2. home-theater
  3. 194042-196506

Can anyone verify that the Integra DRX 5.4 "Direct Mode" is indeed "Direct?

Can anyone verify that the Integra DRX 5.4 "Direct Mode" will pass analog audio without A/D to D/A conversion. I have ask Integra support. But all they did was read the manual. I have read the manual. And I quote from the manual:

 Direct

This listening mode can be selected for all input signals. Processing that affects

sound quality is shut down, "and sound closer" to the original is reproduced. The

sound is reproduced with the sound field based on the number of channels

in the input signal. For example, a 2 ch signal is output only from the front

speakers.

Note that the sound adjustment is not available when this mode is selected.

 

I have added the quotation and underlining to the "and sounds closer" portion, because this is what concerns me.

Why would it sound closer? Why wouldn't it sound the same? Aside from all of the plethora of reasons that could make that possible. What I am asking is this. Is a purely analog signal being converted to digital and then back to analog? I have a relatively decent turntable/tube phono pre that I would like to not have put through an A/D-D/A conversion for unnecessary design reasons. I'm sure that you can understand the reason why.

As I stated. I have asked Integra support. I can tell that they are not sure themselves. They deal with 3 different brands. I do not have much confidence of the information that I am being given.

I have read somewhere on this forum. Although I cannot find where. That all inputs are processed digitally. Does anyone know if this is indeed the case? Any information on this would be highly appreciated. Thank you, for any information that you may be able to provide.

 

flash56

Showing 1 response by flash56

flash56 OP
31 posts
 

@soix

This is not my main vinyl listening setup. In the past year I purchased a brand new system top to bottom. The TV got kicked out of its space. So I am putting a home theater in the basement for the TV. I totally agree with you that the separate integrated with pass through would be the real way to go. Ironically, I have the perfect one for the job. But it is in my main vinyl system and isn't going anywhere.

I had my old TT/Phono pre. So I thought that I would put it downstairs with the home theater rather than having it sit around and gather dust. I don't have the space for a second turntable in my vinyl listening room, or I would use as a second turntable. So I don't expect much from the home theater amp. But it would be nice not to have to send it through needless, pointless, digital conversion, which can only serve to degrade the signal further. Maybe someday I will have the cash to do it properly, as you have stated. Which is the only sensible solution. But in the meantime.....

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