Initial review of Integra 9.8

[mrspeakers]

This box just rocks.

I'm an audio snob, but the Integra 9.8 has exceeded my expectations on all fronts. I configured the system using my XA2 as the disc player with bitstreaming enabled, driving a Theta Dreadnaught power amp, and with a Scientific Atlanta cable box (POS, IMHO), and an Airport Express. I used balanced interconnects between the processor and the amp.

The UI for setup is really easy (Sony, are you paying attention for your absurdly complex UI on the XBRs?) and nicely crafted, way beyond the order blue/black screen with white text UI we're used to. I referred to two pages to get started, and was up and running, including Audyssey setup, in < 30 minutes.

The Audyssey EQ took about 6 or 7 minutes. I read Wes Phillips' review of the product and totally concur, it stood my old audiophile signal purity bias on it's head. The bass from my sub has always been pretty good, but this elevated the low end to the quality I get from my Shure SE 530 headphones. It's tight and smooth, with no dropouts in certain notes, and a marked reduction in room resonances. Dialog was significantly improved in the off axis listening positions, without compromising my primary seat.

Listening to music, the midrange had a startlingly clear yet liquid sound, and tremendous depth of soundstage. With the exception of older Dennon separates, I've never heard a consumer Japanese brand sound clear, clean and relaxed like this. Voices were natural, without the grain associated with a lot of equipment, and massed strings sounded sweet and engaging, without a hint of stridency.

On the video side, I reconfigured my cable box to support multiple output resolutions without scaling to let the Reon do the heavy lifting. One quirk, per my other thread, the DVI/HDMI is not working correctly for my cable box, forcing me to use component video for now. However, even through component, the 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i all scale really well, with not a glitch to see so far. No audio synch issues, either.

For HD DVD material over HDMI, the audio flawlessly picked up and synched to DTS HD MA on Pan's Labyrinth. I have NEVER heard anything remotely like the sound quality in my system. It was stunningly dynamic, with whisper-like soft passages and chest thumping dynamics during percusive/explosive sequences and gunfights.

All formats synched fine, though as one reviewer noted, there is a bit of a lag when formats change, it takes 1-2 seconds to synch audio.

Also, oddly enough, I get a ground loop when I put the processor in standby. When it's powered on, it's dead silent. It's probably a loop caused by the cable, so I'll play around with grounding until that goes away.

All in all, I could not be happier. To have a surround processor that made a material qualitative improvement in the majority of the sound spectrum, and holds it's own in a really high end system, is just amazing at $1699 list (I paid about $1400 + tax for mine).

[HDFILE]

I also just hooked up a 9.8 yesterday. The Audessy calibration system really improved the sound. The bass is stronger but not boomy and their is more presence in the front speakers. I am enjoying relistening to my Concert high def discs. I was also suprised by the built in tuner which plays HD radio. Your assesment is right on, it is a very good preamp.

[mrspeakers]

I haven't tried the HD radio yet, but that's up next. Glad to hear it works...

I'm adding a 1.5TB drive to my system and I'm re-ripping 800 CDs in Apple Lossless for wireless playback. :-)

[HDFILE]

I will checkout the Apple lossless. I have been using Musicmatch now Yahoo music to load music from CD's, downloads, and my old vinyl collection. This is ok for my MP3 PLAYER, but could be better for serious listening.

[mrspeakers]

The Apple Lossless really appears to my ears to be lossless. I haven't done a byte-compare between the pre/post codec streams, but it would be interesting.

I get 2-4x compression, so a BIG disc is needed. :-) My one nagging issue is that iTunes does not let you create two libraries. I have one portable 160G drive with 256Kbps content for travel and loading my iPod, and then the 1TB drive for the lossless. I have to switch libraries. I'll be on the Apple board to see if there are any hidden tricks for this...

[mrspeakers]

Hahahaha. I just did the obvious and typed "multiple libraries" in help and discovered there IS a trick that makes this easy!

