Integra DRC-R1.3, DRX-R1.3, DRX-7.3 – First Look
Image Credit: Integra
Introduction
The day I decided to buy my first amplifier (1987) I purchased an Onkyo Integra A-8190 stereo 100 watt amplifier and remained loyal to Onkyo Integra for years purchasing many of their products until I graduated to the Denon AVP-A1HDCI. With it being discontinued, no further support and little to compete with its quality features and design, it may now be time to return to the Integra fold as I look to support immersive audio formats.
My First Onkyo Integra Amplifier – Stereo 100 watts.
Overview
Integra announced three new products at CEDIA 2019:
- The DRC-R1.3 11.2 channel flagship pre-amp processor
- The DRX-R1.3 11.2 channel flagship receiver
- The DRX-7.3 9.2 channel receiver
Combining many features that both high-end users and integrators look for these receivers now include; 4K HD BaseT network connectivity supporting CAT5/6/7 display runs of up to 100 meters and IMAX Enhanced certification; together with a host of wireless technologies to include; Chromecast, Apples Airplay, DTS Play-Fi and “Works with Sonus” designation. All three products support 4KP60 video passthrough, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR, having seven HDMI 2.1 inputs each supporting WCG, 4:4:4/24 bit color, HDCP2.3 and eARC.
Come early 2020 the DRA-R1, a companion 11-channel power amplifier, will be available to support the DRC-R1.3 (Price TBA).
DRC-R1.3 11.2-Channel Processor and DRX-R1.3 11.2-Channel Receiver
These two products, which are both THX Ultra 2 Certified, support essentially the same video and audio processing, both being from Integra’s Research Series. While the DRC acts strictly as a pre-amp processor with its thirteen fully balanced and unbalanced line level outputs, the DRX adds eleven channels of power amplification delivering 140Watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC). Both products feature, a robust construction using double-skinned, cross-braced, insulated chassis designed to reduce resonances. Modular circuitry blocks are used to help isolate the different sections of the amplifier thereby reducing interference.
Both support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks up to 7.2.4 channels, and 384 kHz/32-bit digital-to-analog conversion with support for DSD 256. The same high-performance DAC chips are featured in both units: one AK4490 stereo DAC for the front left and right channels, a pair of AK4458 multichannel DACs for the remaining main channels, and an AK4388 DAC to handle audio for auxiliary zones. A dedicated phono input is available for those vinyl lovers amongst us.
Video support for both feature twin HDMI outputs for the main zone, plus a third HDMI output for Zone 2 video. Custom installers can take advantage of extensive RS-232/IP/IR control command sets and bi-directional IP and RS-232 ports to integrate the DRC-R1.3 and DRX-R1.3 with Crestron, AMX by Harman, and Control4 automation systems.
The DRX-R1.3 receiver includes 11 channels of Integra’s high-current, low-impedance “Class D3” amplification, with a custom-made magnetic-flux low-hum EI power transformer, high-current smoothing capacitors, and custom output-filtering “resulting in stunning audio clarity, accuracy and musicality- across the entire audio output range.”
Editors Note: Its amazing just how far Class D amplifiers have now come. The early designs of these switched mode power amplifiers, incorrectly often referred to as digital amplifiers, were less than stellar in terms of noise and distortion and where never found in high end audiophile equipment. These refined Class D and associated filters designs can now provide outstanding audiophile performance while at the same time running cool, even at full power.
Image Credit: Integra
DRX-7.3 9.2-Channel Receiver
For those on a more restricted budget the DRX-7.3 offers a 9.2 channel package that is THX Certified Select at 135Watts per channel (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2-ch driven, FTC). The receiver audio processing can support and process 5.2.4 so as your check book grows you can add an additional external stereo power amplifier or active speakers to gain those two channels back. It too supports seven HDMI inputs and a similar range of audio and video processing and network and streaming capabilities as it larger siblings.
