Why no love for Integra's?

Thanks everyone. I am aware of the Integra Research line. However, I've also read that Integra was the Onkyo upper line, much like Sony ES and Pioneer Elite.

Audiooracle hit the nail on the head and this was exactly what I was thinking. A lot of features on this pre/processer makes it look very attractive on paper. It also has a direct/by-pass mode, but I'm not sure just how direct that would be or what type of volume control is used.

I like the Arcam, but am curious about the room EQ that some of the newer units use and I would like to find something with a little more slam to it as well. The Arcam is sweet, but it leans toward a more articulate and not so robust sound; if that makes any sense.

Maybe I should just hold out until a nice used Krell Showcase pops up?

Jack... unless opinions have worked well in guiding you to audio satisfaction in the past, I would suggest that you wait to hear the DTC-9.8 for yourself prior to making any decision.

The opinions of those who haven't heard it are just that, opinions, and should be valued as such.

The Onkyo 805 got some really good reports on this forum from people who had heard it. You can expect the Integra to be at least as good. Like Njs says, people love to express their opinions but often they aren't based on any actual experience.

Yeah, no that's true. Njs is right. All the hoping in the world doesn't amount to much. Neither does reading reviews, and taking that as God's spoken word!
Time will tell. But it does indeed look good on paper. Maybe it can be moded??? Hummmmmm

Only observation here, but the first poster to respond noted an Apogee DAC as a characteristic of the higher end Integra Pro line of processors... the Apogee happens to be a clock, not a DAC. And the DACs in that particular unit were Wolfsons.

Opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one. Some are more or less based upon fact.

My simple advice is that you should actually listen to any prospective "Apogee DAC" before you rely upon wholly unqualified advice and lay your money down, Jack.