Integra DHC80.3
mantis
Posts: 17,195
Hello all,
I'm hearing the Integra DHC 80.3 is really making a presence in the audiophile world for theater and music play back. The key seems to be using the professional Audyssey Kit you purchase separate. The next trick is using other amps that are of higher quality like Bryston , Anthem etc.
If this combo works and sounds as good as it's being built up to be , this might be the preamp we all have been waiting for. This is something I'm gonna explore more as we have it in our theater room at the store. It's one badass preamp I'll say that. The Integra amp is pretty nice with all its channels but doesn't seem to have awesome dynamic range like it should. But with a full Professional calibration , things could really change. Music is another key factor.
Anyone have any experience with one fully calibrated running high end amps?
I'm hearing the Integra DHC 80.3 is really making a presence in the audiophile world for theater and music play back. The key seems to be using the professional Audyssey Kit you purchase separate. The next trick is using other amps that are of higher quality like Bryston , Anthem etc.
If this combo works and sounds as good as it's being built up to be , this might be the preamp we all have been waiting for. This is something I'm gonna explore more as we have it in our theater room at the store. It's one badass preamp I'll say that. The Integra amp is pretty nice with all its channels but doesn't seem to have awesome dynamic range like it should. But with a full Professional calibration , things could really change. Music is another key factor.
Anyone have any experience with one fully calibrated running high end amps?
Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
Post edited by mantis on
Comments
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I just got done hearing the Integra 80.3 yesterday as a matter of fact from guy at my local. I never had a chance to really mess with it and have a conversation because the shop was too busy but it was paired up with Anthem A5 amplification and was playing transformers. I wished I could have heard some music on it but I kept thinking if the amp was great or was it the 80.3 either way I really enjoyed the sound. for the money it cant be beat
Are you thinking on this as an early christmas present to yourself Dan ?:cheesygrin: -
Hello all,
I'm hearing the Integra DHC 80.3 is really making a presence in the audiophile world for theater and music play back. The key seems to be using the professional Audyssey Kit you purchase separate. The next trick is using other amps that are of higher quality like Bryston , Anthem etc.
If this combo works and sounds as good as it's being built up to be , this might be the preamp we all have been waiting for. This is something I'm gonna explore more as we have it in our theater room at the store. It's one badass preamp I'll say that. The Integra amp is pretty nice with all its channels but doesn't seem to have awesome dynamic range like it should. But with a full Professional calibration , things could really change. Music is another key factor.
Anyone have any experience with one fully calibrated running high end amps?
I'm pairing the DHC-80.3 with a Parasound Halo A51, only ran the built-in Audyssey XT32. For HT, they worked the LSiM speaker set without any power issue, but seemed a little bit brighter than my previous Denon AVR-4810ci / Parasound Halo A51 / LSi speakers combination. Maybe it was because both DHC-80.3 and LSiM speakers are brand new and haven't been used much, got to spend some time for break-in??? Have you had experience with Audyssey Pro on that pre-amp? If you think it improves sound quality quite a bit, I might push myself toward that upgrade
Gears shared to both living room & bedroom:
Integra DHC-80.3 / Oppo BDP-105 / DirecTV HR24 DVR /APC S15blk PC-UPS
Living room:
LSiM707's / LSiM706c / LSiM702 F/X's / dual JL Audio Fathom F113's / Parasound Halo A51 / Panasonic 65" TC-P65VT50
Bedroom:
Usher Dancer Mini 2 Diamond DMD's / Logitech SB Touch / W4S STP-SE / W4S DAC-2 / W4S ST-1000 / Samsung 52" LN52B750
Other rooms:
Audioengine AP4's / GLOW Audio Sub One / audio-gd NFB-3 DAC / Audioengine N22
audio-gd NFB-10.2 / Denon AH-D7000 -
I'd like to dig in a bit and see how she performs. I'm always looking for the next piece. I had separates before the SC-07 and wouldn't mind going back.polkfarmboy wrote: »I just got done hearing the Integra 80.3 yesterday as a matter of fact from guy at my local. I never had a chance to really mess with it and have a conversation because the shop was too busy but it was paired up with Anthem A5 amplification and was playing transformers. I wished I could have heard some music on it but I kept thinking if the amp was great or was it the 80.3 either way I really enjoyed the sound. for the money it cant be beat
Are you thinking on this as an early christmas present to yourself Dan ?:cheesygrin:Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Just in general , Denon is a warm sound and Integra is a brighter sound so what you are hearing is the Sonic signature difference in the preamp sections which is where most of your sound comes from. I bet the Integra is more dynamic sounding as well.I'm pairing the DHC-80.3 with a Parasound Halo A51, only ran the built-in Audyssey XT32. For HT, they worked the LSiM speaker set without any power issue, but seemed a little bit brighter than my previous Denon AVR-4810ci / Parasound Halo A51 / LSi speakers combination. Maybe it was because both DHC-80.3 and LSiM speakers are brand new and haven't been used much, got to spend some time for break-in??? Have you had experience with Audyssey Pro on that pre-amp? If you think it improves sound quality quite a bit, I might push myself toward that upgrade
The Pro kit I have not done yet but want to get my company to bring it in so I can train on it. As much as we sell Integra , It would be a very nice thing to offer our customers that last bit.
