Integra avr's any thoughts? - Blu-ray Forum

walmat · 12-08-2011, 06:30 AM

I just spoke to my local dealer and he suggested as a possible amp upgrade from my hk 254 to an Integre 30.3. It has the higher power output that I need and he'll give it to me for less than a harman 3600 which was my earlier consideration.
Any thoughts on this? Any Integra users out there?

lojack1976 · 12-08-2011, 07:04 AM

Have you listened and compared? That's the best way to make your assessment. They will have very different different sound characteristics, so you should definitely demo them both to determine which you prefer. Integra and Onkyo receivers sound nearly identical since the Integras are just better built versions of their Onkyo counterparts. I've owned both Harman and Onkyo receivers over the years and both are excellent brands, but like I said they sound very different. I'm not sure what your dealer is charging on the AVR-3600, but the prices online have come down considerably from the original MSRP. I would imagine its because Harman has released updated versions, but HERE is a very good price on the AVR-3600 should you decide to go with it over the Integra. The Integra can only be purchased from dealers so you will have to haggle wit your dealer over the price of that.

walmat · 12-08-2011, 02:58 PM

I posted the question because I can't demo the integra (has to be ordered). I'd be taking a chance so I'm looking for impressions.
Also I'm in Canada and US amazon won't ship large items to us here. The prices here for hk are still high.

HAMP · 12-08-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walmat

I posted the question because I can't demo the integra (has to be ordered). I'd be taking a chance so I'm looking for impressions.
Also I'm in Canada and US amazon won't ship large items to us here. The prices here for hk are still high.

Amazon doesn't sell Integra. it's only a dealer item. If you want to know how they sound, you can maybe find a store in your area that sells Onkyo. They are Identical audio wise.

Your interested in the Integra 30.3, I believe that’s the same as a Onkyo 609

Jamfan · 12-08-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAMP

Your interested in the Integra 30.3, I believe that’s the same as a Onkyo 609

It's more like the 709, since 709 offers pre-outs.....

When my 606 kicks the bucket (starting to get no signal issue), i'll be looking at the 709 or 30.3........

callas01 · 12-08-2011, 04:34 PM

thats the weird thing, because the integra models and onkyo models aren't 1 for 1. There are things in my 40.2 that I see in the 800 line, but not in the 700 line.... its almost like the integras are a little more then the lower or "equal" onkyo.

I love my Integra, its rock solid, no issues and sound great.

hakstone · 12-08-2011, 05:07 PM

I thought integra was the high end of onkyo ?

HAMP · 12-08-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamfan

It's more like the 709, since 709 offers pre-outs.....

When my 606 kicks the bucket (starting to get no signal issue), i'll be looking at the 709 or 30.3........

From what I can tell the 30.3 is closer to the 609 except for pre-outs, everything else is about the same. They have the same power, which is the kicker for me.

For 40's are the like the 7??
the 50's are the like the 8??

then you get into the
70's which is like the 3???
80's which is the top 5???

callas01 · 12-08-2011, 07:05 PM

from my discussions with dealers and onkyo CSR's, the Integra's employ a few added upgraded internal components over their Onkyo cousins. So little things might be like a slightly better DAC or circuitry or the use of 2 power supplies vs one, better capacitors, and extra HDMI input/output, the Integras have removable power cords etc. Then they give the Integra a 3 yr warranty over the 2 yr on the Onkyos.

For instance, the onkyo 708 has one hdmi output, but my integra 40.2 has 2 outputs. My Integra has a removable power cord, you don't get that on the onkyos until you get the 808.

But Hamp is right, they are much more similar then they are different.

HAMP · 12-08-2011, 07:16 PM

It was a few things with the 5508/5008 that the Integra 80. didn't have that really made me lean more towards the Onkyo.

I can't think of all them, but the one things that I can think of is the 'Pure Audio' button on the front of the Onkyo. The Integra doesn't have that.

Oh, and it was cheaper

callas01 · 12-08-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAMP

It was a few things with the 5508/5008 that the Integra 80. didn't have that really made me lean more towards the Onkyo.

