“Let our rigorous testing and reviews be your guidelines to A/V equipment – not marketing slogans”
Facebook Youtube Twitter instagram pinterest

Integra DTC-9.8 Three-Zone Preamplifier/Processor Introduced

by July 31, 2007
Integra DTC-9.8 Three-Zone Preamplifier/Processor

Integra DTC-9.8 Three-Zone Preamplifier/Processor

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (7/31/07) -- Integra, the leading manufacturer of home theater components designed specifically for the custom installer, has introduced the THX Ultra2 Certified DTC-9.8, an exceptionally versatile audio-video preamplifier / processor designed to meet the complex needs of system integrators and custom installers while providing state-of-the-art features and performance for the home theater enthusiast. This three-zone processor features HDMI v. 1.3a switching, HQV Reon-VX video processing, complete 7.1-channel processing including onboard decoding for lossless and HD audio formats, and an extensive suite of multizone/multisource and system integration control features all at a suggested retail price of just $1,600.

"With processing and switching capabilities that allow installers to squeeze every possible bit of performance out of the latest HD audio and video sources, this will be a market-leading component," said Integra Director of Sales Keith Haas. "Add to that a remarkable combination of integration options, including Ethernet-based control compatibility and three-zone A/V distribution, and we believe there is nothing anywhere near this price point that can compete with the DTC-9.8."

Featuring four HDMI inputs and two outputs, the DTC-9.8 is a flexible centerpiece for even the largest high-end home theater installations. It is fully compatible with HDMI v. 1.3a, including 1080p and Deep Color™ 36-bit video signals. Additionally, the controller includes the acclaimed Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX onboard video processing, capable of scaling and transcoding all video source material to 1080p output over HDMI.

The DTC-9.8 features 7.1-channel professional-grade balanced XLR outputs for connection to compatible multichannel amplifiers. Three advanced TI™ 32-bit DSP chips provide all audio processing. There is onboard decoding for nearly every major format in use today, including the latest high definition and lossless audio formats specified for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray disc formats. The unit features an oversized Toroidal transformer for the main power supply as well as separate transformers for the audio and video circuitry. Each channel also employs premium quality Burr Brown audio DAC's and Integra's VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) for dynamic, low-distortion reproduction at all output levels.

The Integra DTC-9.8 includes a comprehensive package of features specifically tailored to the needs of custom installers, including an Ethernet port for integration with network-based control systems such as AMX Device Discovery and Crestron E-Control. It also includes bi-directional RS-232, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control integration over HDMI, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. Lockable customized dealer settings can be independently stored for easy recall, making it simple for installers to maintain complex installations.

The DTC-9.8 boasts exceptional multizone capablities, including fixed and variable line level outs with subwoofer for two additional zones. Zone 2 also includes both composite and HD-quality component video outputs, as well as independent tone controls. Zone 2 and Zone 3 both include balance controls as well as maximum and power-on volume settings.

For simplified setup, the DTC-9.8 includes Audyssey's acclaimed MultEQ XT room acoustics correction, the most powerful built-in solution available for countering room distortion in dedicated home theaters. This technology uses an included microphone to detect and configure speakers in the room, and then adjusts each channel's level, delay, and crossover settings to best suit the room's acoustics. By incorporating measurements at up to eight points in the listening room, Audyssey MultEQ provides both frequency response and time domain corrections throughout the entire listening area, rather than just at a single position. The DTC-9.8 is also Audyssey MultEQ Pro capable- allowing custom installers even more room calibration precision and flexibility.

The DTC-9.8 includes a high quality AM/FM radio tuner and built-in HD Radio reception capability. It is also the world’s first "SAT Ready" preprocessor with connections for both XM and Sirius satellite radio. It includes onboard Neural THX processing for multichannel surround programming on XM HD and other Neural THX sources. Finally, there are 40 presets for AM, FM, HD Radio, XM, or Sirius stations.

The Integra DTC-9.8 is now available from Integra dealers with a suggested retail price of $1,600.

Integra designs and manufactures premium Home Theater receivers, processors, amplifiers, and DVD players that are specifically designed to meet the needs of custom audio/video systems installers. System integration and convergence technology protocols include RS-232, IR, and on-board Ethernet for network connectivity and TCP/IP control. Integra has access to vast technical resources, and bears a proud heritage of over 60 years of audio engineering excellence. For more information about Integra and its many fine products, visit www.integrahometheater.com or call (800) 225-1946.

dtc_98_rear_75

AUDIO PROCESSING:
• THX Ultra2 Certified
• Toroidal Transformer Plus 2 Separate Power Transformers for Audio & Video Processing
• HDMI (v.1.3a) Audio & Video Processing
• Audyssey MultiEQ XT Advanced Room Correction
• DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus Decoding
• Burr Brown 192khz/24-bit DACs for all channels
• Neural THX Surround Processing
• Three Advanced TI 32-Bit Processing DSP Chips
• Linear Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
• VLSC - Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry - All Channels
• Bi-Amp Capability for Front L/R Channels
• IntelliVolume Input Level Calibration System
• 15-band Graphic Equalizer
• Variable Crossover Settings by Channel Pair
• Accurate Speaker Distance Settings (0.2 ft increments)
• A/V Sync Delay Adjustment by Input (up to 250ms)

VIDEO PROCESSING:
• HQV Reon-VX Processing for Premium Quality HDMI Upscaling/Transcoding of All Sources (up to 1080p)
•Deep Color™ (36 bit) Capable HDMI (4-in/2-out)
• HD Component Video (100 MHz) w/Upconversion

CONNECTIONS:
• 7.1 Channel Balanced Line Level XLR Outputs
• 2 Channel Balanced XLR Audio Input (assignable)
• 7.1 Multichannel Input & Pre-output
• XM® & SIRIUS Satellite Radio Ready [Required XM or SIRIUS tuner, antenna, and subscription sold separately.]
• HD Radio Reception Capability
• Assignable Digital Inputs (4 HDMI/3 optical/3 coaxial)
• HDMI/Component Video Assignable to Tape/CD/Phono
• 1 Optical Digital Output
• Front Panel A/V Inputs (including optical)

CUSTOM INTEGRATION FEATURES:
• Bi-directional Ethernet & RS-232 Port for 3rd Party Control Systems (Device Discovery, E-control, etc.)
• Fixed/Variable/Powered Zone 2w/ HD Component Video & Subwoofer Output
• Zone 2 Bass/Treble/Balance Controls
• Main Zone/2/3 & Zone 2 Max & Power On Volume Settings
• Dealer Settings Memory Store & Recall w/Lock/Unlock
• Permanently Stored Memory Settings
• Dual IR Inputs w/Common Output
• 3 Programmable 12V triggers (w/adj. delay)
• RIHD for System Control via HDMI
• Optional Rack Mount Kit Available (IRK-155-3A)

About the author:
author portrait

As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

View full profile