..thx for that. Hmmm, firewire...i'd not considered that as an option....would be good if that turned out
true, i do like the pio elite disc players in general....still have a cld-99 for some odd reason, sense of nostalgia maybe...

Does anyone know if the RDC-7.1 can be easily converted to accept 240v (eg. via a fuse swap)?

Does anyone know if the RDC-7.1 can be easily converted to accept 240v (eg. via a fuse swap)?

No, it requires to new power supplies and a couple of small changes to the control PCB, as well as a fuse swap. Also if you are interestedin Video then most USA models cannot handle Pal.

The RDA-7.1 is much easier, can be 240V'd by replacing a fuse and swapping a couple of wires.

After almost two years of owning the RDC-7.1, I finally got around to connecting
up the Net Tune card. I wasn't even surprised when it didn't work...

I called their Customer and was told that I should download and install a new
F/W version. Unfortunately, after searching their site, I couldn't find any F/W
file to download. I patiently called again. This time, I was told that updating the
unit was 'very complicated' and had to be done 'in a controlled environment'.
IOW, it should be delivered to a service center. If I insist on doing it myself, I
have to sign a release, absolving them of any mishap during the update,
including mishaps caused by IR.

To be honest, at that point I recalled that I had gone through this before,
when I thought of upgrading the tuner card. At the time (and just because
of the F/W hassle), I decided to forget the idea. This time it's different -- I am
trying to utilize a card that I have already paid for.

Has anyone here actually got the Net Tune gizmo to work? If so, did you need
to update the F/W? And, if so, where did you get the updated file?

TIA for any enlightment...

-- Ron

...they used to have the firmware for download i think initially but it was removed.
Did you try your dealer for the software/firmware package?....i think the package is about 15-20mb, they could email it to you.

rgds,
Andy

Thanks Krobar - I was hoping it was as easy as the RDA-7.1 - but I'll now take it off my shopping list (was looking at importing a 2nd hand unit from the States).

Ron,

You have a PM.

ArtV

Thanks Krobar - I was hoping it was as easy as the RDA-7.1 - but I'll now take it off my shopping list (was looking at importing a 2nd hand unit from the States).

It runs nicely on a 120V stepdown.

...they used to have the firmware for download i think initially but it was removed.
Did you try your dealer for the software/firmware package?....i think the package is about 15-20mb, they could email it to you.

rgds,
Andy


Yep, I left the dealer a message. He hasn't responded so far. I suspect
he's not that motivated to provide support, that's not what he makes
a living of. I was hoping someone here has that F/W file stashed away
on their hard drive...

-- Ron

Ron,

You have another PM.

ArtV

Has anyone good insight to which the current FW revisions are for the RDC 7.1, and if possible also for the DV-SP1000 dvd players ?

bought this,, my 2nd upgradeable monster from Integra, just to find that the story for rdc7.0 and 7.1 seems the same.. Updates = no, new cards = no...

Good equipment,, true,, though I do think we all had hopes that they would do better this time.

...well there have been 'new cards' for the rdc7.1...just none that i want ;) ...the 'real' cards seem stuck in perpetual limbo...maybe in an alternate parallel universe everyone has new rdc7.1 cards.

Further to that i received a rather disturbing email from the dealer where i pilfered my rdc7.1....helpful guys all....they mentioned that a recent discussion with their contact at iR was hinting that there may be a fundamental 'architecture' problem with the 7.1 as far as properly
implementing the full high-bandwidth audio stream capabilities that hdmi1.3 demands.....as in mainboard/processor/chipset issue in handling the bandwidth & that the hdmi1.3 outlook was grim.
I guess it ultimately depends how far in the loop the IR guy is......

rgds,
Andy

...well there have been 'new cards' for the rdc7.1...just none that i want ;) ...the 'real' cards seem stuck in perpetual limbo...maybe in an alternate parallel universe everyone has new rdc7.1 cards.

Further to that i received a rather disturbing email from the dealer where i pilfered my rdc7.1....helpful guys all....they mentioned that a recent discussion with their contact at iR was hinting that there may be a fundamental 'architecture' problem with the 7.1 as far as properly
implementing the full high-bandwidth audio stream capabilities that hdmi1.3 demands.....as in mainboard/processor/chipset issue in handling the bandwidth & that the hdmi1.3 outlook was grim.

rgds,
Andy
Regular viewers are not surprised.

Yep, I left the dealer a message. He hasn't responded so far. I suspect
he's not that motivated to provide support, that's not what he makes
a living of. I was hoping someone here has that F/W file stashed away
on their hard drive...

-- Ron

Hi Ron, i noticed someone else may have offered the firmware here......i also had it sent to me yesterday....haven't dug into it yet, maybe i'll check what version it is, it could possibly be the newest.

Andy

Yep, I left the dealer a message. He hasn't responded so far. I suspect
he's not that motivated to provide support, that's not what he makes
a living of.
If that's the case, then he is myopic. Repeats and referrals depend mightily on customers being happy and kept that way. Absent service, we could all buy online.

...well there have been 'new cards' for the rdc7.1...just none that i want ;) ...the 'real' cards seem stuck in perpetual limbo...maybe in an alternate parallel universe everyone has new rdc7.1 cards.

Further to that i received a rather disturbing email from the dealer where i pilfered my rdc7.1....helpful guys all....they mentioned that a recent discussion with their contact at iR was hinting that there may be a fundamental 'architecture' problem with the 7.1 as far as properly
implementing the full high-bandwidth audio stream capabilities that hdmi1.3 demands.....as in mainboard/processor/chipset issue in handling the bandwidth & that the hdmi1.3 outlook was grim.
I guess it ultimately depends how far in the loop the IR guy is......

rgds,
Andy

Andy,

Someone else here mentioned the same potential problem with the current architecture.

If IR cannot upgrade the RDC-7.1 to HDMI 1.1 or higher, do you think IR will release a new PrePro altogether as an RDC-7.1 replacement?

Alternatively, was wondering what others thought of replacing the RDC-7.1 with the soon to be released Integra HDMI equipped PrePro (DTC 9.8?).

Thanks
Bruce

Andy,

Someone else here mentioned the same potential problem with the current architecture.

If IR cannot upgrade the RDC-7.1 to HDMI 1.1 or higher, do you think IR will release a new PrePro altogether as an RDC-7.1 replacement?

Alternatively, was wondering what others thought of replacing the RDC-7.1 with the soon to be released Integra HDMI equipped PrePro (DTC 9.8?).

Thanks
Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Well this is only info provided by one dealer via their IR contact. It is a large IR dealer and it's my understanding that's the most current info they have on the issue, which is circa yesterday. :) The question would remain i suppose is this IR contact's info accurate?.....i have a feeling
it is. Something about this whole hdmi business speaks of deeper problems....like a motherboard
issue such that the 'bandwidth' isn't there....i mean perhaps the analogy would be like the number of 'data lanes' a pci-e based mobo provides compared to a pci board as far as plugin daughter cards go...if i can use the pc mobo analogy. It would explain a lot. It's my understanding that a 1.2a card was fabbed up but not released and from 1.3 on, all these full spectrum multichannel audio streams are the issue. It could simply be a matter that the IR's mobo won't allow that data bandwidth across the card slot at the hdmi card's specific slot.....in other words, show-stopper
hardware issue for this chassis i think. I emphasize that this was what was 'implied' by the IR guy's email...he didn't come out and say it...but it sounds like chances are slim....and Slim may be saddlin up his horse to ride outta Dodge.

If it does turn out to be true.......in the interim i've ordered the dual 7.1 analog input card & will direct connect the display to player. I am also holding out some hope that the rumored Pioneer Elite Blu 'super-player' with I-link will happen......then that would be cool. And, if the mentioned/rumored rdc7.1 design issue IS true...i personally most definitely won't spend any more funds on Onkyo / Integra /IntegraResearch gear so the Integra DTC-9.8 would be out for me i think. I've really been thinking heavily about going with a Bryston pre/pro next.....it will cost, but what doesn't? & in this case i'm 'buying support' along with killer gear...been really pleased w/ my Bryston amp so far and am endllessly impressed with them as a company.

rgds,
Andy

Well this is only info provided by one dealer via their IR contact. It is a large IR dealer and it's my understanding that's the most current info they have on the issue, which is circa yesterday. :) The question would remain i suppose is this IR contact's info accurate?.....i have a feeling


Andy,

Please check your PM.