I can't think of all them, but the one things that I can think of is the 'Pure Audio' button on the front of the Onkyo. The Integra doesn't have that.

Oh, and it was cheaper

I got my Integra 25% off. From a dealer, that is a good discount.

walmat · 12-08-2011, 11:38 PM

Thx for the feedback guys. Has anyone compared integra to hk sound? or how would you describe the integra sound?
My understanding is that its not as warm sounding.
Also I'd be going from a 50W (hk conservative power rating) to a 100w per channel rating. Would a notice a difference? More detail maybe?

lswope00 · 12-09-2011, 01:20 AM

My 50.2 is very nice,don't feel the need to want to upgrade.

ManUtd · 12-09-2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

I got my Integra 25% off. From a dealer, that is a good discount.

Can I get the same deal too?

Woody · 12-09-2011, 01:44 AM

As others have said, there is almost no difference between Onkyo and their Integra counterparts. A couple years ago the models were 99% the same.

The difference was that Integra had a 3 year warranty and could not be bought online.

walmat · 12-09-2011, 04:32 AM

How would you describe its sound??? Anyone ???I can't audition the thing.

Miker107 · 12-09-2011, 03:13 PM

The more I listen to my Integra 40.3 the more I love it. I'm sure speakers being used will play a factor, but through my Energy's the sound is neutral and very detailed. It sounds fantastic for both movies and music, especially well recorded music such as jazz or classical. Highs are nice and crisp, but smooth and not overbearing. All in all a very pleasant experience for me personally. hope that helps.

callas01 · 12-09-2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miker107

The more I listen to my Integra 40.3 the more I love it. I'm sure speakers being used will play a factor, but through my Energy's the sound is warm, neutral, and very detailed. It sounds fantastic for both movies and music, especially well recorded music such as jazz or classical. Highs are nice and crisp, but smooth and not overbearing. All in all a very pleasant experience for me personally. hope that helps.

whats up Miker, hope all is well with you, glad youre still lovin the integra/energy setup. when are you getting that new sub?

Miker107 · 12-09-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

whats up Miker, hope all is well with you, glad youre still lovin the integra/energy setup. when are you getting that new sub?

I've been keeping my eye on that HSU still. I missed out on the sale price of the VTF 2 MK3 before it was discontinued and replaced with the VTF 2 MK4. They did have a momentary price drop on it during the black Friday weekend, but it went back up. I'm waiting for my Christmas money to afford it. I'm still pretty much set on the HSU unless someone convinces me otherwise.

callas01 · 12-09-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miker107

I've been keeping my eye on that HSU still. I missed out on the sale price of the VTF 2 MK3 before it was discontinued and replaced with the VTF 2 MK4. They did have a momentary price drop on it during the black Friday weekend, but it went back up. I'm waiting for my Christmas money to afford it. I'm still pretty much set on the HSU unless someone convinces me otherwise.

check out Outlaw also, their subs are made by Hsu, and look identical, they have b-stocks on sale from time to time on the LFM-1 Plus, which is a match to the VTF-2.3/4

12-08-2011, 06:30 AM	#1
walmat Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Toronto Home Theater Gallery:33 Blu-ray collection:147 DVD collection:53 Blu-ray reviews:11	Integra avr's any thoughts? I just spoke to my local dealer and he suggested as a possible amp upgrade from my hk 254 to an Integre 30.3. It has the higher power output that I need and he'll give it to me for less than a harman 3600 which was my earlier consideration. Any thoughts on this? Any Integra users out there?

12-08-2011, 11:38 PM	#12
walmat Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Toronto Home Theater Gallery:33 Blu-ray collection:147 DVD collection:53 Blu-ray reviews:11	Thx for the feedback guys. Has anyone compared integra to hk sound? or how would you describe the integra sound? My understanding is that its not as warm sounding. Also I'd be going from a 50W (hk conservative power rating) to a 100w per channel rating. Would a notice a difference? More detail maybe? Last edited by walmat; 12-08-2011 at 11:40 PM.

