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Processor upgrade from Integra 9.8?

With arrival of new SOTA TV, will be going from 99% 2-channel to 85%. For 3-d capability, my question is whether to upgrade to Integra DHC-80.3/Onkyo PR-SC5508 or to go higher up the chain. Not sure what, if anything, I will be giving up by purchasing at the $2K price point vs $5K, other than, of course, an extra $3K of expense. Also have an Oppo BDP-95 on the way for Blue-Ray/3D. Will be incorporating front speakers, preamp and amps from 2-channel into the HT system.

Thanks for any help.
fplanner2010
bacardi's avatar
bacardi
663 posts
 
K. Maybe I need to specify my hookup and setup. My apologies:

Parasound power amp 5channel to Onkyo pre outs
5.1 rcas from Oppo to Onkyo
5.1 audio outs from Oppo to 5.1 multichannel ins on Onkyo
Hdmi 1 from Oppo(video only) to Hdmi Onkyo
Onkyo displays Multichannel Direct

Are you saying that I am hearing analogue from the Onkyo and not Oppo?

Regards Bacardi
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,691 posts
 
Of course you are. The input stage of the Onkyo, its volume control circuitry and its output stage. I have no doubt that the 95 analog output is superb but it is constrained by the Onkyo which, in my experience, is not great. With a better prepro or analog preamp, I might use that but with the 885/9.8, I would prefer HDMI.

Kal
bacardi's avatar
bacardi
663 posts
 
I've tried the Hdmi but thought the Multichannel analogue sounded better. What would you suggest for Analogue pre? Someone suggested the Parasound P7 to me awhile back.

Regards Bacardi
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,691 posts
 
The P7 is, imho, the best choice now. There are some others that one can seek but are hard to find: McCormack MAP-1, McIntosh C45, Audio Research MP-1 and, my favorite, the Bel Canto Pre6.

Kal
mig007
116 posts
 
I am going to be that fish who attaches to sharks and eats the leftovers as my post generated one measly reply. Is the analogue section of the Integra Research RDC-7.1 good enough to forgo an upgrade and just use the analogue outputs of the Oppo 95?
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