I need a new Receiver too!

[Wirehed]

I'm thinking of picking up the Integra DTC-9.8, the same prepro Ruined and Taxi have, but in order to use it for now I would be using my Yamaha DSP-A1 as the amp.
I'm thinking this might be less than optimial, and honestly I would rather use the A1 in another room for my game setup.


So I'm looking to spend $2000-$2500.

HDMI switching is a must, I'll have 3 sources, minimally to plug in. Though obviously I can pick up an external HDMI switch for little money.

I want it to decode all the latest sound formats.

Sound quality is a must, I want it to sound at least as good as my A1, though obviously I'm expecting better since that's such an old machine at this point and $2500 should buy something better.

My room is rather large (30x20)



So my list so far:

Integra DTC-9.8 (plus use current A1 as an amp) ($1600)

Denon AVR-4308CI ($2500)
Marantz SR8002 ($2000)

What else should I look at?
Does anyone have any points to discuss regarding these choices?

[Chromy]

If I absolutely had to replace my current AVR right now, I'd get the Integra and
Outlaw Audio

Taxi has the Integra, and it seems to work pretty well (other than being slow on aquiring signals via HDMI). Another friend of mine has the 7075 and it absolutely rocks. Don't shy away from the rated 75 wpc... Look at the power requirements for this amplifier compared to any receiver that you're looking at... this is a tru 75w of output. Also remember that for each 3 db of output, you're looking at doubling the power requirements. So, to get an additional 3 db of output, you'd need an amp with 150w, to get 6 you'd have to have 300, etc...

Chromy

[Ruined]

I'd get the Integra DTC-9.8, use the Yamaha as a temporary amp, and then pull the trigger on a nice amp when you have the cash. I've heard a lot of people rate Outlaw highly and I'll also throw my personal favorite - Parasound - into the mix. Their John Curl-designed amps are outstanding.

[Wirehed]

Hmm, what about the Model 7500 (or 7200)?

Those are pretty inexpensive amps.


I know Outlaw Audio has great customer service, so I'm pretty sure I can try them out and return them if I'm not happy. So that's a thought.

[Chromy]

Why not 2x of the 75 watt units. All things to think about.

75 watts is LOUD. My friend has an outlaw audio pre-pro/amp setup with this amp. He was concerned that it wouldn't be that loud... but these things rock.

I'm thinking that it would be nice to get one of the 75 wpc amps to start with, and then expand to a dual amp setup to the speakers (add another higher powered amp for mids/lows later).

[Wirehed]

Then I have to mess around with speaker cable.

[Chromy]

Yeah, but what a problem to have...

"Gee, sorry guys, but I have to run another set of speaker cables for my bad-ass bi-amp setup"

[Wirehed]

On the list of problems to have I agree that that's one I wouldn't mind playing with.


BUT, currently I have all Transparent cables, the mid-range stuff for the fronts and center, so I would rather not buy new wire, or more wire.

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by Chromy

Another friend of mine has the 7075 and it absolutely rocks. Don't shy away from the rated 75 wpc... Look at the power requirements for this amplifier compared to any receiver that you're looking at... this is a tru 75w of output. Also remember that for each 3 db of output, you're looking at doubling the power requirements. So, to get an additional 3 db of output, you'd need an amp with 150w, to get 6 you'd have to have 300, etc...

Chromy

Don't his speakers play into this though? What if his current speakers are 6 or God forbid 4 ohm nominal?

[Wirehed]

Wow, LONG line to get an Integra. That might actually be a deciding factor, if I can't buy it, it can't be on the list. Sigh. again sigh.

[Chromy]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

Don't his speakers play into this though? What if his current speakers are 6 or God forbid 4 ohm nominal?

With this amp, it's not a "God forbid 4 ohm"... this amp can drive 4 ohm speakers without breaking a sweat (and pushes out 115 watts at this resistance too).

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by Chromy

With this amp, it's not a "God forbid 4 ohm"... this amp can drive 4 ohm speakers without breaking a sweat (and pushes out 115 watts at this resistance too).

Many claim they can and don't so this is good to know.

[Chromy]

I was shocked when I saw one of these for the first time... even the 75 wpc 7 channel amp is built like a tank. This thing can push some wattage!

[Wirehed]

The Onkyo Pro Pr-SC885P is virtually the same thing as the Integra DTC-9.8. So that's another option, though it also seems to be backordered to who-knows-when.

That leaves the Onkyo 905 receiver for a street price of around $1600 another good option.

Maybe.