Integra DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 Midline Custom Installer Receivers Preview

Integra, the high end arm of Onkyo, has introduced two new AV receivers that are both price conscious and aimed squarely at custom installers. The two new models are the DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 and are 7.2 and 5.2 channels respectively. What makes them perfect for custom installers are bi-directional RS-232 and Ethernet ports for third party control systems, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets.

The receivers have a lot in common included dual subwoofer outputs, five way binding posts, two component video inputs and one output, a single HDMI output, two of each type of digital audio input, and a complete lack of s-video connections. There are still plenty of composite video inputs, however. Both receivers also have pre-outs for a zone two though with the DTR-30.1 you have the option of assigning the internal amps of the receiver (for the surround back speakers) to power the second zone. One curious omission on both receivers was analogue inputs for integration with legacy gear such as older universal players. Sure, most such devices can bitstream via HDMI these days, but that wasn't the case just a year or two ago.

Integra DTR-30.1	Integra DTR-20.1

While both of the receivers sport 90 watts per channel, there are a few important differences. The DTR-20.1 lacks pre-outs for anything other than surround back speakers and subwoofers. The DTR-30.1 has two additional HDMI inputs (six instead of four) one of which is located on the front panel. As more and more camcorders and other portable devices are being equipped with HDMI, front inputs are going to need to become more common. The DTR-30.1 aside from having amps for a 7.2 system, can also assign those surround back amps for bi-amping the mains. Lastly, the DTR-30.1 has a port for a Sirius radio antenna.

One of the more interesting additions is a connection on the back of both of the receivers labeled "Universal Port." This is a new port that is proprietary for connection of add-on modules such as HD Radio and iPod docks. We expect to see more of these ports on future Integra and perhaps even Onkyo offerings. Custom installers have a lot to look forward to here with the DTR-20.1 and DTR-30.1. The pair have tons of multizone/multisource features including Zone 2 fixed and variable line outputs with independent Bass/Treble and balance controls. You can also independently store custom settings making "un-fixing" a receiver that a customer decided to "fix" a lot easier. For those situations that demand it, the pair can be outfitted with rack mounting hardware.

As you'd expect, all the latest decoding is present in both receivers. The HDMI ports are all 1.3a complient with full support for 1080p video, Deep Color, x.v. Color, and high definition sound via Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The new Dolby ProLogic IIz decoding is available on the DTR-30.1 with (again) the surround back amps assignable to this duty. The surround back pre-outs can also be assigned to presence speakers if you want to run a full 9.2 system (and have two amps lying around). In addition, the DTR-30.1 features Faroudja DCDi Edge based upscaling of all video sources to 1080i via the HDMI output.

Audyssey has practically become synonymous with automatic room correction and they are once again present here with their 2EQ calibration system. This corrects each channel's output in both frequency and time domains based on measurements at three unique listening positions. Additional features include Audyssey Dynamic Volume technology, which optimizes the dynamic range of listening material at any listening level, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ, which corrects problems associated with reduced sound quality at low listening levels.

Conclusion

Integra seems to be looking to attract the value minded custom installer with the new DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 receivers. While their price ($800 and $600  respectively) is certainly attractive and they have a number of useful installer features, there are some interesting omissions. Most notably, the lack of analogue inputs seems strange. Still, all the decoding you'll need is there including Audyssey room correction and Dolby PLIIz (on the DTR-30.1). Buyers should take a hard look at the DTR-20.1 before buying and make sure it does everything they need as Integra is offering a lot of upgrades for the extra $200 for the DTR-30.1.

For more information, please visit www.integrahometheater.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.