R

Alternatively, was wondering what others thought of replacing the RDC-7.1 with the soon to be released Integra HDMI equipped PrePro (DTC 9.8?).


If you do replace the RDC-7.1 with the DTC-9.8 wait a few months until they fix the bugs, Integra/Integra Research has always had QC problems with the early units.

R

Hi Bruce,

Well this is only info provided by one dealer via their IR contact. It is a large IR dealer and it's my understanding that's the most current info they have on the issue, which is circa yesterday. :) The question would remain i suppose is this IR contact's info accurate?.....i have a feeling
it is. Something about this whole hdmi business speaks of deeper problems....like a motherboard
issue such that the 'bandwidth' isn't there....i mean perhaps the analogy would be like the number of 'data lanes' a pci-e based mobo provides compared to a pci board as far as plugin daughter cards go...if i can use the pc mobo analogy. It would explain a lot. It's my understanding that a 1.2a card was fabbed up but not released and from 1.3 on, all these full spectrum multichannel audio streams are the issue. It could simply be a matter that the IR's mobo won't allow that data bandwidth across the card slot at the hdmi card's specific slot.....in other words, show-stopper
hardware issue for this chassis i think. I emphasize that this was what was 'implied' by the IR guy's email...he didn't come out and say it...but it sounds like chances are slim....and Slim may be saddlin up his horse to ride outta Dodge.

If it does turn out to be true.......in the interim i've ordered the dual 7.1 analog input card & will direct connect the display to player. I am also holding out some hope that the rumored Pioneer Elite Blu 'super-player' with I-link will happen......then that would be cool. And, if the mentioned/rumored rdc7.1 design issue IS true...i personally most definitely won't spend any more funds on Onkyo / Integra /IntegraResearch gear so the Integra DTC-9.8 would be out for me i think. I've really been thinking heavily about going with a Bryston pre/pro next.....it will cost, but what doesn't? & in this case i'm 'buying support' along with killer gear...been really pleased w/ my Bryston amp so far and am endllessly impressed with them as a company.

rgds,
Andy

The RDC-7.1 already has bandwidth for 24/192 5.1, the ILink layout allows for it. The issue I think is the HDMI slot only is wired for SPDIF, it seems Onkyo never intended to offer 5.1+PCM over HDMI.

I assume people here want 5.1+ Hires PCM for Bluray or HD DVD. The upcoming Pioneer LX90 player will likely offer full res PCM over ILink for Bluray. Its due in Q1 08 and will be BD 1.1 or Live compliant. For 5.1 users you might as well get the Pioneer rather than upgrade, it should sound better than using Lossless over HDMI since Ilink suffers from less jitter than HDMI audio.

The RDC-7.1 already has bandwidth for 24/192 5.1, the ILink layout allows for it. The issue I think is the HDMI slot only is wired for SPDIF, it seems Onkyo never intended to offer 5.1+PCM over HDMI.

I assume people here want 5.1+ Hires PCM for Bluray or HD DVD. The upcoming Pioneer LX90 player will likely offer full res PCM over ILink for Bluray. Its due in Q1 08 and will be BD 1.1 or Live compliant. For 5.1 users you might as well get the Pioneer rather than upgrade, it should sound better than using Lossless over HDMI since Ilink suffers from less jitter than HDMI audio.

...yah it would make sense that any bottleneck might be at the hdmi card-slot, given the fact the unit does the multi-channel I-link thing. If the Elite player will support everything over i-link i'll pick it up.
I'd rather keep the rdc7.1 anyways....& upgrade the pre-pro a lot later down the line, that was the intention anyways what with that handy dandy upgradable card-slot design and all :rolleyes:

Hi Bruce,

....... in the interim i've ordered the dual 7.1 analog input card & will direct connect the display to player .....
rgds,
Andy

Andy,
Do you know if you will be able to digitize the 7.1 analog inputs and apply DPLIIx to high rez audio inputs?


All,

I appreciate all the comments and information. I wasn't aware of the possiblity of a Pioneer BD player that will output high rez audio over i-link, that is helpful to know.

My preference is to use digital connections as much as possible, hence my interest in a PrePro with HDMI 1.1 or higher.

Today's source material is digital, for audio and video, and HT processing (DPLIIx, deinterlacing / scaling, room correction, etc.) is done in the digital domain. I don't see the need for any A/D - D/A conversions for video, as it can go from source to display input as digital. For audio, the only conversion out of the digital domain I see required is a D/A as the final step in the PrePro, just before the volume control(?) / output to the power amp.

Thanks
Bruce

Bruce, unfortunately i haven't investigated things that far yet.....the current situation we have is a PS-3 as a bluray drive which will only output the hi-rez audio trax via it's hdmi socket, which is of no use.....so a standalone bluray deck with analog outs and the IR multi-ch card as a stopgap until more is known about the Elite's purported i-link jack i guess. Maybe someone else w/ that card
can answer that.....

Andy

Hi Ron, i noticed someone else may have offered the firmware here......i also had it sent to me yesterday....haven't dug into it yet, maybe i'll check what version it is, it could possibly be the newest.

Andy

A kind soul has sent me a link to the file (God bless this forum and
all paticipants :-) ), which I finanally managed to download. Haven't
had a chance to look into it. Seems to include installation files for
NetTune V2 and F/W V1.00.01. Is yours the same version?

-- Ron

Andy,
Do you know if you will be able to digitize the 7.1 analog inputs and apply DPLIIx to high rez audio inputs?


All,

I appreciate all the comments and information. I wasn't aware of the possiblity of a Pioneer BD player that will output high rez audio over i-link, that is helpful to know.

My preference is to use digital connections as much as possible, hence my interest in a PrePro with HDMI 1.1 or higher.

Today's source material is digital, for audio and video, and HT processing (DPLIIx, deinterlacing / scaling, room correction, etc.) is done in the digital domain. I don't see the need for any A/D - D/A conversions for video, as it can go from source to display input as digital. For audio, the only conversion out of the digital domain I see required is a D/A as the final step in the PrePro, just before the volume control(?) / output to the power amp.

Thanks
Bruce

Hi Bruce,

The RDC-7.1 can digitize analogue multichannel to 24/96 and apply pretty much any processing you like (Including PLIIX and THX Ultra 2).

The specs and pictures of the upcoming Pioneer player were unofficial and after a few weeks it seemed pressure built and the info was pulled. They mention ILink output and there is an ILink symbol on the front panel.

Thing is I dont know if the Ilink will be used for Bluray, it may well still not be decided. Legally (AACS) and technically there is nothing stopping Bluray's advanced sound formats being decoded to full res PCM and output over Ilink.

The Pioneer rep on these forums is "Walkamo", a few PMs explaining PCM conversion of Bluray lossless formats for output over ILink would heavily effect your purchase decision might actually influence the final spec of this "Rumoured" unit.

Hi Bruce,

The RDC-7.1 can digitize analogue multichannel to 24/96 and apply pretty much any processing you like (Including PLIIX and THX Ultra 2).

The specs and pictures of the upcoming Pioneer player were unofficial and after a few weeks it seemed pressure built and the info was pulled. They mention ILink output and there is an ILink symbol on the front panel.

Thing is I dont know if the Ilink will be used for Bluray, it may well still not be decided. Legally (AACS) and technically there is nothing stopping Bluray's advanced sound formats being decoded to full res PCM and output over Ilink.

The Pioneer rep on these forums is "Walkamo", a few PMs explaining PCM conversion of Bluray lossless formats for output over ILink would heavily effect your purchase decision might actually influence the final spec of this "Rumoured" unit.

Thanks Krobar. It's helpful to know the MC analog inputs can be used as an interim capability for listening to high resolution audio in full 7.1.

Bruce

A kind soul has sent me a link to the file (God bless this forum and
all paticipants :-) ), which I finanally managed to download. Haven't
had a chance to look into it. Seems to include installation files for
NetTune V2 and F/W V1.00.01. Is yours the same version?

-- Ron

...yah it looks to be the same version......does that mean 'Main FW' 1.09 then or?..

Andy

...yah it looks to be the same version......does that mean 'Main FW' 1.09 then or?..

Andy

No, that's just the NetTune version. Current Main F/W is now at the 2 point
something; it support the new XM tuner cards.

-- Ron

.....right.......why was i thinking i needed a null-modem rs-232 cable?...i guess it's just a straight through serial......can i always have the wrong cable? :rolleyes:

With serial ports wiring them yourself is very easy. If you pull apart one of those old computer CDROM audio cables the internals fits perfectly to serial port pins and you can "Patch Wire" whatever is needed.

