Integra processors good?


Looking to update my 16yr old Denon AVR-3000. I stopped by a local audio store & they suggested the Integra DHC-9.8 which is last years model & almost $1,000 less then the newer DHC-9.9 ($2300ish).

I know nothing about the company or their products so I though I would ask here. The store stated they are the best sounding processor for under $5,000 & are totally hand built!

He would let last years go for $1300, is that worth doing? Is there anything else I should consider?

thanks for any input/help!
128x128viggen900
The Integra does not have a provision for bi-amping the rears. I guess if the speakers are set up that way you could just have at it - maybe vertical biamp - and see if you like it.

As far as speaker placement. There is a lot of information here on the Gon in the HT Forum. But as an overview:

The 5.1 surround format assumes a L,C & R across the front. Then two speakers on the side walls of the listening area firing across the seating area at each other. And of course the sub.

The 7.1 format adds a pair of speakers on the back wall firing across the audience towards the screen.

The only sure way to sort this out is to spend some time trying different positions. Every time you do a major change run Audyssey - it will measure the distances and adjust the delays.

I have found that the main trick is to get as much distance from your sweet seats to the surround speakers. In my case (5.1) there is no way to place the speakers on the side walls. Instead I have them on the rear wall above the seating area and about 30" behind it. Audyssey does a fine job of balancing them out. Unless you are playing material with exaggerated panning you are not particularly aware of them - like the sub they just expand the sense of presence.
Sure, they make a good processor. I would say it's probably either the top or next to the top of the line in it's price range.

On a personal opinion note, though. Here is my favorite at the moment, the Marantz AV8003. I feel it sounds better than the Integra's.