INTEGRA DHC-80.3 Surround Processor

I have a 50.1 receiver and find it really easy to use. My local hi fi store uses Integra for all of its home theater installations. I think they have a second layer of setup options for installers.

I just bought an Onkyo 5508 (it should arrive Tuesday) after about a year of research/auditioning/etc. After all that time, I concluded that Onkyo/Integra was my best choice, so that's one thumbs up for your decision.

I'd add that my application is currently 2 channel audio only, so the video side of the equation was much less important to me. The changes from the 80.2 to the 80.3 weren't particularly relevant to me, so the 80.2 was the better value in my case.

Since the Onkyo 5508 is basically an Integra 80.2 (with different cosmetics and minor internal tweaks to which I do not assign much value), that comparison does go pretty directly to your "significantly better value" question:

I priced out both units and found that the Onkyo will shave about $600 (call it 25%) off the cost of the 80.2 and, for me, that's significantly better value....than the 80.2 Don't know if the same can be said vis a vis the 80.3, once you've determined that that's a better choice than the 80.2 for you.

I also happen to prefer the look of the Onkyo, but that's obviously 100% personal preference.

Marty

PS You might want to drop an e-mail to A'goner KR4 (Kal Rubinson), who is a great resource for HT questions.

BTW,

I've had an Integra DTR 6.9 in my HT room for several years and it's been great sounding and 100% reliable.

Marty

What I have to say in general about the Integra 80.2 is that it is the standard-setter for (how shall I put this?) non-high-end processors. I have not used the 80.3 nor the Onkyo equivalents. All other general comments are in my columns about the 80.2:
http://forum.stereophile.com/content/music-round-49
http://forum.stereophile.com/content/music-round-50-0

Kal