Integra, Hi-End Pairing, DHC-80.2 & DTA-70.1

The Integra brand was originally derived from Onkyo's "high end" offerings from the early 1980s.  Onkyo and Integra together became synonymous with exceptional detail and build quality for about 2 decades.  Competing head to head with Sony ES and Pioneer ELITE components, the Integra series spun off on its own some time in the late 1990s during the height of the home theater surround sound craze. 

Here we have two of Integra's top-shelf components from 2011/2012: the DHC-80.2 and the DTA-70.1.  There's a lot of letters and numbers to remember in there, but let's start by saying this, as the fourth-generation Integra-only equipment, these pieces were designed and built from the ground-up to outperform any and all competitors.  Let's start by looking at the preamp...

The DHC-80.2 sold in 2011 to the tune of $2,300.  The 80.2 maintained all of the non-nonsense visual appeal Integra became known for...a slightly sculpted by otherwise stark black front panel chock full o'buttons!  This was Integra's signature look.  And he rationale for that was to give as much control to the user as possible at the touch of one finger. The DTC-80.2 is a digital and analog control center through and through.  The HDMI v1.4 inputs and outputs (one with ARC) were the height of tech a dozen years ago.  Two additional USB inputs as well as three Coaxial and three TOSLINK digital inputs ensured that any and all available digital signals of the period were able to be processed and switched by this brain center. And at the center are SIX Burr Brown 24/192 DACs!!!

The analog side was no slouch either with a host of inputs and outputs, including a phono input which is a nice touch.  The balanced and unbalanced outputs feed 9 channels of audio information to a multitude of assignable feeds, as well as 2 additional subwoofer outputs.  An internal digitally controlled crossover, and full Audyssey DSX equalization assist in ensuring all the right signals go to all the right channels.  Oh, and there's an AM/FM Stereo tuner in there as well, because, why not?

The DTA-70.1 multi-channel power amplifier might be easier to describe, but its implementation is nearly as complex. When it launched at only $1,800, it was considered the market's best value for home theater amplification. The amp was rated and certified THX-Ultra2 for all nine of its output channels. A perfect match to the DHC-80.2, the amp pumps out 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Behind all that power is 50 lbs worth of power supply, heat sinks and transistor technology.  Coupled with 22,000uf of capacitance and a 3 ohm stable configuration, this amp is a true contender even today.  And to add to its functionality, the amp can also be run as a 7-channel power house, with the main R and L sides bridgeable to allow for 300 watts to those channels while all others maintain their stock 150.  Crazy town!  

A long description to essentially say that at today's prices, this is an absolute bargain.  If you are OK with a slightly older HDMI format for your video processing, this is possibly the best deal in home theater A/V at the moment, anywhere. Complete with remote. 

DHC-80.2 Preamp/Processor: $699

DTA-70.1: Multi-Channel Amplifier: $799

(plus applicable shipping and/or MA sales tax)

Downloads:

Integra DH-80.2 Owner's Manual

Integra DTA-70.1 Owner's Manual