Onkyo VS Onkyo Integra

The Integra line for Onkyo is what the ES line is for sony. I have an Onkyo Integra M-504 power amp that I bought some years ago. It will hold it's own with some very good amps in the sonics department and can drive just about any speaker to a high spl without strain. A very good amp for what I paid, even back then.

After talking to an Onkyo rep for our store, he said that the Integra line is more for custom home installs. It has special features for whole home integration. The discounted prices are due to competition.

the integra is very high end onkyo. i think they were
seperate companies years ago. they make some real good stuff.usually made in japan.
rich

Onkyo dropped the Onkyo name from the Integra line in the mid 90s. They are now sold under the "Integra Research" nameplate. The website is....

http://www.integraresearch.com/

The Onkyo Integra models are definitely higher quality.
The Integra Research RDA-7 seven channel HT amplifier was designed by Victor Khomenko of high-end maker BAT (Balanced Audio Technology)
The old Integra FM Tuners are still sought after.

Specifications actually tell you very little. An amplifier could have extremely low distortion and high output, but sound sterile and lifeless. (and vise-vera).

Thanks for the responses. Although there is a separate Integra company, Onkyo still supplies the local audio/video store with something described as Onkyo/Integra. They are about $100 more list than the comparable Onkyo. I don't know about the regular Onkyos but the Integra version has a 3 year warranty. Decisions....decisions....