Integra DTC 9.8 pre/pro

[DragonSarc]

So any one have seen, heard & tested the Integra DTC 9.8 pre/pro? im kinda intrested not bad for $1600. Isnt onkyo still having trouble on DTS HD MA popping sound? I know Integra is Higher class than its sister onkyo and should have better hardware right? What you guys think?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by DragonSarc

So any one have seen, heard & tested the Integra DTC 9.8 pre/pro? im kinda intrested not bad for $1600. Isnt onkyo still having trouble on DTS HD MA popping sound? I know Integra is Higher class than its sister onkyo and should have better hardware right? What you guys think?

I do not have any first-hand experience with Integra. However, there are plenty of reviews available for you to read.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...07-part-1.html
http://www.audioholics.com/news/pres...ntroduced.html
http://www.hometheatermag.com/preamp...rs/508integra/
http://www.soundstageav.com/onhometheater/20071201.htm
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/proce...2-7.1-ssp.html
http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-pr...processor.html

[Getus]

Wich amp would you recommend with this pre/pro?

i currently have a 705 and i'am thinking of up-grading to this unit

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Getus

Wich amp would you recommend with this pre/pro?

i currently have a 705 and i'am thinking of up-grading to this unit

I own a Cinepro amplifier and I believe it is the absolute best. It has 6 channels and puts out up to 400 watts per channel. Check ebay. You may find a good deal.
http://www.cinepro.com/

I also like Sunfire Amps. They are designed by Bob Carver, a pioneer and giant in amplifier design.
http://www.sunfire.com/amp.htm

Adcom makes an excellent amplifier.
http://www.amazon.com/Adcom-GFA-7707.../dp/B0019DGAY2

Denon also make some very good and expensive amps.

[Getus]

I think those are a bit out of my range $

[Woody]

There is an enormous (almost 10,000 posts) thread over at AVS on the Integra DTC 9.8.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=873877

There are literally 100s of different amplifiers that you can pair with this pre, I would check some local shops to see what amps you may be able to audition.

There are 3 things I usually recommend folks to look for in an amplifier.

1. Current
2. Build Quality (power button, binding posts, heat sinks, etc)

3. Oh and above all else, the way it sounds.

[desmond]

power supply is essential for a good amp.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by desmond

power supply is essential for a good amp.

Good power supplies give good current.

It is also not easy for your average Joe to figure out what power supply an amp is using. And even if the did find out, it is even harder to find out if it is a "good" one.

Also, multi-channel amps that use mono-configurations in 1 chassis have 5-7 different power supplies.

[desmond]

Originally Posted by Woody

Good power supplies give good current.

It is also not easy for your average Joe to figure out what power supply an amp is using. And even if the did find out, it is even harder to find out if it is a "good" one.

Also, multi-channel amps that use mono-configurations in 1 chassis have 5-7 different power supplies.

I agree. However it is very easy to audition the unit and see if it starts clipping while playing at user desired level.

[coolmilo]

I have the Integra DTC 9.8. I have the latest firmware and the DTS-MA fix installed. I also have Audyessy Pro installed and I have it calibrated with a pro license. I am very pleased with the Pre and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new Pre.

The only disappointment I have is with Integra support. They have been very slow to support the bugs. I am thankful for my retailer though because they have been very helpful with the updates. I recommend buying the Integra from an official dealer.

[hoogoosedmoose41]

I have the DTC 9.8 mentioned its an incredible value for the price vs performance. I have a Rotel RMB 1095 amp matched with it. it sounds great, I can put on a blank source and turn the volume up to full and no background noise whatsoever.
Its not without its share of small bugs or things id like to see improved.
most notibly the HDMI hanshake takes a bit too long when switching sources and when i turn my tv off or on when listening to a cd through HDMI it Hiccups slightly.

[Woody]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the pre.

Highly recommended. Integra turned the HT pre/pro market on its ear with this offering.

The combination of price/performance/features are absolutely unmatched.

[bassbone57]

I've had the 9.8 for about 6 months now with Audyssey Pro and I love it! Really it's unbeatable for the money and it sounds like it's worth much more than it goes for. And lots of great customizeable features.

