SOTA processors also bang for the buck

I actually listened to both the Denon (with its internal amps - and also as a pre) and the Integra 80.2 (in the end, as an Onkyo stand-in), but couldn't offer a meaningful comparative judgement, because it was different dealers, rooms, systems, etc. I will say that both sounded very good in their respective systems.

I chose the Onkyo/Integra route because balanced XLR connectivity is important to me (I use an ARC VT130SE power amp that only accepts a balanced input). I ended up buying the Onkyo rather than the Integra based on the advice of a (trusted) local service tech who does warranty repairs on both brands. I concluded that he had more experience in direct comparison than I could ever achiveve thru auditioning both of these units at their respective dealers.

Marty

Very funny. There is a lot of evidence that, aside from the front door and firmware, Onkyo and Integra are physically identical. Of course, the Integra warranty is 3 years and the Onkyo's is only 2 years.

Kal

Kal,

That is essentially the advice I got from a guy who spends his days wandering around inside both products.

Marty

PS - For my money, the Onkyo has a purtier face, too.

OTOH, refurbed 80.2 pre-pros are now available locally for $1300. It just might be worth learning to love that mug at that price.

Marty

Martykl: I would love to find out what differences there are between an 80.2 and a 5508 (or between an 80.3 and a 5509) besides what is obvious and acknowledged.

Kal