INTEGRA DHC-80.3 Surround Processor

Looks's like I'm in the right thread. I have money down and I plan on ordering the AV 7005 tomorrow morning but I'm having second thoughts about the 80.3. It will cost me about $700 more than the 7005, is it WORTH IT? I am big into 2ch listening and use my rig about 50/50 music to movie surround sound stuff. Any feedback would be appreciated.

There is a bigger feature list for the "hi value for money" prepros than there is for most (but not all) of the high-end prepros but the fundamental sound quality is not as good.

OTOH, one does pay a big price for this in $$ and in loss of features. Whether it is worth it is a very individual choice.

I am very happy with the Integra 80.2 which I just re-installed in my CT system today.

Kal

I can safely say that buying dearer components does not always equate to better sound. I have had some very high end components and receivers over the years including the beautiful Arcam AVR600, which I still own. In my opinion, the biggest improvement one can make to their experience in sound quality is room treatment and/or correction. That is why for me the Audyssey XT32 enabled Integra had me pull out my AVR600 and utilise my multichannel power amp (NAD M25)and DHC 80.3. I run two SVS Ultras. The Audyssey XT32 bass management is head and shoulders above the bass management of the Arcam. I sold my ASEQ1 so I wanted excellent bass management. The Integra delivers in spades. Quite simply the audio is outstanding. I strongly believe that an excellent set up will perform just as well in 2 channel as it does in multichannel. If it does not, then it is not the right way to go.

Regards,

M

So after reading the whole thread I am utterly confused as to the difference between the DHC80.2 and DHC80.3. I too use my theater as much as 2ch music listening and have been wondring if the DHC80.3 is right for me and does Audyssey XT32 really make that big of difference. I own a DTC 9.8 and have never been really impressed with the Audyssey room correction in that unit. I feel I was never close to getting the same performance outta the DTC 9.8 that I ever had with my Classe SSP60 let or my B&K REF50. I like integra products because of their versatility and mulit zone, but would like to try and get within shouting distance of the performance category of the Classe SSP800 which I can't afford, hence, the DHC 80.3 consideration. What do you guys think. Am I just dreaming here trying to get real good home theater surround and 2 ch music from a High Value piece like the DHC 80.3. Would appreciate any help or comments.

Jeff,

I "went over" to the room correction "dark side" for my main, 2 channel, music only system several years ago. My ARC and Joule preamps were first joined by a Velo SMS-1 room correction/sub controller, then replaced by an Onkyo pre-pro with XT32. There's no going back now.

IMHO, Audyssey xt32 is GREAT. The xt32 equipped Onkyo PRSC 550x pre-pro is sometimes available for +/- $1500 new on-line (you may have to check a few times). Older versions of Audyssey are pretty damn good (I have an Integra AVR in my multi-channel set-up), but the results I've gotten with xt32 in the main system are -IMHO- worth a hefty premium. Since the Onkyo doesn't really command such a premium (vis a vis Marantz, et al), I believe that it's a pretty safe call.

Good Luck.

Marty