Integra DTC-9.4 Processor and DTA-9.4 Amplifier Review

This preprocessor looks beautiful and has a finish that I believe rivals many other processors and receivers in its price range. This is highly subjective, of course, but the brushed aluminum power button and volume control gives some gravitas to the anodized case design. It's quite often the little things that make a component stand out in its class - after all, about 95% of all processors and receivers are black anodized aluminum so it's the tiniest details that help them to stand apart. The front door hiding controls for Zone 2, DSP modes, dimmer and tuner functions provides a smooth, nicely controlled operation when opened, reminding me of a reverse implementation of the early 90's Pontiac TransAm GTA hatch backs.

DTA-9.4

During this review I exclusively utilized the DTA-9.4 for amplification except for some dedicated listening tests to examine the effects of Integra's Class-D amplification against a comparably-priced Class AB/G amplifer. With my 4-ohm main speakers and 6-ohm center and surrounds, this provided between 180 - 240W (max) per channel to all speakers (rated with two-channels driven).

Having used the Onkyo TX-SR601 receiver for a number of weeks prior to this review I was fairly familiar with the Integra's similar setup menus and configuration methodology. I think that Onkyo/Integra has one of the most straightforward OSD systems for all major settings, though you can certainly drill down into the menus quite a bit for some of the more obscure adjustments you may wish to make. Going through the On-Screen Display (OSD) I was able to easily set up the receiver and customize the DTC-9.4 to fit the required metrics of my listening room. I configured the bass management to cross over at THX' recommended 80Hz and set the speaker configuration as shown here.

In addition to being able to set your crossover in 20Hz increments from 40Hz - 120Hz, you can enable subwoofer out in 2-channel analogue/PCM mode via the Audio Adjust/Sound Effects/Subwoofer menu. While there is no subwoofer output in the analogue Pure Direct mode (which bypasses all DSP and disables all video processing), you are able to engage it in Direct and Stereo modes. The flexibility of the Integra processor is only limited by the lack of multiple settings for different listening modes. For example, while I can alter the subwoofer levels for both DTS and Dolby Digital modes, I cannot permanently adjust individual speaker levels for different modes. This is especially handy when switching between listening to multichannel audio such as SACD/DVD-A and movies. THX is actually building a much more complex DSP mode due to the extreme differences in typical levels associated with gaming and movie/song reproduction. For this very reason it is extremely helpful to be able to store alternate levels for different listening modes. One nice thing is that the DTC-9.4 makes it very easy to adjust channel levels temporarily on the fly by simply hitting CH Sel (channel select) and raising the level of the desired speaker. This works in both multichannel and digital input modes.

There are some thiings that are worth pointing out right away with regards to the Integra DTC-9.4. The Maximum Volume setting located in the Preferences Setup menu enables you to set a maximum volume for your system. This is incredibly useful if you have small children or audio novices living in your home and could potentially save you thousands of dollars in blown drivers. Another excellent feature is Net-Tune (I'm going to gloss over it here because it will get its own article at a later date). Net-Tune enabled Onkyo and Integra products allow you to use your processor as a remote playback device for music stored on a networked PC in your home. The result is that you can finally play that MP3 library you've collected on your PC - in your living room! Very cool, very simple, and very practical in today's portable electronics driven world. Character Input is a neat way to create custom labels for your inputs. I've always been a fan of this and feel that more receivers and processors should incorporate this feature. Combined with a fully routable audio/video matrix, this basically allows you to have total freedom in routing devices through the various inputs of the Integra processor. Dolby Headphone mode is the last thing I'll mention here. If you haven't tried this, do yourself a favor and grab a set of over-the-ear headphones and plug them in. You can set the amount of room size you'd like to hear in the Dolby Headphone mode, but regardless of what you choose, you'll be amazed at the surround effect created by this DSP.

Movie Modes

• Theater Dimensional (T-D): This interesting mode is created for those who have only two speakers and still desire a surround sound experience. It essentially creates a pseudo surround experience around a fixed listening position (the characteristics of this position can also be adjusted through the receiver setup menus.)
• MonoMovie: Excellent for old black and white mono movies. Keeps the original soundtrack in the center channel where it belongs and adds some abience into the Front L/R speakers.
• CinemaFILTER (on/off): This EQs some high frequency out of the signal, taking the edge off of speakers or movie soundtracks that are "too bright". I thought this mode eliminated a lot of detail and do not recommend it use in most applications. If your speakers sound too bright perhaps you can adjust some of the acoustical properties of your room to compensate (add a throw rug, for example) or experiment with positioning.

Television Modes

• Enhance: Selecting the enhance mode will engage your surround channels in a soft ambient manner, also placing dialogue and main action into your center channel. I found this mode to be more of a hindrance on 2-channel music, but effective when watching sports programming.
• TV Logic: This mode claims to be geared towards a studio-based television program, enhancing surround sound and adding clarity to the center channel. I found that it basically accomplished this through sending some of the Front L/R information to the surrounds and over-accenting the center channel signal just a bit.

• ALL ST (all stereo): Located on the remote, this mode produces an all-encompassing background music presence. The front, surround, and surround back (if present) channels create a large, wide, stereo image.
• DIRECT: Input signal is sent to the right and left channels only, bypassing all DSP and therefore also not routed to the subwoofer.
• PURE AUDIO: Same as DIRECT mode, however the display is turned off, as is the power supply to the video circuitry. This serves to minimize noise and provide an uninterrupted audio path with no DSP or interference.
• STEREO: 2-channel source audio is output with bass management information sent to the subwoofer according to the crossover settings and Speaker Setup menu.
• Orchestra: In this mode the center channel is muted and the surround channels enhanced to create an artificially more expansive surround environment. This is an effective mode for opera or when attempting to simulate a large hall or theatre. Warning: Don't try this mode on regular music as your head may explode.
• Unplugged: This mode enhances the Front L/R channels giving you the impression that you are closer to the stage performance of an artist. Try this mode on just about any CD and you'll instantly get a more intimate positioning of the sound field. Warning: You may not want to get this close to certain artists!
• Studio-Mix: Having recorded and mixed numerous tracks in the studio I found this mode to be reminiscent of a rushed 4am studio monitor mix - complete with crushed vocals and a relatively flat mix. If you like recessed vocals and a more subdued mix it might be fun to play with this mode.

Conclusions and Overall Perceptions

The Integra products have always benefited from all of the R&D that goes into the Integra Research line, but none so much (recently, anyway) as the DTC-9.4 preprocessor. This unit shares many of the features of the Integra Research RDC-7 and even benefits from its later release by having some additional features (adding component video upconversion, for example). The result is a preprocessor that is ergonomic, well-rounded and great-sounding. I noticed no major flaws with the unit and many of our suggested improvements have already been confirmed by Integra as being integrated into the next round of receivers and pre-pros coming in the future.

As shown by the Integra DTC-9.4 Processor Checklist, this unit is a good value and holds its own against pre-pros and receivers costing much more. It performs well and many valuable features that are truly useful, from IntelliVolume and the Master Volume limiter to the CHAD remote control. We have been consistently impressed by Onkyo/Integra as well as with Integra Research who seems to be constantly breaking new ground with innovative products whose technology eventually makes its way into the more affordable product lines.

Integra receivers purchased through authorized retailers or directly from Integra carry a three year warranty on parts and labor, pretty standard for this level of product. We don't expect you'll need it as Integra is one of the more reliable receiver brands available based on our member feedback.

Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
800-225-1946
www.integrahometheater.com