Video Asylum

RE: need to wait on these

68.164.95.160

Jazz Inmate

In Reply to: RE: need to wait on these posted by Real on February 07, 2008 at 22:08:30

I agree. The Integra 9.8 was just what I needed and it's an impressive preamp. Of course, I don't use it at all for two channel audio, but for HT I enjoy the connectivity, decoding options, Audyssey and compatibility with the PS3. Classe and other beautique manufacturers will soon be introducing products with comparable features at much higher pricepoints, so I don't see why $1600 is considered prohibitive.
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"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back." -Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982)

Follow Ups:

he made a valid point - Joe Murphy Jr 23:01:26 02/08/08 (10)
Why is it so expensive to get a surround preamp ($1600) that decodes the advanced audio codecs when their are receivers with preamp outputs for less? I've been bitching about this issue for the past 10 years, but it doesn't seen like the CE manufacturers are willing to do anything about it.

I'll use Denon as an example. Denon's lineup doesn't give you preamp outputs until you hit $1200 (their 2808 receiver). Denon products target the A/V enthusiast, but many enthusiasts have dedicated amps to power their speakers. They don't need a receiver, so why not sell the "2808-lite" -- a 2808 without the amplification -- for around $800? I know the real reason (it's $), although Denon's answer would be "quantity" -- a BS answer, considering their High End preamp's price.
- THAT WAS MY point, exactly. ASSUMING they wanted to upgrade the quality - Duilawyer 08:10:07 02/09/08 (3)
  the numbers still say they should be able to sell it WITHOUT POWER AMPS $400-500?? Maybe less. So where is a medium quality one, that matches their best receviers, for $1200?
  - You want this (link) for $500.......I don't think so. - Real 15:00:14 02/09/08 (0)
    Hit eBrochure on the linked page.
    - http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?class=Separates&m=DTC-9.8&p=i (Open in New Window)
  - Why? - budget fi 09:17:33 02/09/08 (1)
    Probably not much of a market for one at $500. I would say the Integra comes pretty close to your medium quality criteria at $1600 and would be well over $2000 with the amps.
    - there's a reason that there's no market for it - Joe Murphy Jr 14:56:40 02/09/08 (0)
      The CE manufacturers don't offer them!
- Real made the opposite point. He said the Inegra is "an absolute steal" - Jazz Inmate 00:04:19 02/09/08 (5)
  I don't know all the reasons the preamps cost more than receivers, but I think design has something to do with it. The Intergra has balanced outputs, and I'm not sure the cheaper receivers compare. And yes, I'm sure marketing does play a role. The separates market is more of an audiophile crowd. Those shopping for a receiver are a notch above the HT-in-a-box crowd.
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  "I have found that if you love life, life will love you back." -Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982)
  - can't make blanket statement like that - Joe Murphy Jr 07:12:27 02/09/08 (4)
    Those shopping for a receiver are a notch above the HT-in-a-box crowd.
    
    Could that be true?
    - don't think so (Open in New Window)
    - RE: can't make blanket statement like that - Real 15:06:47 02/09/08 (2)
      As an owner of the Denon 5700 (now replaced by the 9.8 and separate amps), I can say that for the price of the new Denon receiver, one could purchase the 9.8 and an excellent multi-channel amp and likely outperform the Denon by some margin.
      - RE: can't make blanket statement like that - usafwso 17:19:03 02/10/08 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: can't make blanket statement like that posted by Real on February 09, 2008 at 15:06:47
        
        How good is the power supply in a "mainstream" reciever? For any component to deliver good sound or video, you have to have a good power supply.
      - don't doubt it - Joe Murphy Jr 15:56:19 02/09/08 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: can't make blanket statement like that posted by Real on February 09, 2008 at 15:06:47
        
        Separates are the way to go, but the prices for the surround preamp/processors need to "go" as well -- down! There's no valid reason a decent surround preamp/processor (something like the Denon 2808-lite that I described) can't be offered for $800.
    - well, ok, but that's the exception, not the rule - Jazz Inmate 14:03:21 02/09/08 (0)
      Most will opt for separates at that pricepoint.
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      "I have found that if you love life, life will love you back." -Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982)
RE: need to wait on these - Real 08:50:37 02/08/08 (0)
Actually, I think the 2 channel performance of the 9.8 is excellent top to bottom, but only when using a transport via HDMI to the 9.8. I am playing CD, DSD, and DVD-A (all in 2 channel) using an Oppo 980H as transport. I find no need for a separate 2 channel preamp for digital sources (only).

The analog inputs are the 9.8's weakness, and I am currently searching for a 2 channel preamp w/HT bypass to use with the phono pre.

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