I'm looking forward to digging into this preamp. It's so badass otherwise.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Not familiar with the integra but I'll be picking up the Denon 4311 soon and was thinking about buying the pro kit but wondering if $700 for the pro kit and license is worth that added cost. I've heard nothing but great things about the pro kit. I also have heard the Marantz 7005 pre and thought it was an upgrade from my SC-27 so that might be a option as well for you.
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It's a thought . I looked into Marantz when I was purchasing the SC-07 as a pre back in the day. It's always a company I look at before I make a move. The SC-07 isn't on the chopping block yet but I'm getting that itch again for some kind of upgrade. Even though I'm most likely going to bring the bd53fd back , it's fun to have something new to play with.Not familiar with the integra but I'll be picking up the Denon 4311 soon and was thinking about buying the pro kit but wondering if $700 for the pro kit and license is worth that added cost. I've heard nothing but great things about the pro kit. I also have heard the Marantz 7005 pre and thought it was an upgrade from my SC-27 so that might be a option as well for you.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
That's an excellent piece for sure...the only down side (as with any processor) is you have to keep adding amps if you want to expand your system from a 5.1 to say a 7.1/9.1 etc. Unless of course you already have a 7 channel amp & have no desire to move to a 9.1 & make use of the presence/height/width channels. I just added a pair of back surrounds & am powering them with my NAD AVR & the Rotel is taking care of the main 5 speakers. The difference of going from a 5.1 to 7.1 was quite noticable & well worth the time spent doing the install."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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This is likely to be my next purchase- will go with my Brystons. Do you think I can dump my MF A5 pre? Got it specifically for the HT bypass, but it sounds like you think the Onkyo can stand on its own.Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
Backburner:Krell KAV-300i -
This is likely to be my next purchase- will go with my Brystons. Do you think I can dump my MF A5 pre? Got it specifically for the HT bypass, but it sounds like you think the Onkyo can stand on its own.
Integra my man lets be politically correct my friend. Yeah I know it's made by Onkyo but it's their Elite version.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
I am awaiting mine. I am replacing an Integra 9.9 Sharp Elite 70
Anthem D2V 3D
Parasound 5250
Parasound HCA 1000 A
Parasound HCA 1000
Oppo BDP 95
Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
Totem Mask Surrounds X4
Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
Sony PS3
Squeezebox Touch
Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door. -
Wingnut ?? Hmmm......that name rings a bell.
Good to see ya around Darla, in your absence, I've only had Cathy to pick on. She kicks my ****, but your more PC about things. Must be an occupational training thing I guess. Good to see ya....carry on.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Thanks. I lurk from time to time. I had some down years but now I am back in the game.Sharp Elite 70
Anthem D2V 3D
Parasound 5250
Parasound HCA 1000 A
Parasound HCA 1000
Oppo BDP 95
Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
Totem Mask Surrounds X4
Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
Sony PS3
Squeezebox Touch
Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door. -
Not familiar with the integra but I'll be picking up the Denon 4311 soon and was thinking about buying the pro kit but wondering if $700 for the pro kit and license is worth that added cost. I've heard nothing but great things about the pro kit. I also have heard the Marantz 7005 pre and thought it was an upgrade from my SC-27 so that might be a option as well for you.
