Integra DTC-9.8 - Blech!

Posted by Dalton on April 19, 2008 at 15:24:00

I bought this Integra piece and a Rotel amp as a replacement for my Denon AVR-5800, primarily based on the rave reviews for the Integra. The fact that the Integra has been much sought-after and in short supply led me to believe that it was a bargain solution to upgrade to hdmi capability compared to a new Denon 5308.

What a mistake. The Integra sounds dreadful with SACD through the analog 5.1 inputs. It renders my entire SACD collection with the glassy midrange and flat soundstage typical of the worst CD playback. I've tried everything, and this thing is pure mid-fi all the way. The Denon AVR-5800's 5.1 analog input, with pure direct mode engaged, gives a much more natural and detailed sound than I gave it credit for. Maybe it's still mid-fi by most audiophiles' standards, but certainly at least the upper end of mid-fi.

So, back to the store with the Integra and Rotel! (Bet they'll be happy to see me...)

I don't recommend the Integra at all for a combined music/home theater multichannel system.

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Topic - Integra DTC-9.8 - Blech! - Dalton 15:24:00 04/19/08 (18)

RE: Integra DTC-9.8 - Blech! - Real 18:06:33 04/21/08 (1)

Yes. - Kal Rubinson 18:36:08 04/21/08 (0)

Could it be the Rotel amp? - tpao 19:53:39 04/19/08 (1)

RE: Could it be the Rotel amp? - Dalton 21:00:41 04/19/08 (0)

RE: Integra DTC-9.8 - Blech! - mdavis 15:57:01 04/19/08 (9)

Not a piece of junk but.................... - Kal Rubinson 18:27:41 04/20/08 (0)

Well Kal mentioned in an earlier thread on the Integra.... - Dalton 16:24:31 04/19/08 (7)

I don't know what your and Jack's fascination is with analog inputs for HT apps - Jazz Inmate 17:16:45 04/19/08 (6)

Or the Oppo 980 for under $200. - Kal Rubinson 18:26:03 04/20/08 (0)

I'm happy with my Denon DVD-5910 for SACD and DVD-A. - Dalton 17:26:28 04/19/08 (4)

but that doesn't do blu-ray - Jazz Inmate 22:31:50 04/19/08 (3)

I've got a separate Blu-ray and HD-DVD player. - Dalton 09:36:40 04/20/08 (2)

You upgraded the Integra's firmware? - Jazz Inmate 12:42:41 04/20/08 (1)

Go to this link.... - Dalton 13:37:50 04/20/08 (0)

RE: Integra DTC-9.8 - Blech! - Kal Rubinson 15:51:34 04/19/08 (3)

No, Kal... - Dalton 16:28:29 04/19/08 (2)

Glad you learned your lesson! ;-) (NT) - Kal Rubinson 18:23:23 04/20/08 (1)

Yes Kal... - Dalton 19:32:48 04/20/08 (0)

Integra DTC-9.8 - Blech!

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