Audio Video News

Integra’s Unveils New Research Series AVR, Controller

SV Staff  |  Jan 31, 2018

Integra yesterday announced plans to add an AV controller and AV receiver to its reference-grade Research Series.

Slated to ship in March, the new DRC-R1.1 AV preamp/controller ($2,500) and DRX-R1.1 AV receiver ($3,300) retain the 11.2-channel architecture of their predecessors and are described as the first in their respective categories to support 4K HDBaseT, which facilitates the transmission of high dynamic range (HDR-10 and Dolby Vision) 4K content at 60fps with 4:4:4 color up to 100 meters (328 feet) over Cat 5/6/7 wiring.

Both units support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with up to 7.2.4 channels, multi-zone processing, Chromecast built-in with Google Assistant voice control, and DTS Play-Fi multi-room music streaming. A generous selection of connections is also offered on each model, including eight HDMI inputs (one on the front panel), main out, and sub/Zone 2 out with support for HDCP 2.2, 4 K/60 Hz, all three HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma, or HLG), wide color gamut, extended (sYCC601, Adobe RGB, Adobe YYC601) color, and BT.2020 video pass-through.

The THX Ultra2 Plus-certified DRC-R1.1 AV controller features an audiophile design with copper screws locking modular circuitry blocks to a double-skinned insulated frame, extra internal bracing for enhanced anti-resonant characteristics, floating circuit boards, three 32-bit DSPs, and gold-plated balanced XLR audio pre-outs for all channels. Other highlights include independent differential digital-to-analog-converters (DACs) for stereo front L/R (384 kHz/32-bit AK4490) and surround (768 kHz/32-bit AK4458) as well as separate DACs for Zone 2 (HDMI in 1-5, SPDIF/PCM, Net, and USB) and Zone 3 (Net and USB). Advanced home automation control features include bi-directional IP and RS-232 ports, two IR inputs (one output), and three programmable 12-volt trigger outputs with adjustable delay.

The THX Select-certified DRX-R1.1 receiver shares the same 4K video support, multichannel audio processing, and audiophile design as the DRC-R1.1 with the addition of a high-current amplifier rated to deliver 140 watts per channel (8 ohms with 0.08% THD with two channels driven, FTC). The amplifier features a custom low-hum magnetic-flux transformer.

For more information, visit integrahometheater.com.

COMMENTS
drny's picture
Submitted by drny on January 31, 2018 - 3:13pm

For those of us who have been on hold since 2015 waiting on HDMI 2.1 and or HDbaseT capability on Receiver / Integrated amp Integra has just shoved the gate wide open.
All competitors have been given notice.
I need a 2018 Receiver with HDMI 2.1 and HDbaseT. Come on Marantz make it happen.

jnemesh's picture
Submitted by jnemesh on February 1, 2018 - 10:28am

Marantz already announced their 2018 lineup and HDMI 2.1 isn't included. However, they DID announce that customers purchasing their flagship Pre-amp/Processor, the AV8805, will get a FREE HARDWARE upgrade to HDMI 2.1 when available.

As to HDBT integration, I wouldnt hold my breath for that from Marantz either. It's pretty simple to add an HDMI transmitter to your system. Yes, Integra's offering saves you a LITTLE bit of money since you just need to buy the receiver, but not enough to be significant in any way. It is a nice feature, but I wouldnt consider it essential, since you can get the same functionality without it being built into the AVR or processor.

X