration makes forthcoming upgrades as simple as replacing modules and upgrading software.

A few of many possible configurations include: (1) a full-ticket system with all the audio and video options, (2) a high-end multichannel audiophile system for SACD and DVD-Audio with no video options, (3) a videophile system leaving out some audio features, and (4) a custom installer system focusing on networking and multi-room connectivity and perhaps leaving out some of the higher-end features.

The base platform of the Integra Research RDC-7.1 is THX Ultra2 certified and has processing for every surround sound mode offered by THX, Dolby, and DTS. It has a rugged aluminum chassis, with oversized high-current power supply, eight balanced XLR outputs, multichannel RCA preamp outputs, two additional RCA subwoofer outs, three-zone multiroom capability, bidirectional RS-232, plus extensive remote control interface and remote trigger options. The base model includes modules for digital audio, analog audio and iLink.

The included iLink module provides two direct digital inputs for high-resolution SACD and DVD-Audio from iLink-equipped source players such as the Integra Research RDV-1.1. This allows the RCD-7.1’s extensive digital bass management capabilities to be applied to these signals just as they are for all other inputs. iLink also prevents direct digital copying to protect musicians’ intellectual property rights.

The Integra Research RDC-7.1’s fixed digital audio module has six optical and six coaxial digital inputs, and two optical and two coaxial digital outputs. It uses top grade 192 kHz/24-bit Wolfson DACs (digital/analog converters) on all channels for no-compromise sound quality. The module also includes processing for THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24. Other digital audio features include Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker that create surround sound effects using headphones or two speakers. The fixed analog audio module has nine stereo inputs, a phono input, and five outputs. The inputs are all assignable, and the outputs can be configured for recorders and various multizone options. Both fixed and variable outputs are supported through menu selection.

The optional HDMI module is used to connect to other HDMI equipped components and is compatible with components that use DVI (Digital Video Interface). This module has two HDMI inputs and one output.

The optional video module has three high definition component video inputs and one output as well as six composite and S-video inputs and four assignable outputs. All inputs are upconverted to component video to avoid the need for redundant cables when using older video source devices. Additionally all video inputs sources including 480i component video are upconverted to 480p for HDMI.

The third key option is Integra’s Net-Tune™ Ethernet client receiver module for accessing digital music files over a local PC network (TCP/IP). Net-Tune plays MP3, WMA, and PCM files stored on a PC or Integra NAS-2.3 music server. It also has Internet Radio capability for networks with broadband Internet access. Up to 12 Net-Tune client receivers can independently access the same server simultaneously.

The fourth option is for an extra component video input/output pair with a choice of either RCA or BNC connectors. The fifth option provides a choice between two additional audio input modules. One has dual 7.1 analog inputs and the other has one 7.1 analog and one professional AES/EBU digital input.

An optional radio module includes a high quality AM and FM tuner with discrete tuning and presets station recall supported for multiple zones via IR and RS-232 interfaces. An elegant aluminum faced remote control with a scroll wheel and LCD display provides full control over the receiver and can be set up to control other AV components as well.

The Integra Research RDC-7.1 will be available in April, with a suggested retail base price of $4000.

Integra Research designs and manufactures premium Home Theater electronics that offer the highest levels of audio and video quality, including advanced circuitry and features not normally found on consumer grade products. Developed jointly with highly respected U.S. audio and video technology firms such as Apogee Electronics Corp., Balanced Audio Technology, and THX®, the company's product line offers audiophile-quality performance suitable for critical music listening, with professional-grade video to match. As the advanced research and engineering division of Onkyo Corporation, Integra Research has access to vast technical resources, and bears a proud heritage of over 50 years of audio engineering excellence. For more information about Integra Research and its products, visit www.integraresearch.com or call 800 225-1946.

# # #

RDC-7.1 Features

Processing

* Exclusive Apogee Master Clock
* THX Surround EX 7.1 Processing
* Dolby Digital EX and Pro Logic IIx
* DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24
* Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker
* Dual -32Bit DSP Chips for Main and Zone 2
* VLSC-Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry
* Non-Scaling Configuration
* PC Set-up Application Available via Ethernet and RS-232
* Wolfson 192 kHz/24-Bit D/A Converters for all Channels
* Composite and S-Video Upconversion to Component Video


Miscellaneous

* THX Ultra2 Certification
* New High Current Power Supply
* Individual Crossover Adjustment (40-150 Hz, 10 Hz Step)
* Detachable Power Cord
* Rigid Aluminum Panel (Front / Side / Top) and Stabilizer Bar
* Elegant Aluminum Faced Remote Control with Scroll Wheel and LCD Display