...can anyone who's done a firmware upgrade on the 7.1 PM me?....i have a few questions related to the procedure. The 'updater' window disappeared right after i ok'd to start the update process.....i assume this would fall under the 'bad' category...... :rolleyes: .........f**'n hell i deserve this i guess...i broke my own credo of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. What's the hard reset command again? any other
'rescue' type commands?

....damn, my old Onkyo 939 sounds pretty good as a preamp into the Bryston lol.....maybe i shouldn't have bought the rdc afterall... :) ...the ir's doing a good job of propping the patio door open right now

.....anyone know offhand what's involved with addressing my rdc's corrupted eeprom?...new eeprom chip or would there be a 'clear eeprom' jumper on it's mobo somewhere & from there reload bios/firmware?...didn't someone have the schematics for 7.1 at one time?

rgds

I have the schematics, not much point in handing them out though, you need to send your RDC to a service center.

Have you checked if the unit still responds at all over RS232?

...can anyone who's done a firmware upgrade on the 7.1 PM me?....i have a few questions related to the procedure. The 'updater' window disappeared right after i ok'd to start the update process.....i assume this would fall under the 'bad' category...... :rolleyes: .........f**'n hell i deserve this i guess...i broke my own credo of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. What's the hard reset command again? any other
'rescue' type commands?

I am starting to understand what IR means when they require a
'controlled environment' for updating the F/W. I have a dozen or
so items whose F/W I have updated and can't think of one that
presented a problem, except for the Garmin GPS that took a
second download to fix. Looks like IR's lofty intentions have not
been met by their implementational capabilities. Again. Why am
I not surprised?

At this point I am wondering whether I should try to update the
F/W on my unit, or just give up on the NetTune card (according
to their CS, It requires the updated F/W to work properly, but
this means nothing -- their CS will tell you anything and its
opposite, depending on the time of day and the weather when
you call). If I do insist on the card I paid for to work, then the
option is either take the unit out of the tower (a major, major
hassle) and take it to a service center for them to update the
F/W (if they can. They may decide to ship it to IR, in which case
I'll lose the preamp for a month) or try to do it myself (in which
case I may lose the warranty when -- or if -- it fails). Can't say
I like either option...

So, I repeat APS's request: has anyone here done the F/W update?
And if so, care to make any comment about the procedure?

TIA,

-- Ron

I have the schematics, not much point in handing them out though, you need to send your RDC to a service center.

Have you checked if the unit still responds at all over RS232?

......Thx Krobar, yeah i understand that.......there may be a problem getting the warranty honored in my country, so i may have to export it back to dealer and have it repaired & returned, that sort of possible scenario i guess...i checked this w/ onkyousa prior to purchasing 18 mo ago and i was told otherwise... maybe their policy changed recently. I've phoned a couple Integra service centers in my city and i had to convince the first that there WAS a product line with 'Research' after the Integra part :rolleyes: ...the second service center i could actuually speak to technician over the phone & hopefully they could repair it....but it might be out of pocket even though it's under warranty if i ship to states. So i'm just waiting to see what the tech will call back with for info/status before i haul this thing over there. I'm bettting there's just a jumper to flip that will 'clear CMOS" and then the fw can be reloaded...& not a fricken eeprom swap. I was just wondering if the schematics (not that they'd look like anything but hieroglyphics to me :) ) or better yet someone whos' examined them, showed a possible 'clear cmos' jumper for information's sake.

Once i initially established comms via rs232 via 'Updater' & read the rdc7.1 & returned it's internal s/w config to program window...i started the update procedure.....at which point the rdc shut off, out of standby mode too and the 'Updater' window dissappeared.......i was never able to get any response from front panel switches again, won't go into stanby much less power up...no power, no rs232 comms.

rgds
Andy

rgds

I am starting to understand what IR means when they require a
'controlled environment' for updating the F/W. I have a dozen or
so items whose F/W I have updated and can't think of one that
presented a problem, except for the Garmin GPS that took a
second download to fix. Looks like IR's lofty intentions have not
been met by their implementational capabilities. Again. Why am
I not surprised?

At this point I am wondering whether I should try to update the
F/W on my unit, or just give up on the NetTune card (according
to their CS, It requires the updated F/W to work properly, but
this means nothing -- their CS will tell you anything and its
opposite, depending on the time of day and the weather when
you call). If I do insist on the card I paid for to work, then the
option is either take the unit out of the tower (a major, major
hassle) and take it to a service center for them to update the
F/W (if they can. They may decide to ship it to IR, in which case
I'll lose the preamp for a month) or try to do it myself (in which
case I may lose the warranty when -- or if -- it fails). Can't say
I like either option...

So, I repeat APS's request: has anyone here done the F/W update?
And if so, care to make any comment about the procedure?

TIA,

-- Ron


...Ron, i would consider it real carefully buddy. I'm reasonably technically adept & have also done all kinds of firmware/bios flashes & understand the implications and precautions. I'm 100% certain i did everything right from my end & this includes: laptop plugged into ac power, all screensaver, standby, power saver, hibernate stuff...all that crap
shut off....i verified the pin outs of my rs232 cable with my fluke & did a couple dry runs with the 'Updater' software of just establishing comms w/ unit and reading it's firmware version then shutting program down. Actually that's all i was ever going to do, but because i love to tinker i guess, the last dry run turned into a 'what the hell, may as well do the full update' scenario so i ok'd the update procedure and you can see where that got me.........unit shut downs instantly, even out of standby, program window crashes.....instant doorstop...

rgds
Andy

Hi Andy,

There are unfortunately at least 4 8MB firmware chips in the RDC-7.1, part number is MX29LV320ABTC. There seems to be one for the net tune card, one for the Main processor and one for each Aureus DSP. There may be other flash chips that I have missed.

Hi Andy,

There are unfortunately at least 4 8MB firmware chips in the RDC-7.1, part number is MX29LV320ABTC. There seems to be one for the net tune card, one for the Main processor and one for each Aureus DSP. There may be other flash chips that I have missed.

Hi Krobar , thx for that.... right that would follow....i suppose it might stand to reason that it's the main firmware eeprom chip that's corrupted only.....the main f/w was first in the 'write list' iirc & the Updater proggy crashed instantly once write was initiated.

I was able to speak to the local technician about repair & getting the out of country unit fixed in Canada under warranty....it's looking grim, but there's still hope....i guess Onkyo is screaming bloody murder that i had access to the firmware.......uhoh........ :rolleyes:

rgds,
Andy

Hi Krobar , thx for that.... right that would follow....i suppose it might stand to reason that it's the main firmware eeprom chip that's corrupted only.....the main f/w was first in the 'write list' iirc & the Updater proggy crashed instantly once write was initiated.

I was able to speak to the local technician about repair & getting the out of country unit fixed in Canada under warranty....it's looking grim, but there's still hope....i guess Onkyo is screaming bloody murder that i had access to the firmware.......uhoh........ :rolleyes:

rgds,
Andy

To minimize repair time, I'd send it to HQ in NJ. I also ran into the problem of service centers not knowing about IR vs. I or O.

To minimize repair time, I'd send it to HQ in NJ. I also ran into the problem of service centers not knowing about IR vs. I or O.

.....yah, if i send it to the states, it's going to the dealer that sold it to me...& they can sort it out.

I'm done dealing with any NJ IR/Onk/Integra people directly on the phone.......simple & straight forward questions are either dismissed or met with attitude........

...the technician i am speaking with now at the local Canadian Integra service center appears both knowledgable and helpful....geez who'd o' thought eh?....he sez while they haven't worked on any rdc7.1,, they had some DTR-10.5's in their shop & understand the cross-platform similiarities etc
...it's just a question now of whether i can get the issue addressed in country under warranty......if not, can i get it patched up out of pocket for less than the round trip UPS to dealer in the states....

rgds
Andy

.....yah, if i send it to the states, it's going to the dealer that sold it to me...& they can sort it out.

I'm done dealing with any NJ IR/Onk/Integra people directly on the phone.......simple & straight forward questions are either dismissed or met with attitude........

...the technician i am speaking with now at the local Canadian Integra service center appears both knowledgable and helpful....geez who'd o' thought eh?....he sez while they haven't worked on any rdc7.1,, they had some DTR-10.5's in their shop & understand the cross-platform similiarities etc
...it's just a question now of whether i can get the issue addressed in country under warranty......if not, can i get it patched up out of pocket for less than the round trip UPS to dealer in the states....

rgds
Andy

I had similar poor experience with NJ. IR previously stated that fw update problems aren't covered under warranty. Your experience reinforces my "never again" position.

