Integra DTR-8.8...

[bacot11]

I have owned an Integra 8.8 for almost 6 months now. Well I owned an integra 8.8 for 3 months until it started having problems so I replaced it, and have had the new one (same model of 8.8) since I replaced it. I really like the new reciever when it works, but I hate the damn thing when it doesn't. I always have to worry about heat. I have even gone as far as mounted a fan on my theater rack. It works most of the time, but the reciever will still shut off during movies with more vibrant soundtracks. 2500 dollars of supposed bullet proof power for nothing. I have never even turned the volume over 3/4. Its Rediculus. On top of all that their customer service is crap, and the autherized dealer I went through are also idiots.

Sorry for the rant but I needed to get that out. SO to get right down to it I am looking for a replacement. I am also selling the Integra, and it is in mint condintion. If you have a theater where heat will never e an issue then the integra will be perfect for you. Back to the replacement. I am looking for a high end to flagship reciever worthy of replacing the integra. Of course it needs to have ample power and not be inclined to overheat. I am interested in the RX-Z7.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[mdabb]

I have an Onkyo TX-SR875 and some owners claim to have serious heat issues as well but I noticed if you don't use any of the video processing features it generates far less heat and I'm also running it at 4 ohms. To tell you the truth heat has yet to be an issue.

How much breathing room does your receiver have ???

The issues I have are related to SQ. My receiver sounds "mechanical" and not at all very musical or alive. Not sure how the Integra's sound but they have to sound better than their relatives.

The only real suggestion I have for an alternative is to go out and listen to as many receivers you can and see what satisfies you. The more the better........ still heat may very well be a concern in cramped spaces no matter what brand.

Recently I had gotten a chance to listen to the new Pioneer Elite's, they sounded better than my 875.



!!! Public Notice !!! : I am not bashing Onkyo, this is only one man's opinion so Onkyo lovers please do not feel insulted. It comes down to individual preference.

[desmond]

Get your dealer to replace 8.8 with 8.9. Much better.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by mdabb

I have an Onkyo TX-SR875 and some owners claim to have serious heat issues as well but I noticed if you don't use any of the video processing features it generates far less heat and I'm also running it at 4 ohms. To tell you the truth heat has yet to be an issue.

How much breathing room does your receiver have ???

The issues I have are related to SQ. My receiver sounds "mechanical" and not at all very musical or alive. Not sure how the Integra's sound but they have to sound better than their relatives.

The only real suggestion I have for an alternative is to go out and listen to as many receivers you can and see what satisfies you. The more the better........ still heat may very well be a concern in cramped spaces no matter what brand.

Recently I had gotten a chance to listen to the new Pioneer Elite's, they sounded better than my 875.



!!! Public Notice !!! : I am not bashing Onkyo, this is only one man's opinion so Onkyo lovers please do not feel insulted. It comes down to individual preference.

This is the same qurip that I have with Onkyo (not bashing either - so hold your horses ) - IMHO they do sound mechanical. However, you have some very revealing speakers (Dali if I'm not mistaken) - Did you ever go with the power amp upgrades that you where talking about? You also may need to go to a new receiver - one that complements your speakers more.

To the OP - what speakers are you driving? (I noticed that you have it turned 3/4 of the way up).

[Woody]

Originally Posted by desmond

Get your dealer to replace 8.8 with 8.9. Much better.

The 8.9 also runs hot.

And no offense, but it is hardly "much better" than the 8.8

It adds a couple Audyssey features, a couple of additional internet music options, THX Ultra2plus (vs THX ultra2 on the 8.8), and a fluff "ISF" feature.

It also REMOVES one of the independent power supplies.

The only "much better" part of the 8.9 vs. the 8.8 is the $500 less in MSRP.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by prerich

This is the same qurip that I have with Onkyo (not bashing either - so hold your horses ) - IMHO they do sound mechanical. However, you have some very revealing speakers (Dali if I'm not mistaken) - Did you ever go with the power amp upgrades that you where talking about? You also may need to go to a new receiver - one that complements your speakers more.

To the OP - what speakers are you driving? (I noticed that you have it turned 3/4 of the way up).

The only speakers that are amplified are the front L/R with a Pass Labs X150.5. To tell you the truth the amp doesn't even make the Onkyo sound all that much better and I'm finding that out the more time I spend with it. The 875 must not have enough preamp voltage to drive the Pass properly as the more I have listened/tweaked it, it still sounds empty, muffled and held back. Now, when I listen to my 2 channel pre/amp combo it doesn't take much for it to come alive. I know it's an unfair competition but I do feel the 875 hinders SQ.

I probably will not be looking into more amps for the other channels do to space and I would like to first replace the receiver down the road at some point. As for now, I have other upgrades on the horizon and also have been dedicating more time and effort to my two channel rig.

I guess the 875 was more of an impulse buy based on features I convinced myself I desired at the time. I now wish I would have had the foresight to wait it out. I do wish there were more manufacturers in the HD audio game like NAD. The best advice I can give someone is buy a receiver based on the quality of sound rather than video processing capabilities or because it's full of unneeded features.

Anyhow I'm stuck with my receiver for the foreseeable future. HDMI is a bit of a curse to me as I would like to separate the audio and video signals for a much better experience. However, convenience wins out............. I know many people choose Onkyo because of the features/price point but are all those extra features that important to people who already have or will be getting a BD player, I don't think so. I would be happier with a simpler less feature packed receiver if it is going provide the better sound even if the amp section has less power it shouldn't be a big concern.

Then again always buy what you like but do compare.......... it's not going to hurt. Be more critical of your receiver !!!

I would also like to know more about the OP's speakers and gear.

[petenad]

Originally Posted by Woody

The 8.9 also runs hot.

And no offense, but it is hardly "much better" than the 8.8

It adds a couple Audyssey features, a couple of additional internet music options, THX Ultra2plus (vs THX ultra2 on the 8.8), and a fluff "ISF" feature.

It also REMOVES one of the independent power supplies.

The only "much better" part of the 8.9 vs. the 8.8 is the $500 less in MSRP.

I would go back and return it with the Onkyo 906 with the separate power supplies I have my 905 in a room that has a wood stove that heats the whole downstairs and it gets hot short and T-shirt hot, in the middle of winter .....it will get hot but no issues no shutting down or anything of that nature and I usually crank it for long periods of time to the point now I have permanent ringing in my right ear.

[KCLARK]

i know what you mean on that mechanical sound, i had that with my sony. try a marantz 8002 bet you wont be wanting to return that. for most that sell theirs once they've had an 8002 they all tend to upgrade to seperates.