Connections (including optional cards)

* 8 Balanced XLR Outputs for Stable, Noise-Free Signal Transfer
* 2 Assignable Sets of 7.1 Multi-Channel Preouts (A/B)
* Total of Three Subwoofer Outputs (3 Assignable)
* High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI v 1.0) – 2 in/1 Out for HD Video and Dolby Digital/DTS/PCM Audio over Single Cable
* ILink (IEEE1394) Digital Input for DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD
* Ethernet for Net-Tune Streaming Audio
* Three Zone Multiroom Capability (Main, Zone 1, Zone 2)
* Bi-Directional RS-232 Port
* Five Assignable 12V Trigger Outputs
* Independent IR Outputs for all 3 Zones with 12 VDC for IR Receiver
* 12 Digital Inputs
(6 Optical/6 Coaxial/12 Assignable)
* 4 Digital Outputs
(2 Optical/2 Coaxial/4 Assignable)
* 4 Component Inputs
(4 Assignable) / 2 Outputs
* 9 Audio Inputs / 5 Outputs
* AES/EBU Input for High End CD/DVD Transports
* Hardware and Software Upgradeable Chassis


Press Contacts:

Gordon Sell   
Raney Nelson:  908 788-0700
e-mail: contact@gspr.com

Gordon Sell
Public Relations
www.gspr.com

Integra Research
18 Park Way
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

800 225-1946

Gordon Sell Public Relations
63 Main Street
Flemington, NJ 08822

(908) 788-0700</font>
 
S

srrndhound

Audiophyte
<font color='#000000'>Steve,

Your report noted: <table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Using the AVIA DVD as the source, the center channel measured 1dB louder than the mains and the surrounds each measured 2dB lower when compared to the test tones of the RDC-7. </td></tr></table> Usually this is not an error in the calibration of the signals, either of the test disc or the internal tones. The divergence in readings occurs because the noise spectrum of the two sources may not be identical, so any response differences in the speakers or room acoustics will translate to a level difference on the SPL meter. The internal &quot;THX&quot; style noise is usually the most narrowly filtered, and is the ideal noise to use for SPL meter-based calibration.</font>
 
G

Guest

Guest
<font color='#000000'>With the new release of the 7.1, does anyone know if there is any kind of upgrade path for those of us who purchased the RDC-7? &nbsp;The biggest reason I dropped the $4K on the first version was &quot;future-proofing&quot;, am I already obselete?</font>
 
S

steve

Audioholic
<font color='#000000'>rm1759 and all,

While Integra Research has formally announced the release of the new RDC-7.1 processor, we realize that current owners of the RDC-7 feel like their equipment is &quot;obsolete&quot; or that they may have dropped money on a product that is dated. &nbsp;While we appreciate and recognize those concerns, I do wish to point out that the current RDC-7 design is around 4 years old, and yet it is still among one of the very best processors on the market in its price range. &nbsp;Furthermore, we addressed these very issues on another thread here in our forums. &nbsp;

Integra Research Thread

We believe that the primary objective of the RDC-7.1 may be to produce a more manufacturable product, not to outdate the current unit. &nbsp;Read through my other posts, and feel free to come back here for additional discussion.</font>
 
gene

gene

Audioholics Master Chief
Administrator
<font color='#000000'>Hi Roger;

Thanks for your inputs to Steve's review regarding calibration levels. &nbsp;I believe Steve was using the standard internal test tones in the RDC-7 and was not engaged in THX modes when calibrating his set-up. &nbsp;Thus correct me if I am wrong, but I believe those test tones should correlate with those in Avia. &nbsp;I have calibrated the Denon AVR-5803 and Yamaha RX-Z1 for example with the internal test tones of these receivers and the Avia disc within 0.5dB accuracy of each other with the same mic position and master level set to around 80dB SPL C-weighted. &nbsp;Your thoughts on this and further commentary are welcomed and appreciated.</font>
 
S

srrndhound

Audiophyte
<font color='#000000'>Hi Gene,

Yes, the THX mode would affect the external noise signals (not the internal signals) so it should be turned off when calibrating. Only if the noise spectrums are identical on Avia and the RDC-7 should they correlate. I don't know if they are the same or not--and sometimes it is obvious while others it is not easy to tell. Do they sound the same?

They might correlate to 0.5 dB even if the noises are spectrally different, but that would be the exception rather than the rule.</font>
 

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