......no joy in mudville.....ughh my head hurts now.......btw if any of you guys are planning on flashing the eeprom with new firmware.....step away from the preamp.....immediately.....

:(

......no joy in mudville.....ughh my head hurts now.......btw if any of you guys are planning on flashing the eeprom with new firmware.....step away from the preamp.....immediately.....(
Hey, are you sure there wasn't a power surge that damaged it? Do you have insurance? :)

...Ron, i would consider it real carefully buddy. I'm reasonably technically adept & have also done all kinds of firmware/bios flashes & understand the implications and precautions. I'm 100% certain i did everything right from my end & this includes: laptop plugged into ac power, all screensaver, standby, power saver, hibernate stuff...all that crap
shut off....i verified the pin outs of my rs232 cable with my fluke & did a couple dry runs with the 'Updater' software of just establishing comms w/ unit and reading it's firmware version then shutting program down. Actually that's all i was ever going to do, but because i love to tinker i guess, the last dry run turned into a 'what the hell, may as well do the full update' scenario so i ok'd the update procedure and you can see where that got me.........unit shut downs instantly, even out of standby, program window crashes.....instant doorstop...

rgds
Andy

Andy, like you, I am computer professsional with many years of
R&D experience (both H/W and S/W). The first thought that
sprang to my mind was $hitty IR code. As you can see, I have
very little respect for their implementation capabilities, not to
mention execution in Manufacturing (though their design goals
were certainly ambitious).

One possibility was a corrupted updater code or bad data file.

I wonder if anyone else might have the update files, so we can
run a compare. This could either prove this theory, or put it to
rest.

Anyone?

-- Ron

One possibility was a corrupted updater code or bad data file.




Hi Ron, yeah i thought that that might be the explanation......i remember thinking it would have been helpful to have an md5 checksum or somesuch to verify....of course that didn't stop me from going forward with the write :rolleyes: . I have to agree with you on the 'implementation' aspect....the promises of user upgradeable card-cage design & firmware were things that got many of us to consider the unit in the first place, i suspect. According to IR they may be able fix the unit with some sort of 'eeprom recovery device'....failing that i may be looking at a mainboard replacement apparently....warranty coverage is still an unkown element since failure occurred during an end-user firmware flash. I ended up just shipping the unit to the IR main service depot in NY myself.....the local repair center, with the exception of one person, turned out to be a joke..& the dealer wasn't much help either to be honest. :mad:

Andy

I recently moved and my unit developed an annoying habit. Whenever I change channels on the cable box, there is a solenoid/relay type clicking sound coming from within the unit. The same sound that occurs whenever you change inputs from one source to another, that strictly comes from the unit, not the speakers. This loud clicking happens whenever I change channels or even fast forward a program recorded on the DVR. Seems to lose the DD signal then makes the loud clicking noise when it is reacquired. Any thoughts on how to remedy this problem? Is there a setting that can prevent this from happening? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

......the solenoid clicking is not unique to your unit.....the same sound as changing inputs yes....in this case it's because you are 'losing sync' as you say with the data stream from your dvr when you ffd or rwd then sync up again. When you change channels you are either momentarily losing sync or the sound format changes...say from DD2.0 on one to DD5.1 on the next channel. In switching from 2.0 to 5.1 this requires a bit of the 'snap crackle pop' business from your '7.1. This leads to the only possible 'workaround' i can think of.......in the setup menu you should be able to set the 'processing mode' for each type of 'bitstream' for each input. I think if you were to set the DVR's input to default to
DD5.1 or some sort of 5.1 mode, regardless of what it sees for a data stream....then you will lessen a lot of the 'clickety-clack' when you ffwd or zap channels....rather than have the unit default to 2.0 or whatever for your dvr iinput...that way it's not reverting to dd2.0 and then back to dd5.1 or some 5.1everytime it loses sync etc.......iirc that's what i did with mine....but i can't check as mine's on a UPS truck somewhere, whereabouts unknown. ;)

I recently moved and my unit developed an annoying habit. Whenever I change channels on the cable box, there is a solenoid/relay type clicking sound coming from within the unit.

That's normal, the 4 RDC-7.1's I had did that and if I remember correctly the old RDC-7 did it too.

R

It doesnt happen with my unit. I have Sat and Terrestrial DVB boxes which get a mixture of DD5.1 and 2 Cahnnel and no noises occur between channel changes. Maybe it is down to the design of the source?

I recently moved and my unit developed an annoying habit. Whenever I change channels on the cable box, there is a solenoid/relay type clicking sound coming from within the unit. The same sound that occurs whenever you change inputs from one source to another, that strictly comes from the unit, not the speakers. This loud clicking happens whenever I change channels or even fast forward a program recorded on the DVR. Seems to lose the DD signal then makes the loud clicking noise when it is reacquired. Any thoughts on how to remedy this problem? Is there a setting that can prevent this from happening? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have found to keep this from happening on my unit, I make sure every time it does it, I change that mode to the same for the other channels or sources, for me it is Dolby plIIx. You'll notice, even if only briefly, a surround mode change, make sure it doesn't change modes when switching to get rid of the click.

Sorry if this appeared earlier in the thread (just noticed the 69 pages!!), but is anyone aware of an HDMI upgrade card for the RDC-1 (or point to thread page)? I am in need of an HDMI card (did not purchase with unit at the time), and don't want to buy 1.1 card if a 1.3x card is available or forthcoming.

Noticed newly announced Integra receivers have 1.3a and will handle TrueHD etc.

Thanks,
Mike

.....there won't be a v1.3 hdmi card for rdc7.1, the motherboard & slot at the hdmi card location
won't be able to support it. There is some recent discussion on this if you scroll back a page or three....

Just to update this thread. The sister TX-NR1000 and DTR-10.5 units are now listed as discontinued. Looks like Onkyo are dumping Integra Research users again.

I guess it is safe to say that most of us here won't give Integra/Onkyo any more chances.

I bought 3 upgradeable units from them,
RDC7.0, DVD 939 and now the latest RDC 7.1

The reason for buying RDC7.1 was that the PROMISED firewire for rdc7.0 and DV939 never came....,, now the are dumping us agan.....,,,,

Looks like there is an upgrade program for RDC-7.1 owners to move to the DTC-9.8.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11657017#post11657017

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11660145#post11660145

Please tell me this is some kind of bad joke, right? NO, it's not a joke. Then I guess the joke is on me. I really hope this is a misunderstanding and that there is going to be another solution offered. It's not just the significant amount of money lost that is at stake. My pride is also on the line, I can't imagine how I'm going to live with myself having been proved to be such a fool to have invested so heavily in a promise of upgradability.

Evan

Well, I'll certainly raise my hand and admit to having been fooled twice too. Shame on me. That said, if they'll sell me a 9.8 at that price *without* having to give them my 7.1 I'll probably buy one. It'd still leave an awful taste in my mouth.

If it *does* require surrendering the 7.1 (which I can only imagine it does) then there's no way in hell I'll do it. There's also no way in hell I'd ever buy another O/I/IR product again. And this time I mean it :)

TM

There are currently three (3) RDC-7.1's on AudiogoN ranging in price from $2000 to $2600. Let the stampede begin!

...... what are the current predictions for RDC-7.x.....2nd /3rd quarter 2008 ETA....or is there even an ETA yet?

See my recent post over at NR1000 thread for the latest on my plight.

Say for those a bit further in the know.....what would prevent repair of an RDC-7.1 by auth depot or Onkyo for that matter?....i flashed the firmware and mobo replacement hasn't cured it apparently according to UnitedRadio....Onkyo USA is investigating outright replacement of unit...but with what....

...luckily i kept my Onk 939 rceiver....still a bit surprised how good this thing sounds, pre outs into Bryston amp.....got my 50 buck Ratshack component-hd switcher....yeehaw

Hi. I am in the UK. Is there somewhere that I can get a the rdc7.1?

......rdc-7.1 back from the dead, doa'd during firmware flash, repair time: 4 months + a
day. Fixed under warranty.....so that was one plus i suppose. Even the Onkyo USA technicians had difficulty repairing it......they were ready to do a complete unit exchange
at one point, but there was no stock left anywhere apparently to exchange with. ......

I have two units current firmware, original owner, and only need one.