12-09-2011, 03:13 PM	#17
Miker107 Expert Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:May 2010 Location:Louisiana Home Theater Gallery:26 Blu-ray collection:54	The more I listen to my Integra 40.3 the more I love it. I'm sure speakers being used will play a factor, but through my Energy's the sound is neutral and very detailed. It sounds fantastic for both movies and music, especially well recorded music such as jazz or classical. Highs are nice and crisp, but smooth and not overbearing. All in all a very pleasant experience for me personally. hope that helps. Last edited by Miker107; 12-15-2011 at 12:15 AM.

12-08-2011, 07:04 AM	#2
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	Have you listened and compared? That's the best way to make your assessment. They will have very different different sound characteristics, so you should definitely demo them both to determine which you prefer. Integra and Onkyo receivers sound nearly identical since the Integras are just better built versions of their Onkyo counterparts. I've owned both Harman and Onkyo receivers over the years and both are excellent brands, but like I said they sound very different. I'm not sure what your dealer is charging on the AVR-3600, but the prices online have come down considerably from the original MSRP. I would imagine its because Harman has released updated versions, but HERE is a very good price on the AVR-3600 should you decide to go with it over the Integra. The Integra can only be purchased from dealers so you will have to haggle wit your dealer over the price of that.

12-08-2011, 02:58 PM	#3
walmat Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Toronto Home Theater Gallery:33 Blu-ray collection:147 DVD collection:53 Blu-ray reviews:11	I posted the question because I can't demo the integra (has to be ordered). I'd be taking a chance so I'm looking for impressions. Also I'm in Canada and US amazon won't ship large items to us here. The prices here for hk are still high.

12-08-2011, 04:34 PM	#6
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	thats the weird thing, because the integra models and onkyo models aren't 1 for 1. There are things in my 40.2 that I see in the 800 line, but not in the 700 line.... its almost like the integras are a little more then the lower or "equal" onkyo. I love my Integra, its rock solid, no issues and sound great.

12-08-2011, 05:07 PM	#7
hakstone Senior Member Member since:Oct 2008 Location:JAX, FL	I thought integra was the high end of onkyo ?

12-08-2011, 07:05 PM	#9
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	from my discussions with dealers and onkyo CSR's, the Integra's employ a few added upgraded internal components over their Onkyo cousins. So little things might be like a slightly better DAC or circuitry or the use of 2 power supplies vs one, better capacitors, and extra HDMI input/output, the Integras have removable power cords etc. Then they give the Integra a 3 yr warranty over the 2 yr on the Onkyos. For instance, the onkyo 708 has one hdmi output, but my integra 40.2 has 2 outputs. My Integra has a removable power cord, you don't get that on the onkyos until you get the 808. But Hamp is right, they are much more similar then they are different.

12-08-2011, 07:16 PM	#10
HAMP Banned Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Michigan Home Theater Gallery:13 Blu-ray collection:272 Trading Score:1	It was a few things with the 5508/5008 that the Integra 80. didn't have that really made me lean more towards the Onkyo. I can't think of all them, but the one things that I can think of is the 'Pure Audio' button on the front of the Onkyo. The Integra doesn't have that. Oh, and it was cheaper

12-09-2011, 01:20 AM	#13
lswope00 Member Member since:Mar 2011 Location:illinois Home Theater Gallery:41	My 50.2 is very nice,don't feel the need to want to upgrade.

12-09-2011, 01:44 AM	#15
Woody Power Member Member since:Jun 2007 Home Theater Gallery:60 4K collection:175 Blu-ray collection:415 DVD collection:165	As others have said, there is almost no difference between Onkyo and their Integra counterparts. A couple years ago the models were 99% the same. The difference was that Integra had a 3 year warranty and could not be bought online.

12-09-2011, 04:32 AM	#16
walmat Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Toronto Home Theater Gallery:33 Blu-ray collection:147 DVD collection:53 Blu-ray reviews:11	How would you describe its sound??? Anyone ???I can't audition the thing.

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