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Surround Sound Preamp Integra DHC-9.9 vs. Anthem

Does anyone have any experience with the Integra DHC-9.9 Preamp (I do see people talking about the 9.8)? I currently have an Anthem AVM 30 but was thinking about stepping up to either an Anthem D2 V or AVM 50 V (due to the addition of ARC). I have absorption panels in my listening room but it needs more help and I really don’t want to put anything additional up. I do have a few items that I am trying to balance: Price, sound quality (analog and digital), and “do I really need all that video processing” since a decent bluray player, a clean signal in from the wall, or a higher end TV should get me real close (right ???)

Going from about $1,100 used for my AVM 30 to either $8,000 or $6,000 for a D2 V or AVM 50 is a jagged pill to swallow. I recently came across a few reviews of the Integra that were interesting but I have no experience with the product since they seem to be sold locally out of small home theater installers. $2,000 is a little more reasonable providing I don’t have to give up anything sonically, but then I read about issues with analog playback (a major short coming). I am not sure if the 9.9 has fixed this issue or if it would not be an issue since Audyseey can only be used via a digital signal. So, I guess I am looking for a D2 V (with or without the video capability) for a small sum. Comments/suggestions/insights ?
cdj123

Showing 3 responses by dbphd

dbphd
1,058 posts
 
Kal,

Which input on an Integra 9.8 can you use for analog bypass? Might it be XLR? I think I'm going to buy a 9.8, though I've never seen one. Neither "Dealer" in Santa Barbara has a 9.9 for viewing or listening. I'll buy an Audiogon listing.

db
dbphd
1,058 posts
 
Kal,

I didn't understand your reply. Specifically, how might I connect my Proceed PAV analog preamp to the 9.8 I expect to buy? The Proceed PDSD has LR & sub inputs identified as PAV pass-through with no processing.

db
dbphd
1,058 posts
 
Kal,

The Proceed PDSD is the digital processor that would be replaced by the 9.8. It provides XLR outputs to 5 Proceed amps and a Velodyne SMS-1, as would the 9.8. I had imagined using the analog processing of the PAV, and passing the output of the PAV through the 9.8 without the 9.8 further processing it.

If my questions related only to me and my PAV, they might not be worth your time to answer, but they apply generally to anyone wanting to use an analog preamp with the SOTA digital power of a 9.8 or 9.9. After rereading Shane Buettner's 2006 review of the PS3 in Ultimate AV, I realize how much I've been missing by not having HDMI audio and the new codecs.

Thanks for your help.

db
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