......rdc-7.1 back from the dead, doa'd during firmware flash, repair time: 4 months + a
day. Fixed under warranty.....so that was one plus i suppose. Even the Onkyo USA technicians had difficulty repairing it......they were ready to do a complete unit exchange
at one point, but there was no stock left anywhere apparently to exchange with. ......

Just curious... Did the tech say what, exactly, was wrong with it?

I was going to flash my RDC-7.1, but after reading your story, decided
against it; I've had enough problems with the unit for one lifetime. As
a corollary, I've decided not to upgrade the tuner, because the new
tuner card requires a F/W upgrade to work.

My unit (the fourth replacement) still turns itself off from time to time.
Not often enough, so I'm ignoring it (IR CS claim they never heard of
this problem. Funny, this is my second one that does it). Lately, it has
started to change, on its own, the HDMI assignment for the DVD. I
have no idea how such a fault can even occur...

-- Ron

Hi Ron....

I sent it to United Radio in NY at the behest of Integra USA....they came up empty by trying to repair it with existing motherboard in place. Eventually did a full retrofit of new mobo into unit. According to the chief of the tech dept over there...when you flash firmware, you are not simply flashing one eeprom, you are flashing onto several eeproms AND also writing code onto main processor of unit...he said when a firmware flash gets interrupted or crashes mid-write...all these chips become corrupted, usually irretrievably.

Anyways, they replaced the mobo and still unit wouldn't work...believe it or not....i gather from the snippets of info i rec'd that they nuked the second board themselves because they wanted to put v2.00 on it too. Next step, they ship unit to Integra USA to have the factory technicians work on it themselves. Over that time there was plenty of discussion about doing an outright exchange....no stock anywhere to support that thought. The Integra USA technicians put a third mobo in it w/ 2.00 & did a week long bench test. Unit fixed, shipped back to United Radio.....where thay proceeded to 'misplace' it for... i dunno, must have been 8 days. After 'finding' it, they bench test it again for a couple days.

This marks the end of month 3.

(optional reading, but i have to vent i suppose)

Next step, United Radio ships unit to wrong, non-existent address in California. Yah, lets have my expensive pre/pro on a UPS tractor trailer for 16 more days. :(
Unit comes back to UR...box appears damaged.....they bench test for a few more days.

End of month 4. (i'm not making this up)

UR overnights my rdc to my residence in western Canada. At this point i expected to get a box full of loose circuit boards. Unit seems to work fine & not a scratch on it....a miracle in itself. When this all started there was also talk of it not being covered in the warranty....but other than the shipping down there, there was no cost.

I guess the experience was priceless. :rolleyes:

It's bloody amazing the hell that a 5 dollar serial cable can raise.

Hi. I am in the UK. Is there somewhere that I can get a the rdc7.1?

They were never sold in the UK. If you want a 240V version then Germany or Singapore are your best sources.

Hi Ron....

I sent it to United Radio in NY at the behest of Integra USA....they came up empty by trying to repair it with existing motherboard in place. Eventually did a full retrofit of new mobo into unit. According to the chief of the tech dept over there...when you flash firmware, you are not simply flashing one eeprom, you are flashing onto several eeproms AND also writing code onto main processor of unit...he said when a firmware flash gets interrupted or crashes mid-write...all these chips become corrupted, usually irretrievably.

Anyways, they replaced the mobo and still unit wouldn't work...believe it or not....i gather from the snippets of info i rec'd that they nuked the second board themselves because they wanted to put v2.00 on it too. Next step, they ship unit to Integra USA to have the factory technicians work on it themselves. Over that time there was plenty of discussion about doing an outright exchange....no stock anywhere to support that thought. The Integra USA technicians put a third mobo in it w/ 2.00 & did a week long bench test. Unit fixed, shipped back to United Radio.....where thay proceeded to 'misplace' it for... i dunno, must have been 8 days. After 'finding' it, they bench test it again for a couple days.

This marks the end of month 3.

(optional reading, but i have to vent i suppose)

Next step, United Radio ships unit to wrong, non-existent address in California. Yah, lets have my expensive pre/pro on a UPS tractor trailer for 16 more days. :(
Unit comes back to UR...box appears damaged.....they bench test for a few more days.

End of month 4. (i'm not making this up)

UR overnights my rdc to my residence in western Canada. At this point i expected to get a box full of loose circuit boards. Unit seems to work fine & not a scratch on it....a miracle in itself. When this all started there was also talk of it not being covered in the warranty....but other than the shipping down there, there was no cost.

I guess the experience was priceless. :rolleyes:

It's bloody amazing the hell that a 5 dollar serial cable can raise.

I realize this is not what you what to hear, but seems to me
United Radio is the perfect complement to Integra Research.

IR started with a design bordering on the idiotic; followed
with touting an upgrade capability the unit doesn't actually
have. UR picked up with amazing cluelessness: they couldn't
fix the unit; replaced the mother board; screwed that one
up, too; misplaced the unit; shipped it to a wrong address.

I shudder to think what will happen when the warranty period
is over and consumers are told to pay for all this BS. I wonder
if a class action will be in order.

-- Ron

I realize this is not what you what to hear, but seems to me
United Radio is the perfect complement to Integra Research.

IR started with a design bordering on the idiotic; followed
with touting an upgrade capability the unit doesn't actually
have. UR picked up with amazing cluelessness: they couldn't
fix the unit; replaced the mother board; screwed that one
up, too; misplaced the unit; shipped it to a wrong address.

I shudder to think what will happen when the warranty period
is over and consumers are told to pay for all this BS. I wonder
if a class action will be in order.
Well, let's include the RDC-7 owners who are still waiting for Firewire. :mad:

I realize this is not what you what to hear, but seems to me
United Radio is the perfect complement to Integra Research.

IR started with a design bordering on the idiotic; followed
with touting an upgrade capability the unit doesn't actually
have. UR picked up with amazing cluelessness: they couldn't
fix the unit; replaced the mother board; screwed that one
up, too; misplaced the unit; shipped it to a wrong address.

I shudder to think what will happen when the warranty period
is over and consumers are told to pay for all this BS. I wonder
if a class action will be in order.

-- Ron

....yes, looking back it does sound like a perfect match...IR and UR...two peas in a pod....idiotic design followed by utterly incompetent repair....like peanut butter & jam. UR has it's own special match as well, pairing incompetent technicians with illiterate shippers it would seem. I'm still scratching my head as to how you can read.....

Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

But write.....

Edwards AFB
California

...on the weybill. Imagine waiting that long for repair, it finally goes off their loading dock, you pull up the UPS tracking online & see 'in transit, on time, Edwards AFB'.

I was actually preparing to have to pay for it.....Integra USA said initially they 'normally' won't cover failures due to 'operator error' involving firmware
writes.....i guess they changed their 'minds', maybe after their frontline repair depot nuked a mobo on their own. Having a $1500-2000 repair bill shoved in front of you after all this would have been fitting, given the prior ridiculous chain of events.

Andy

There is still hope the new Denon AVP-A1HDCI will be available before the end of the year.

There is still hope the new Denon AVP-A1HDCI will be available before the end of the year.
gimp, could you please post a link to info on that? I am "looking" for an upgrade to my RDC-7. Thanks!

gimp, could you please post a link to info on that? I am "looking" for an upgrade to my RDC-7. Thanks!

http://usa.denon.com/Denon_-_AVP-POA_-_Sept_07_-_Final.pdf

http://www.listenup.com/content/partner_stores/denon/talmadge.aug.07.page2.php

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849455

http://usa.denon.com/Denon_-_AVP-POA_-_Sept_07_-_Final.pdf

http://www.listenup.com/content/partner_stores/denon/talmadge.aug.07.page2.php

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849455
Thanks. The prices seem very stiff IMO.

whats the between the two processors?
do they sound different?

whats the between the two processors?
do they sound different?
Which two processors?

the rdc7 and rdc7.1

the rdc7 and rdc7.1
Doh! Of course, the two processors that are the subject of this thread. There are (quite?) a few here that own/owned them both and they are qualified to answer that. I'm still on the RDC-7.

I think the NAD T175 might turn out to be one of the best buys of the next generation prepros:
http://www.audioholics.com/news/trade-show-coverage/2007-cedia-expo/nad-t175-t975-t955

...the two processors are quite different...with an rdc-7.1, imagine the excellent sound of the rdc-7 but add a well engineered, forward looking upgradable chassis w/ card slot design.....anything, i mean anything you can imagine comes on an add on card.....plus, get this: user upgradable firmware...only a click of a mouse away. :D

.....ok, i'm drunk.

thanks aps. but do they sound the same?

