2. home-theater
  3. 1050861171

Integra Research RDC-7 or Parasound Halo C2?

I have heard good things about both of these controllers, The RDC-7 has received high praise from various publications. The Halo C2 looks very promising, although it's track record is unsure as of yet, as it was just introduced about two moths ago. The Integra Research on the other hand has been out for over two years now. So even though the RDC-7 isn't new, it's totally up to date with all the new formats(THX Ultra 2, DTS-ES,DTS 96/24,DD-EX,Pro Logic 2), and it's still fully uprgadable. The RDC-7 still appears to be a strong contender in the A/V conroller arena, competeing favorably with controllers at or above it's price.

My question is, which do all think is the better choice between these two units? I want a controller that sounds awesome with both music and movies. The speakers that will be used with it are all Martin Logans. I am very critical about music reproduction, so I want something that will knock my socks off in 2 channel. I need your input, as I have no way of personally auditioning either of these controllers(no one in my area has one that I can demo).

Thanks in advance.
wolf32
ton1313
272 posts
 
I totally enjoy the RDC-7 for 2 ch music. I found it more detailed than my CAL Alpha tube DAC. This is a great product with a strong and fast upgrade path. All of the major mags list it just below the big dollar units, not that $4500 is cheap. Hope this helps.
wolf32 OP
18 posts
 
Ton1313,

Thanks for your reply, I went ahead and had my dealer order me an Integra Research RDC-7. It looks like I should be very happy with the it. Is your RDC-7 the upgrade-2 version? From your reply, this unit does a wonderful job for 2 channel music listening. How much of an improvement did you notice using the digital upsampling feature? How would you describe the sound of this controller with music(warm, bright, etc.)? And , how does it perform with movies?
ton1313
272 posts
 
Upgrade 2 version is correct, I shipped it out on a Monday and had it back by Friday. I like the upsampling feature, seems to me to have a little more in the low level detail department. The sound, I don't think can be described as warm or bright. I find it quite detailed, not quite warm like the tube sound I had with the CAL DAC. Movies are Top-notch! I did compaire it to the Sunfire Theater Grand II - and it was more detailed in both departments. I am totally satisfied with this unit, and will not be changing Pre's anytime soon. The unit has one of the best user interfaces I have used. VERY easy to set up and configure.

I hope you enjoy the unit.
ton1313
272 posts
 
What kind of Amplification, speakers, cables, source, etc. will you ve using?
wolf32 OP
18 posts
 
Ton1313,

Right now the amp I'm using is a Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature series II, but I am considering going with the matching Integra Research RDA-7(any thought's?). Speakers are all Martin Logan(Aerius i, Cinema, Scenarios) except the 2 back center surrounds, which are Paradigm Mini Monitors, and the subs which are A/D/S MS3, Paradigm PS1000. Speaker cable is Monster Z1 with Monster Lock spade ends, with the front left and right in a dual run(shotgun) bi-wire configuration. Associated electronics and interconnects are:

Center Surround Amp: Sonance Sonamp 5150
CD Player: Sony CDP-XA20ES
DVD Player: Yamaha DVD-S2300
Bass Manager: Outlaw Audio ICBM-1(for use W/Yamaha for DVD-A/SACD)
LD Player: Pioneer DVL-919
CD RECORDER: Denon CDR-W1500
CASSETTE RECORDER: Sony TC-K707ES
MINIDISC PLAYER/RECORDER: Sony MDS-JE530
SATELLITE RECEIVER/TIVO RECORDER: SONY SAT-T60
SVHS VCR: JVC HR-S9911U

Inteconnects

BALANCED XLR CABLES: Cobalt Cable Ultimate Balanced XLR
INTERCONNECTS: Outlaw Audio PCA's, Monster Lightspeed 100 optical, Apature digital coax, Canare Professional SPDIF Digital Coax, Monster Cable 400 MKII
______________________________________________________

What equipment and speakers do you use with your RDC-7?
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