I am an Onkyo/Integra fan. But I have to admit that, musically, I've often preferred Marantz and Denon (before Denon started "cheaping" things out).. As Dan says, a "warmer" signature. And that is the "bottom" line for me with SS gear. Otherwise I just fire up the tubes and hang out in the two channel room! (or the NAD or something Silver Faced).
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
This is likely to be my next purchase- will go with my Brystons. Do you think I can dump my MF A5 pre? Got it specifically for the HT bypass, but it sounds like you think the Onkyo can stand on its own.
I got the MF Int A5 for the same reason - HT bypass allows me to go 'old school' for 2-channel.
I don't think I'm going down the avr for audio path for any time soon.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
@mantis and tonyb,which Pre-Pro are you guys using?I am looking into upgrading from my H/K3600 which i am using as a Pre-Amp now.I have look into a Marantz.Can you guys suggest one that has a really good DAC in it for music two channel.Looking for one that has the(warmer) sound too it,nothing with tubes.I know tubes will get me there for the (warmer) sound just don't want too go there for now maybe down the road.Any input would be great. Thanks.
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@mantis and tonyb,which Pre-Pro are you guys using?I am looking into upgrading from my H/K3600 which i am using as a Pre-Amp now.I have look into a Marantz.Can you guys suggest one that has a really good DAC in it for music two channel.Looking for one that has the(warmer) sound too it,nothing with tubes.I know tubes will get me there for the (warmer) sound just don't want too go there for now maybe down the road.Any input would be great. Thanks.
Accessories4less has the AV7005 for around 1k or less. They also have the SR7005 and a bunch of their other AVR's as well as refurb Onkyo's and Denons. As they are all manufacture refurbished units by a authorized dealer all come with some sort of warranty..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Thanks EndersShadow on the tips.Goin check that site out right now.I look at a Cary but $4,995.00 to rich for my blood.Again thanks Ole Timer!
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Tank,
For reasonable coin with good dacs in them, warmer sounding, in the pre/pro department, the Marantz is a good bet. Arcam , Anthem, even an older B&K ref 50 pre/pro. Also depends on if your just going to use it for music or music and HT.
I'm in the hunt for a pre myself. Chicago's craigslist has a B&K ref 50 for 150 bucks but with no remote, I guess he lost it. I'm gonna see what I can scout out for a tubed pre like the Dared on the used market. Been along time since I had a tubed pre in the mix, so a re visit is in order for me.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
tonyb, i didn't think finding a really good Pre-Pro surround for under 3g's would be this hard new that is.EndersShadow tip me off too the 7005 with a one year on it for 999.00 or one with 2 years on it for 50 bucks more The one i like is way out of my price Cary,but 5g's is about 3 g's over my head.So going hunting some more on web.Thanks Tonyb for the help.
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Also anthems new receivers are good too. The Mrx 300 is about 1g as well but comes with prelims and ARC."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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Hello all,
I'm hearing the Integra DHC 80.3 is really making a presence in the audiophile world for theater and music play back. The key seems to be using the professional Audyssey Kit you purchase separate. The next trick is using other amps that are of higher quality like Bryston , Anthem etc.
If this combo works and sounds as good as it's being built up to be , this might be the preamp we all have been waiting for. This is something I'm gonna explore more as we have it in our theater room at the store. It's one badass preamp I'll say that. The Integra amp is pretty nice with all its channels but doesn't seem to have awesome dynamic range like it should. But with a full Professional calibration , things could really change. Music is another key factor.
Anyone have any experience with one fully calibrated running high end amps?