1) If iTunes is open, quit it.
2) Hold down the Option key while you open iTunes.
3) In the dialog that appears, do one of the following:
To create a new library, click Create Library.
To choose a different library, click Choose Library

RTFM

[Arne]

Hi guys. I am in the market to replace my Krell HTS 5.1 with a new preamp processor that decodes the new HD audio formats. Obviously you are all very happy with the Integra DTC 9.8 in surround mode, but how does it sound in stereo from CD?
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Krell HTS 5.1, KAV 500 5CH Multi Amp, Dynaudio Confidence 5, Dynaudio Audience 122, Dynaudio Xennon 3/75, Velodyne DD12, Straightwire Rhapsody S, Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR's, T+A DVD 1210, OPPO 971H, Sony PS3 60GB, Panasonic PT AE700U

[mrspeakers]

One word: sweet and revealing. OK, that was two words.

I'm really quite impressed.

[Arne]

Thanks for the reply, that helps a lot in making a decision. Do you have any experience in regards to Integra's multi amp, the DTA 9.4? I am just wondering whether I should get rid of my Krell Multi amp too and go completely with Integra or not. My main speakers are pretty power hungry and sensitive to the choice of amplification.

[rded]

Hi! The integra 9.8 is just an PREAMP right, or does it come an AMP as well? My next question is will this system work well with Definitive Tech MTHOS Super Towers? I am looking to buy these speakers and trying to find out which receiver/ AMP-Preamp works best with it?

[rded]

Is there an online store that carries Integra 9.8?

[mrspeakers]

The 9.8 is a processor only, it requires an amp.

I don't think anyone sells it online. I looked, but went with an authorized local reseller. I did get 10% off by asking, even though it's back ordered.

Dude, if you have a Krell multi-channel amp, I don't think an all Integra setup would improve your life. :-) Krell makes great gear. If it has balanced inputs, you're doubly in luck.

My Theta has a fully balanced amp, which means it really has two out-of-phase amps per channel, and driving this with balanced outputs off the 9.8 is perfect. Always use balanced if you have the choice due to the intrinsic ability to eliminate noise picked up through the interconnects.

[progprog]

Originally Posted by mrspeakers

I don't think anyone sells it online. I looked, but went with an authorized local reseller. I did get 10% off by asking, even though it's back ordered.

Did you have to wait a long time for it? Where I live, you can't get the darn thing. Several dealers, all with waiting lists. Also, was the 10% off a dealer or manufacturer thing?

And if you really want to indulge me, were there other processors you considered? I'd be interested and appreciate any comments, as I've been shopping for several weeks now, and have discovered that it's frustrating with this type of product because it's hard to get a look at most of the better ones up close. I hate buying sight-unseen, on specs, but it looks like I have no choice. User comments are therefore very useful....

[ATLFalconsFAN]

Originally Posted by progprog

Did you have to wait a long time for it? Where I live, you can't get the darn thing. Several dealers, all with waiting lists. Also, was the 10% off a dealer or manufacturer thing?

And if you really want to indulge me, were there other processors you considered? I'd be interested and appreciate any comments, as I've been shopping for several weeks now, and have discovered that it's frustrating with this type of product because it's hard to get a look at most of the better ones up close. I hate buying sight-unseen, on specs, but it looks like I have no choice. User comments are therefore very useful....

I love my Lexicon MV-5. If you are anywhere near Greenville, South Carolina you can come listen to it!

[Arne]

Originally Posted by mrspeakers

The 9.8 is a processor only, it requires an amp.

I don't think anyone sells it online. I looked, but went with an authorized local reseller. I did get 10% off by asking, even though it's back ordered.

Dude, if you have a Krell multi-channel amp, I don't think an all Integra setup would improve your life. :-) Krell makes great gear. If it has balanced inputs, you're doubly in luck.

My Theta has a fully balanced amp, which means it really has two out-of-phase amps per channel, and driving this with balanced outputs off the 9.8 is perfect. Always use balanced if you have the choice due to the intrinsic ability to eliminate noise picked up through the interconnects.

Yep, it is a Krell KAV 500 5 channel multi amp with 120 Watts on 8 Ohms per channel with all XLR balanced connections. I am using Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR interconnects for the main channel and Audioquest Jaguars for Center and rears. Do you run the Integra in 7.1, I have an additional pair of Dynaudio speakers I am currently not using, so I am only running a 5.1 set up. I am just wondering whether it would be a great advantage to go 7.1, cause I would have to buy an additional Krell Stereo amp in that case and my room is not really big enough for a 7.1 set up.