They apparently sound somewhat different. The 7.1 users Wolfson dacs whilst the 7.0 use Burr Brown. Also, the 7.0 has a highend dual differential setup for the front pair whilst the RDC-7.1 uses a normal single ended setup. Sound wise the RDC-7.1 is brighter/more detailed.

Ok just wondering what is Integras top processor? is it the rdc7.1 or the DTC 9.8?

They apparently sound somewhat different. The 7.1 users Wolfson dacs whilst the 7.0 use Burr Brown. Also, the 7.0 has a highend dual differential setup for the front pair whilst the RDC-7.1 uses a normal single ended setup. Sound wise the RDC-7.1 is brighter/more detailed.

Sonic quality is the one thing I cannot fault the RDC-7.1 on.
Given a good source and followed by good power-amps and
speakers, it's as good as it gets. I feel no need for better
sound, if such exists.

As to engineering, implementation and reliability -- these are
a different story altogether. The upgradeability is a sham --
both H/W and S/W. It looks like Onkyo has no clue of the
concept of Best Engineering Practice, let alone Worst Case
Design. While the industrial design is very good, execution is
a joke (on the user). Had I known what was ahead, I would
never had bought the beast.

That said, if one can find a used unit in excellent shape and
proven operational integrity (and assuming a full or near full
set of cards) for a couple of grand, I think it would still be a
worthwhile deal.

-- Ron

sound quailty wise and not featurewise which one would be the one to go for:
rdc7
rdc7.1
dtc9.8

thanks

Ok just wondering what is Integras top processor? is it the rdc7.1 or the DTC 9.8?
The RDC-7.1 is not from Integra. It is from Integra Research, which is positioned as a higher end company than Integra. Both are divisions of Onkyo.

oh thanks.

but still need my question to be answered as its confusing as to which one is the better one.

oh thanks.

but still need my question to be answered as its confusing as to which one is the better one.

I think its more down to taste and the rest of your components. The IR units are better built and have the Apogee clock system but I have not compared a DTC-9.8 to the IR units so cannot say which sounds better.

If I were buying now for a new setup I would buy the DTC-9.8 because HDMI1.3 support and the new formats is a big feature advantage. But if you currently have ILink sources or think HDMI is useless then a second hand RDC-7.1 might be a better choice.

....well, as to whichever one 'sounds better' is highly subjective to say the least.

As mentioned, 'Integra Research' is meant to be the top tier of the 'Onkyo Group'...which comprises Onkyo / Integra / Integra Research. You have two Integra Research sets, the rdc7.0 & the rdc7.1. You have the just released DTC-9.8 prepro of the Integra line.

The rdc7.0 is long off warranty....it's successor, the rdc7.1 is sold out but could be had 2nd hand, still with some warranty left of the 3 years possibly, something to consider. The DTC-9.8 obviously can be bought new.

In theory, the Integra Research products will use 'top tier' discrete components compared to comparable units from Onkyo and Integra...will a 2nd hand 7.1 sound 'better' than a new DTC-9.8....heck i dunno, as was mentioned the 7.1 probably sounds as clean & quiet as you can imagine, i can agree i can't imagine anything sounding significantly better. But it depends what's also in the food chain.

If you are hell bent on giving Onkyo your business, i would get a DTC-9.8 & then
sit and wait what IR comes up with for the true successor to the RDC-7.1 which rumor has it is a 2008 product, possibly. Or as mentioned a used RDC-7.1 at a heavy discount, preferably with some warranty buffer left.

Actually, if i were to get a DTC-9.8....i would get the 'Onkyo-Pro' version...i forget the model number, hardware equivalent, but cosmetically much much cleaner if that matters.

...me i'm looking elsewhere for an eventual RDC-7.1 replacement (unless when the 'RDC-7.2' shows up, there is an extremely generous 'trade-up' program :rolleyes:) Way, way too many broken promises...promises that for most of us, got our business in the first place.

I think the RDC-7.1s sucessor wont be released until Q4 08 or Q1 09. Reasoning for this is they always release an amp and disc spinner to match but Onkyo are unlikely to be ready to produce a high end HD player until at least Q4 08.

I think the RDC-7.1s sucessor wont be released until Q4 08 or Q1 09. Reasoning for this is they always release an amp and disc spinner to match but Onkyo are unlikely to be ready to produce a high end HD player until at least Q4 08.
Well, that's about a year too late for me . . .

.....i would agree with that, if it's 2008, then late 2008, if at all.

I'm going to seriously consider going with whatever Bryston cooks up for their next pre/pro successor to SP-2, from what i've read at the Bryston audiocircle, late 2008 they should be close to SP-2 w/ hirez audio support or more likely an 'SP-3' whatever that entails. It will be more money, but the company treats their customers like gold......& their engineers aren't apt to making promises no one can keep. Maybe between now and then there'll be a firewire 'partial solution' of some sort.

Firewire/Ilink is only a partial solution if you are a 7.1 user. If implemented properly it could be a complete solution for 5.1.

Does the RDC-7.1 accept 7.1 LPCM over HDMI and apply processing to it?

No it does not accept any PCM multichannel over HDMI. The ILink port support 5.1 24/96 LPCM and possibly 5.1 24/192 LPCM.

Is there a rackmount kit available for the RDC-7/RDC-7.1?

Is there a rackmount kit available for the RDC-7/RDC-7.1?

I doubt it. Never saw one offered and due to the three dimensional front
panel design, making rack ears would be difficult and expensive. If forced
to rack mount, I would mount the unit onto a rack shelf. It's doable; the
RDC-7.1 width is 17-3/4" and height without feet is 6-3/4".

-- Ron

Is anyone thinking of "upgrading" their RDC 7.1 for the Onkyo Pro 885? I hear they have an upgrade program going. Since I use mine exclusively in the theater, I think the features (new codec processing, Audyssey) would be useful.

Does anyone know what one could sell the RDC7.1 for, in excellent condition?

Jeff

Is anyone thinking of "upgrading" their RDC 7.1 for the Onkyo Pro 885? I hear they have an upgrade program going. Since I use mine exclusively in the theater, I think the features (new codec processing, Audyssey) would be useful.

Does anyone know what one could sell the RDC7.1 for, in excellent condition?

Jeff

Would you send to the uk?

Is anyone thinking of "upgrading" their RDC 7.1 for the Onkyo Pro 885? I hear they have an upgrade program going. Since I use mine exclusively in the theater, I think the features (new codec processing, Audyssey) would be useful.

Does anyone know what one could sell the RDC7.1 for, in excellent condition?

Jeff
An Onkyo/Onkyo Pro/Integra/Integra Research (whew) program for RDC-7.1 for the 885? I know that's what you just asked, but I had no idea that they did that across the entire line. Wonder if it includes the RDC-7?

Would you send to the uk? Probably. I don't know what the shipping cost would be, though.

When you find out can you private message me?

Is anyone thinking of "upgrading" their RDC 7.1 for the Onkyo Pro 885? I hear they have an upgrade program going. Since I use mine exclusively in the theater, I think the features (new codec processing, Audyssey) would be useful.

Does anyone know what one could sell the RDC7.1 for, in excellent condition?

Jeff

Do you have any additional information / links on this? I have an RDC 7.1 and would like to upgrade to an HDMI 1.3 (or higher) PrePro to take advantage of high def audio from HD and BD DVDs. And I would like to have room correction again (had it on my previous MC-12).

So far, I have seen no mention of an RDC 7.1 replacement from Integra Research, and the Onkyo Pro and Integra PrePros seem like the best deals in town by far.

Thanks
Bruce

I am also very interested. I have sent an email to EIKI and to the local Onkyo Pro dealer to inquire about any RDC 7.1 trade details. I too miss my Lexicon MC-12Bv5EQ's. I still have two RDC 7.1's. Was hoping that the RDC 7.1 is still useful for new BD/HD-DVD, etc. Buying a player that has onboard decoding like on the new Samsung 5000 combo player (or possibly new Marantz). Then the TrueHD, etc is output via 7.1 for direct input to the RDC 7.1 and the HDMI video can bypass RDC 7.1 directly to source. If a trade in program exists, then I can just by a player that outputs LPCM through HDMI.
Know there likely will not be an RDC 7.1 replacement, most have gone to Integra 9.8.
Mike

as good as integra research is i doubt that it will be around next year since integra and
onkyo offer pre-pros and the fact they have not offered any upgrades.

