INTEGRA DHC-80.3 Surround Processor

Kal,

Which high end pre pros do you prefer? I recall Classe and Meridian, but which models?

Classe SSP-800
Meridian 861v6/HD621
McIntosh MX-150
Very different animals.

Thanks Kal

Hi Kal,

It wasn't so much that I comparred the new features in going from 80.2 to 80.3. I went to the dealer with what I was looking for and how I need the system to work.

After some research, he told me that, specifically, the ".3" software enables the pre/pro to perform as I need.

Essentially, I am adding the surround system to my high end 2-channel, tube rig.

The stereo channels will also serve as the main/front L/R, via my preamp's theatre bypass

Considering tube life & heat, etc., I do not want the surround system kicking on for typical tv watching, which will be the majority of the time.

I want the sound to come through the tv's speakers under normal circumstances. However, if we are watching a movie/concert, etc., we will then want the sound to go through the processor for surround.

The problem that we found with most processors, in this price point, (Marantz included) are that you have to drill into programming menus to switch between having the sound go through the processor or if it passes it through to the tv. It's not as simple as just flipping a switch.

I need something that can switch from surround to tv speakers on the fly, without "reprogramming" any settings.

I am told that with Integra's 80.3, you can program each source to default in either surround or pass-through.

We will set all defaults to pass through the sound to the tv, via hdmi. However, when the processor is turned on, it will automatically shut off the pass through and run the sound to the proper channels.

The dealer did a demo of this for me and it worked perfectly.

PrePro Off = Sound being passed through to the TV. PrePro On = No sound going to the TV.

My fear was that we'd watch a movie (in surround) at night and forget to change back the programming when done. This would result in me getting calls at work, the following day because there would be no sound coming out of the TV's speakers.

If the dealer is right, and it works in my home, as it did in the store, this addresses what is to me, a very important concern.

So, I really can't tell you what other enhancements come with the 80.3, in comparrison to the 80.2. However, I can tell you that the newer version handles a feature that is high on my functionality list.

HDMI bypass is common to almost all modern prepros.