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INTEGRA DHC-80.3 Surround Processor

I'm a 2-channel music guy, who is about to take the plunge into his first surround rig.

Based on the feature set and functionality that I desire, my local dealer has steered me toward Integra's 80.3 processor for the hub of this sytem.

I have no experience with surround processors or Integra and am looking for some general feedback.

Are Integra's processors reliable? Good Performers? Easy to use? Priced fairly?

I realize that the 80.3 is brand new, replacing the 80.2.

I'd love to hear from current or past owners of the 80.2, or any of Integra's processors/receivers.

In this $2500+/- price point, is the Integra processor a good investment?

If you've had problems or found other brands to be a ***significantly*** higher value, please chime in.

If owning an Integra processor or surround receiver has been a good experience, I'd love to hear that too.

Thank you.
barrelchief
alanlyon
9 posts
 
I am considering both of these processors and Anthem or Classe which are much more expensive. Was wondering if it makes more sense to buy the less expensive processor and also getting a stereo preamp with pass through. Any thoughts on that approach. I am replacing a B&K Ref 50 and leaning towards the Marantz because it is about a $1,000 cheaper.
ridom's avatar
ridom
17 posts
 
It depends on the importance you gave to multichannel sound. You always can trust on a good pre for stereo, but still you will miss quality in SACDs multichannel, for instance. I have a Mac pre and an Anthem D2V, and both units complement each other very well. The other option is to supplement the prepro with a good multichannel player.
nicknace
2 posts
 
Necroposting here... 

Looks like things haven't changed much from 2011. Integra is up to 80.6, and every other manufacturer mentioned has followed suit in iterative fashion. Add 4K, Atmos, etc. Or have they? The Integra 80.6 quietly downgraded Audyssey XT32 for something cheaper, for example.

My question: I’m looking to replace a slowly dying Onkyo PR-SC885 without spending a lot (around $1K – new, refurbished, or used). Back in the day I owned a Integra RDC-7 that sounded very sweet. I don't know if it was the Apogee low jitter clock,or what, but I do miss that sound. I sold it because I wanted HDMI, and although the Onkyo failed to impress musically I’ve lived with it for years. I use it for movies mostly. 

The contenders, price-wise, seem to be Integra’s 80.3, Marantz 7702, and Yamaha CX-A5000. I don’t need Atmos, DTS-X, or Auro 3D. I did like the sound of a H&K receiver I owned recently, but they don’t make separates. I also own a Marantz receiver and it sounds OK for music. Movies-great, but all of them sound great on movies. Any advice will be appreciated.


bgrenell's avatar
bgrenell
1 posts
 
I have an Integra DHC 80.2, and, after years of good service it has suddenly stopped passing any sort of output signal to any of the outputs.  I imagine it is just broken, and i have to weigh the repair costs with replacing it, but, given the complexity of the settings, is it possible i have just changed something that could have this effect?  The muting switch does not appear to be the problem...  
tellefsen
73 posts
 
I have had an Integra 80.3 for several years in my hybrid 2-channel/surround system. I only use the Integra for surround music (streamed from Synology NAS via Oppo 103D via HDMI to the 80.3) and movies/TV.. The L-R output of the 80.3 is an input to my two channel pre-amp. I have been quite please with this setup as I have learned to rip SACDs and like streaming MCH DSD files. There are only a handful of surround preamps that decode DSD over HDMI (Integra, Marantz, etc)if that is important to you.  I did not like what Audyssey did for room correction so I do not use it.I have been eyeing a Marantz AV8805 but the used Marantz prices stay pretty high compared to the Integra models.

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