This may be restated from earlier (long ago) postings, but my dealer had told me that the card-based system will be abandoned. Discussions regarding that two card slots would be required to decode the new formats, and the design did not allow for that. Somehow an internal jumper could have solved that problem (Lexicon did this once), but that would require opening the unit...or having an authorized dealer perform the upgrade.

It is beyond me why anyone who owned an RDC-7.1 would ever consider buying another O/I/IR product, but here you go:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11660693#post11660693

I have an IR RDC-7.1 and a RDV-1.1. The sound quality has been very good, and so far, I have not experienced problems with the units. I still have a rear projection unit and am not using an HDMI source. I have the analog input card, so I can rely on a player decoding for now if I go to a hi-rez player. I also have owned an Onkyo receiver in the past. However, I do not intend to ever purchase another Onkyo/Integra/Integra Research product. This is entirely due to the manner these linked companies have handled problems and upgrades. My hat is off to those dealers who have done well by their customers and have provided valuable info to the participants here--Eric, you specifically. Prior to purchasing these units, I had read the multitude of posts from the IR RDC-7 owners, who were very frustrated with lack of response for promised upgrades. Fast forward to now with the same type complaints. The upgrade/trade-in program is very poor. Once the current generation of offerings are plentiful in the pipeline, significant discounts will be negotiable without trade-in. I suspect that these companies are not doing anything out of pocket themselves--the program is designed to get dealers to participate and sell the trade-ins. As long as consumers continue to purchase these lines heavily, these companies have no incentive to act differently. I have made my decision not to support them in the future with my purchases unless they substantially change their ways with documented, continual actions over marketing hype.

Regards,
Will

It is beyond me why anyone who owned an RDC-7.1 would ever consider buying another O/I/IR product.
The trade-in offer comes up a bit short, imo. I just ordered an 885 for $1300 delivered. At $900 and an out-of-warrenty RDC-7.1, I'd keep the 7.1 and use it for a system in another room. He77, I'd put a system in my bathroom before forking it over for $400.

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I didn't know the "upgrade" program has been going on since Sept. Not a good deal, though. My RDC7.1 has been working fine, but I would like a unit with the new codecs and HDMI 1.3 processing.

Is there any other pre/pro that offers the same features as the 885, from another company? Denon?

The trade-in offer comes up a bit short, imo. I just ordered an 885 for $1300 delivered. At $900 and an out-of-warrenty RDC-7.1, I'd keep the 7.1 and use it for a system in another room. He77, I'd put a system in my bathroom before forking it over for $400.


I sold my old RDC 7 for $800 and bought a new 885, so I did better than the trade in program.

The 885 with HDMI and pure mode is better than the RDC 7.
The 885 does a better job with DD and DTS as well.
The RDC 7 did better with Toslink and Coax connections, perhaps due to the Apogee clock.

So basically, use it in HDMI mode and it kicks butt.;)


- Rich

I sold my old RDC 7 for $800 and bought a new 885, so I did better than the trade in program.
Unless one simply does not want to be bothered with a private sale, this will almost always be the case.

The 885 with HDMI and pure mode is better than the RDC 7.
The 885 does a better job with DD and DTS as well.
The RDC 7 did better with Toslink and Coax connections, perhaps due to the Apogee clock.
I have an RDC-7 and an OP 885 on order, so I appreciate comments like these verifying my wisdom. :D

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I didn't know the "upgrade" program has been going on since Sept. Not a good deal, though. My RDC7.1 has been working fine, but I would like a unit with the new codecs and HDMI 1.3 processing.

Is there any other pre/pro that offers the same features as the 885, from another company? Denon?

http://nadelectronics.com/products/home-theatre-amplifiers/T175-Surround-Sound-Preamplifier/

No advanced format decoding but this should not really matter because it accepts 7.1 PCM over HDMI. In the past NAD have made some excellent soudning gear.

The loss of balanced outputs will not likely cause any performance difference compared to the DTC-9.8 because the DTC-9.8 is a single ended design internally.

The loss of balanced outputs will not likely cause any performance difference compared to the DTC-9.8 because the DTC-9.8 is a single ended design internally.
The "performance" hit with no balanced outputs is that longer runs between pre/pro and power amp(s) are problematic. People with short runs shouldn't be using them and people with long runs shouldn't do without.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/home-theatre-amplifiers/T175-Surround-Sound-Preamplifier/

No advanced format decoding but this should not really matter because it accepts 7.1 PCM over HDMI. In the past NAD have made some excellent soudning gear.

The loss of balanced outputs will not likely cause any performance difference compared to the DTC-9.8 because the DTC-9.8 is a single ended design internally.

Thanks, I have had NAD gear in the past for audio and have really liked it. However, I am using the balanced outputs now and would like to continue those. I may order the Onkyo 885.

I own an original RDC 7 and now with the HDMI specs finally straightening themselves out and Blu-ray apparently close to winning the hi-res wars and Pioneer demo-ing their infinite black Kuro plasmas, I'm thinking of upgrading my processor, DVD and plasma TV over the course of the next year or two (wife willing!).

I haven't been on the board for a while, but it looks like some folks aren't very happy with IR and, as I remember it, I wasn't very happy with them when the 7.1 was announced and my "future proof" 7.0 was no longer upgradeable.

So, the processor would have to be upgraded first and I'm looking for some opinions of what you'd upgrade to today in the $5K range if you had to replace your RDC 7.0/7.1?

I haven't had any problems with my RDC 7, but I'm still miffed a bit about O/I/IR's support for supposedly future proof products (perhaps our definitions are different) so even though the DTC-9.8 has gotten some good reviews, I don' t know that I'd give them my money, (also, I have an Audyssey equalizer, so I don't need that in a pre/pro) at least not without exploring alternatives. At any rate, I'm thinking Anthem AVM-50, but I've just started this train of thought....thanks!

CG

Even though I am not too happy about the lack of upgrades for the IR, I just ordered the Onkyo Pro 885. Although it may not have the quality of the IR products, it is very inexpensive for what does, so I'm going to give it a try. I use mine exclusively for theater use, so I don't need a high end 2 channel processor. There really aren't any high end prepros out there that do all the advanced codecs, Audyssey set up, etc that the Onkyo does. I am slightly concerned about the audio delay issue, but apparently it is present in other manufacturer's equipment with 3 DSPs as well. I watch almost exclusively movies in the theater, so I don't think it will affect me that much.

Jeff

I'm with you, O/I/IR (hereafter referred to as OInK) doesn't get any more of my $$$. My current plan is to get the new Denon AVP-A1HDCI, which you will be able to easily get for 20% off msrp, which is close to your target. Should hit the streets any day now.

Also, check out http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940065

and

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/hands-on-with-denons-super-separates/

I'm with you, O/I/IR (hereafter referred to as OInK) doesn't get any more of my $$$. My current plan is to get the new Denon AVP-A1HDCI, which you will be able to easily get for 20% off msrp, which is close to your target. Should hit the streets any day now.

Also, check out http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940065

and

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/hands-on-with-denons-super-separates/

I happen to own a Denon AVP-8000, a 1998 era pre-pro.
While ambitious for its time and sonically satisfying, it had
some of the very problems I later experienced with my IR
RDC-7.1.

First, the design was dead end, in that what you saw was
exactly what you got -- no future proofing whatsoever.
Second (and more important) reliability was piss poor. The
unit had problems that Denon could not solve. Like IR,
they were difficult to deal with. Like IR, they resorted to
unit replacements. The one I have on my shelf now is the
third unit (this one finally worked sorrectly). It's connected
through the RDC-7.1 to provide Laser disc RF to AC-3
decoding and an RDS FM tuner.

I had similar problems with the Denon DVD-3800 -- a high
end DVD player that was problematic to the extreme.
Denon promised to replace it with a higher cost unit (I
was to pay the hefty difference), but couldn't even do
that. They ended up returning my money.

I would be leery of buying a Denon product again -- at
least, without verifying that it's been on the market for
a while and that the design is resonably reliable.

-- Ron

In spite of advertising and even the best intentions of a manufacturer, isn't it rare that any piece of A/V gear gets to be upgraded for more than a few minor advancements? And most A/V gear never gets any more functionality/capability than it has on day 1?