Specifications:
DRC-R1.3 11.2-channel AV Processor
- Input Sensitivity and Impedance: 200 mV rms/82 k-Ohms (Line); 3.5 mV rms/47 k-Ohms (Phono MM)
- THD+N: 0.05% (20 Hz–20 kHz, Half Power)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 108 dB (IHF-A, LINE); 90 dB (IHF-A, PHONO)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 1/8” x 7 3/4” x 17 3/8”
- Weight: 29.8 lbs
- List price $2,499.00
DRX-R1.3 11.2-channel AV Receiver
- Output Power: 140 W/Ch at 8 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- Dynamic Power: 250 W (3 Ohms, Front) 220 W (4 Ohms, Front) 130 W (8 Ohms, Front)
- Speaker Impedance: 4 Ohms–16 Ohms
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 1/8” x 7 3/4” x 17 9/16”
- Weight: 41.9 lbs.
- List price $3,299.00
DRX-7.3 9.2-channel AV Receiver
- Output Power: Front L/R: 135 W/Ch at 8 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- Dynamic Power: 250 W (3 Ohms, Front) 220 W (4 Ohms, Front) 130 W (8 Ohms, Front)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 1/8” x 7 3/4” x 17 9/16”
- Weight: 36.4 lbs.
- List price $2,399.00
Integra DRC-R1.3, DRX-R1.3, DRX-7.3 – First Look
See here for the Integra press release.
See here for my first look at the Integra DRX-R1.1 and DRC-R1.1
That A-8190 integrated amp is a truly beautiful piece of equipment – both form and function. I can’t quite make out the lettering on the knob to the left of BASS. It almost looks like CONTRABASS.
Yes this was a unique feature that provided a variable shelving boost for frequencies below 20Hz by up to either +10dB or +20dB, but there was no cut. It produced the effect of really boosting deep base without adding too much to the upper registers and coloring the low/mid bass range. Great for adding more impact to that kick drum.
It was, and still is, a great sounding amplifier with lots of power for stereo use.
Now that The Sound United purchase of Onkyo/Pioneer is not going forward, do you think the MSRP prices will go down as they remain competitors?
Let me first say that I was very surprised to hear this deal falling apart; there was no leak on the streets of it until a few hours ago.
I think that the current MSRP of many of their products is reasonable comparing the build and functionality to other brands. However, if they were loosing their market share and they now feel that they can get it back, either they have some great new product(s) or a price reduction may be in order especially if you look at similar Denon offerings. Its difficult to predict why this deal fell apart and predicting their next business move is even more difficult.
Its not as if their prices are going to plummet as they clear out stock and the Integra line, in my opinion, is good value, well made and engineered with a very good range of features.
Question: Was the DRC R 1.3 ever released? It seems that the previous generation of Integra products are disappearing from dealer shelves, but the new generation of products announced in the fall of 2019 didn’t appear.
I own a DHC 9.9 A/V processor, which I’ve used since 2009, and I have a DRC R1.1, which I’m holding (in pristine condition) for use in a future system. The incomplete list of features announced for the DRC R1.3 suggests that it’s identical (or all but identical) to the DRC R1.1 . Perhaps Integra decided that it wasn’t a sufficient improvement, after all.
What capabilities would the DRC R1.3 have offered beyond what was already offfered in the DRC R1.1, and if the DRC R1.3 wasn’t released, why was the release cancelled?
Phil,
You are correct in that the feature set of the R1.1 and R1.3 including DAC and DSP models and counts look to be identical. Comparing their available technical descriptions, there seems to be no significant technical differences, but we need to see a full specification of the R1.3 which has not yet been published except a précis of it on the Integra news site.
Based upon several enquires, many of the HT companies I have spoken to are delaying the release of new products for 2020 and moving them and their development to 2021 due to a weak market resulting from the Corona Virus. As I only live a few miles from Integra I would normally have popped in for a chat but unfortunately that isn’t an option currently.
If I hear or obtain any other information I will add it to these comments. Meanwhile be well and enjoy the R1.1.