What about the new Pioneer SC-68? It's slightly less expensive than the Integra. -
I heard June release date and I'm eagerly waiting for it's arrival. As badass as it looks and all the updates it has I'm kinda wanting to go back to a Pre and amps.What about the new Pioneer SC-68? It's slightly less expensive than the Integra.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
@mantis..I went back and read a lot of reviews on the Marantz AV7005 it seems too be a really good one,but it also seems to be having some firmware issues from the post of people who have that unit.Like you i want a nice Pre-Pro Amp/processor without having to break the bank I am looking at a Parasound right now its going for just under $2.500 new and just may add there 5 channel amp.What you guys think of that Parasound Pre-Amp processor?I know a lot of you ole timers like Parasound a lot.I have you Ole Timers in here too thank because of your input on audio gear for my upgrades.I look at it like this,since i am going to upgrade my HT unit and spend about $1,500 maybe on the Marnatz AV7005,just soon get something really nice and be done with it the Parasound that is.The reviews seem too be better than the Marnatz not saying the 7005 isn't great cause i don,t know.What yout guys think?Any input would be great.Thanks.
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Read up on one of the Anthem units if your budget is that high. They have ARC which is REALLY good and all the other features you mentioned and are NEW with a cost of 1k if your not using it to drive your speakers.
MRX300 is the model you want to look up."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
EndersShadow wrote: »Read up on one of the Anthem units if your budget is that high. They have ARC which is REALLY good and all the other features you mentioned and are NEW with a cost of 1k if your not using it to drive your speakers.
MRX300 is the model you want to look up.
I didn't know the MRX 300 was that cheap! Do you know of any Anthem Dealers in the area?Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)
Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)
Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9 -
Ovation audio in the castleton area in Indy. Ask for Andy wright and tell him Dan sent you.
Ovation-av.com. They also carry Integra and marantz :eek:"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
dcmartinpc wrote: »I didn't know the MRX 300 was that cheap! Do you know of any Anthem Dealers in the area?
An MRX-500 at very cool price: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/anthem-mrx-500-7-channel-receiver-with-arcGears shared to both living room & bedroom:
Integra DHC-80.3 / Oppo BDP-105 / DirecTV HR24 DVR /APC S15blk PC-UPS
Living room:
LSiM707's / LSiM706c / LSiM702 F/X's / dual JL Audio Fathom F113's / Parasound Halo A51 / Panasonic 65" TC-P65VT50
Bedroom:
Usher Dancer Mini 2 Diamond DMD's / Logitech SB Touch / W4S STP-SE / W4S DAC-2 / W4S ST-1000 / Samsung 52" LN52B750
Other rooms:
Audioengine AP4's / GLOW Audio Sub One / audio-gd NFB-3 DAC / Audioengine N22
audio-gd NFB-10.2 / Denon AH-D7000 -
Don, call me and we can talk about the Anthem.
I have done a TON of research on it v. Integra v. Marantz and talked to the guys at Ovation about 10 times on these particular models lol."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
An MRX-500 at very cool price: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/anthem-mrx-500-7-channel-receiver-with-arc
That's a great price and you wont loose nothing if you sold it on. I love the MRX receivers and they really have that Anthem pedigree sound. When I had the MRX300 in the rack it was super powerful for the low wpc rating they give them. I have have owned a few and heard many receivers but the MRX's had that ' I wana watch movies all day fun quality'
Here were my thoughts on the MRX on a thread I did http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?132479-Anthem-MRX-300-vs-Anthem-avm-40-vs-Pioneer-Elite-vsx01-thx&highlight=anthem+mrx300 -
I gotta assume your referring to a used Parasound preamp as they don't make theater pre's anymore. They only make amps , very good ones I might add.@mantis..I went back and read a lot of reviews on the Marantz AV7005 it seems too be a really good one,but it also seems to be having some firmware issues from the post of people who have that unit.Like you i want a nice Pre-Pro Amp/processor without having to break the bank I am looking at a Parasound right now its going for just under $2.500 new and just may add there 5 channel amp.What you guys think of that Parasound Pre-Amp processor?I know a lot of you ole timers like Parasound a lot.I have you Ole Timers in here too thank because of your input on audio gear for my upgrades.I look at it like this,since i am going to upgrade my HT unit and spend about $1,500 maybe on the Marnatz AV7005,just soon get something really nice and be done with it the Parasound that is.The reviews seem too be better than the Marnatz not saying the 7005 isn't great cause i don,t know.What yout guys think?Any input would be great.Thanks.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
