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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
internetmin
258 posts
 
The difference between the 80.2 and 80.3 is the video scaling chip. The 80.3 has a chip that will upscale 1080p to 4k. But unless you have a 4k tv or setup that's future proofing.

Otherwise the units are identical.
shak
13 posts
 
I've had the Integra DHC-40.2 for almost a year now and have never been happier. It was a big improvement over my Denon AVR-3300 that I was using previously as a preamp. If I had to do it all over again, I'd certainly buy the Integra again.

Are you going to be using balanced connections? If not, you might want to consider going with the DHC-40.2 and pocketing the savings. Just a thought.
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.


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