-K

[DragonSarc]

Originally Posted by coolmilo

I have the Integra DTC 9.8. I have the latest firmware and the DTS-MA fix installed. I also have Audyessy Pro installed and I have it calibrated with a pro license. I am very pleased with the Pre and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new Pre.

The only disappointment I have is with Integra support. They have been very slow to support the bugs. I am thankful for my retailer though because they have been very helpful with the updates. I recommend buying the Integra from an official dealer.

how did you get the FW update is it through the net or you have to send it in for it? which store did you buy it from coolmilo?


I still can use my Denon 5803 for amp since i dont have an amp yet right?

[xivex]

If it matters, my Integra DTR-6.8 kicks ass, so I'm sure the 9.8 would be even schweeter!

X

[Tee]

I too am a 9.8 owner and very happy with its performance! I highly reccomend this unit to anyone looking for the next gen Pre/Pro.

[petenad]

Originally Posted by Woody

There is an enormous (almost 10,000 posts) thread over at AVS on the Integra DTC 9.8.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=873877

There are literally 100s of different amplifiers that you can pair with this pre, I would check some local shops to see what amps you may be able to audition.

There are 3 things I usually recommend folks to look for in an amplifier.

1. Current
2. Build Quality (power button, binding posts, heat sinks, etc)

3. Oh and above all else, the way it sounds.

Is there any real difference between this Integra and lets say the Onkyo tx nr905

[richteer]

Originally Posted by petenad

Is there any real difference between this Integra and lets say the Onkyo tx nr905

Well, the Integra 9.8 is a pre/processor only, whereas the Onkyo 905 is a receiver (i.e., pre/pro plus power amps). But I'd be interested to know how the 9.8 compares to the preamp section of the 905...

[Woody]

Originally Posted by richteer

Well, the Integra 9.8 is a pre/processor only, whereas the Onkyo 905 is a receiver (i.e., pre/pro plus power amps). But I'd be interested to know how the 9.8 compares to the preamp section of the 905...

+1

The 9.8 is virtually identical to the preamp section in the 905. Same with the Integra 8.8. The 8.8 simply adds the "Playsforsure" software that the 9.8 and the 905 dont have, and both have more adjustable crossover points than the 905.

Oh and of course the 9.8 has balanced outs.

The only thing I am not 100% sure on is that the 8.8 and the 9.8 allow for Audyessy pro calibration, but I don't know for sure if the 905 does. My guess would be yes, but I don't know for sure.

[petenad]

Originally Posted by Woody

+1

The 9.8 is virtually identical to the preamp section in the 905. Same with the Integra 8.8. The 8.8 simply adds the "Playsforsure" software that the 9.8 and the 905 dont have, and both have more adjustable crossover points than the 905.

Oh and of course the 9.8 has balanced outs.

The only thing I am not 100% sure on is that the 8.8 and the 9.8 allow for Audyessy pro calibration, but I don't know for sure if the 905 does. My guess would be yes, but I don't know for sure.

I think this has the playforsure at least it shows on the write up:Network* for Streaming Audio Files and Internet Radio
The TX-NR905's network gives you access to digital music files (AAC,WMA,
MP3,WAV) via an Ethernet network between the TX-NR905 and your
computer. It also enables you to access music files from a USB mass storage
device or a portable audio player through the USB port on the TX-NR905’s
front panel. At the heart of the network is Windows Media Connect or
Windows Media Player (the TX-NR905 is Microsoft PlaysForSure certified), which
enable the TX-NR905 to play DRM music downloads from Napster and CDquality
files from MusicGiants. For internet radio, you can access
stations that use MP3 or WMA streaming.You can enter URLs
(including those for podcasts) directly into your computer’s web
browser, or you can enter them with your remote control.The
TX-NR905’s user-friendly interface lets you easily access and
store your favorite channels.
*This network also enables installation configuration and set-up of Crestron and AMX controllers
with your home theater system or network.
HQV Reon-VX Chip for High-Performance


I could be wrong I wish I could say but I've been waiting since April for the beast. They must have horse and buggie delivery from the states. I think the better deal is the 905 in my case anyway if it ever gets here