Audio Video News

Integra yesterday unveiled its upgraded “.2” series of AV receivers featuring three Sonos-compatible 9.2-channel models.

The DRX-5.2 ($1,700), DRX-4.2 ($1,400), and DRX-3.2 ($1,000) are all THX-certified and the first Integra receivers to be certified under the recently announced “Works With Sonos” program. Respective 8-ohm FTC power ratings are 120, 100, and 90 watts with significant dynamic power capabilities down to 3 ohms.

In addition to carrying the THX Certified Select badge for rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet, all models are custom-installation-ready with the DRX-5.2 and DRX-4.2 supporting enhanced HDBaseT LAN connection for HDCP 2.2-compliant 4K/60Hz video transmission and all featuring bidirectional ethernet with IP control and RS-232C control for whole-home home automation.

Integra noted that the DRX-3.2 is now THX Certified and received a “massive across-the-board upgrade,” including Zone 2 HDMI with matrix switching; Zone 2 on-screen display, and Powered Zone 3 capabilities for audio.

The power sections of all three models support 30 or more amps of high instantaneous current capability and all include onboard Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround processing with support for 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 speaker layouts out of the box; the DRX-4.2 and DRX-5.2 will also accommodate 7.2.4-channel systems with an external amp.

All models are built on an “anti-resonant” all steel/aluminum chassis, use “hand-selected parts with nearly zero tolerances,” and are equipped with AccuEQ Advance, Onkyo/Integra’s new multi-point auto-calibration system designed to eliminate standing waves for more natural sound. With the upgraded system, the setup mic can be placed in three positions to ensure “optimal imaging,” while AccuReflex technology aligns the phase of directional and non-directional sounds for more cohesive sound with Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers that use upward-firing drivers to create a height dimension.

Wireless streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is standard and all three models support AirPlay, Chromecast built-in with voice control via Google Assistant, DTS Play-Fi, and FlareConnect. Resident streaming services include Pandora, Tidal, TuneIn, Deezer, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Integration into a Sonos wireless ecosystem will require a firmware update — available in early June — to enable Sonos functionality and the use of a $349 Sonos Connect amplifier. After a simple setup procedure, the receiver can be controlled via the Sonos app and will work seamlessly within a Sonos ecosystem; it can be grouped with other Sonos devices and will even wake up when a component in the Sonos network is activated.

For more information, visit integrahometheater.com.