Well, at the time that they brought out the 7.0, they said it was upgradeable, talked about the upgrade that had already happened and the dealer indicated that it would upgradeable for a while. Then to find out that upgrades would not be supported beyond that and they came out with the 7.1, it was a let down. Then the 7.1 was supposed to be upgradeable and, with the slot card system, you'd always be able to upgrade it, again it was a disappointment.

The issue is one of managing expectations, they didn't do a good job of it.

I own an original RDC 7 and now with the HDMI specs finally straightening themselves out and Blu-ray apparently close to winning the hi-res wars and Pioneer demo-ing their infinite black Kuro plasmas, I'm thinking of upgrading my processor, DVD and plasma TV over the course of the next year or two (wife willing!).

I haven't been on the board for a while, but it looks like some folks aren't very happy with IR and, as I remember it, I wasn't very happy with them when the 7.1 was announced and my "future proof" 7.0 was no longer upgradeable.

So, the processor would have to be upgraded first and I'm looking for some opinions of what you'd upgrade to today in the $5K range if you had to replace your RDC 7.0/7.1?

I haven't had any problems with my RDC 7, but I'm still miffed a bit about O/I/IR's support for supposedly future proof products (perhaps our definitions are different) so even though the DTC-9.8 has gotten some good reviews, I don' t know that I'd give them my money, (also, I have an Audyssey equalizer, so I don't need that in a pre/pro) at least not without exploring alternatives. At any rate, I'm thinking Anthem AVM-50, but I've just started this train of thought....thanks!

CG

I rather like the look of the Halcro. It is only HDMI1.1 but that is good enough. The other one to look out for is the new Cary VP Prepro combo.

I own an original RDC 7 and now with the HDMI specs finally straightening themselves out and Blu-ray apparently close to winning the hi-res wars and Pioneer demo-ing their infinite black Kuro plasmas, I'm thinking of upgrading my processor, DVD and plasma TV over the course of the next year or two (wife willing!).

I haven't been on the board for a while, but it looks like some folks aren't very happy with IR and, as I remember it, I wasn't very happy with them when the 7.1 was announced and my "future proof" 7.0 was no longer upgradeable.

So, the processor would have to be upgraded first and I'm looking for some opinions of what you'd upgrade to today in the $5K range if you had to replace your RDC 7.0/7.1?

I haven't had any problems with my RDC 7, but I'm still miffed a bit about O/I/IR's support for supposedly future proof products (perhaps our definitions are different) so even though the DTC-9.8 has gotten some good reviews, I don' t know that I'd give them my money, (also, I have an Audyssey equalizer, so I don't need that in a pre/pro) at least not without exploring alternatives. At any rate, I'm thinking Anthem AVM-50, but I've just started this train of thought....thanks!

CG

....another possible alternative at that price point...or perhaps slightly higher would be the Bryston SP-3 which is in development & which will be an audio-only processor, successor to SP-2, & handle hires audio formats w/ hdmi etc. Depending on your timeline...they should have more info later this year. They are in my opinion the benchmark for customer service and have some history of catering to upgrading legacy units to some extent. Iirc, SP-1.7 owners could get their units upgraded to SP-2.

It's my understanding that the SP-3 will be a ground up processor redesign & then, if and what, can and will be able to be ported/engineered to SP-2 owners will be addressed also.

Andy

A quick question for RDC-7.1 owners. If a digital 5.1 (3 Coaxial inputs) modification for the multichannel input card were made available for the NR1000 for <$350 and your Blu/HD player could be modified to output 5.1 (over 3 coaxials) for <$350 would you be interested?

This hypothetical mod would essentially provide full quality 5.1 digital output from an appropriate Bluray player (Eg. Denon 3800 or Panasonic BD50).

A quick question for RDC-7.1 owners. If a digital 5.1 (3 Coaxial inputs) modification for the multichannel input card were made available for the NR1000 for <$350 and your Blu/HD player could be modified to output 5.1 (over 3 coaxials) for <$350 would you be interested?

This hypothetical mod would essentially provide full quality 5.1 digital output from an appropriate Bluray player (Eg. Denon 3800 or Panasonic BD50).

Would you please elaborate? AFAIK, we alrerady
have a 'full quality' digital 5.1 format requiring a
single coaxial cable, with either AES connector
(for the C-AES card) or RCA connector (for the
Digital I/O card).

I am not aware of any DD5.1 scheme that uses 3
coaxial cables. If such existed, I do not see how
it would offer any improvement over the current
single cable solution. So, no, I would not spend
$700 to achieve the exact same result I already
have.

-- Ron

Would you please elaborate? AFAIK, we alrerady
have a 'full quality' digital 5.1 format requiring a
single coaxial cable, with either AES connector
(for the C-AES card) or RCA connector (for the
Digital I/O card).

I am not aware of any DD5.1 scheme that uses 3
coaxial cables. If such existed, I do not see how
it would offer any improvement over the current
single cable solution. So, no, I would not spend
$700 to achieve the exact same result I already
have.

-- Ron

It is for the new formats like Dolby TruHD and DTSHD Master. The modified player decodes these formats to 5.1 PCM and outputs 2 channels of full quality 24/96 pcm over each coaxial cable.

It would allow us to get full quality digital transfer of True HD and DTS HD from an appropriately equipped Bluray player.

A quick question for RDC-7.1 owners. If a digital 5.1 (3 Coaxial inputs) modification for the multichannel input card were made available for the NR1000 for <$350 and your Blu/HD player could be modified to output 5.1 (over 3 coaxials) for <$350 would you be interested?

This hypothetical mod would essentially provide full quality 5.1 digital output from an appropriate Bluray player (Eg. Denon 3800 or Panasonic BD50).

Not interested. Just ordered a Denon AVP-A1HDCI & DVD-2500BTCI.

Not interested. Just ordered a Denon AVP-A1HDCI & DVD-2500BTCI.

Congrats... I'm looking for a cheaper option though :)

Congrats... I'm looking for a cheaper option though :)

Would the analog out of the new sony and panasonic with internal decoding
be the easiest route besides nothing else i know of is going make use of
the new audio formats.

Would the analog out of the new sony and panasonic with internal decoding
be the easiest route besides nothing else i know of is going make use of
the new audio formats.

Yes the easiest route is the Analogue outs of these players

If the triple coax digital mod works on the RDC-7.1 though then these players modified would offer the equivilent of HDMI 1.1 uncompressed audio into the RDC-7.1 which should be quite a bit better than Analogue.

It is for the new formats like Dolby TruHD and DTSHD Master. The modified player decodes these formats to 5.1 PCM and outputs 2 channels of full quality 24/96 pcm over each coaxial cable.

It would allow us to get full quality digital transfer of True HD and DTS HD from an appropriately equipped Bluray player.
What I have read about these lossless formats so far,
indicates that all one needs is an HDMI 1.3 connection
between the player and a pre-pro/receiver capable of
decoding these formats, plus a properly encoded disc.

There are currently some limitations that limit resolution,
but these are said to stem from current chips, not
cabling. (For eaxmple, See:

http://ultimateavmag.com/features/807hdmi13/)

Would you name any piece of equipment that utilizes
three separate coax cables?

-- Ron

Only modded players and some Meridian and TACT players offer triple coax output. Meridian, TACT and some older Denon Receivers have factory fitted triple coax inputs.

This mod will hopefully allow the equivilent of HDMI 1.1 uncompressed 5.1 PCM input into the RDC-7.1. Lossless triple coax inputs are better than anything else the RDC-7.1 can offer (Single Coax lossy or lossless 7.1 analogue).

Only modded players and some Meridian and TACT players offer triple coax output. Meridian, TACT and some older Denon Receivers have factory fitted triple coax inputs.

This mod will hopefully allow the equivilent of HDMI 1.1 uncompressed 5.1 PCM input into the RDC-7.1. Lossless triple coax inputs are better than anything else the RDC-7.1 can offer (Single Coax lossy or lossless 7.1 analogue).

Thanks. It still seems to me there is no advantage to
triple coax vs. standard HDMI 1.3, that -- if it ever
arrives from IR -- will cost dramatically less than $700.

To answer your original question: considering the high
cost and dearth of lossless S/W, I would not order
these mods from IR and whoever makes the BluRay
player I will eventually buy. I doubt you will find many
that will arrive at a different decision.

Regards,

-- Ron

I think the mod concept is interesting. This sounds like what had previously been available as mods for SACD for users like Meridian who wanted to avoid an A-D additional conversion. I had been hoping a BluRay with Firewire out. Though periodic rumors, I have not seen anything concrete coming. There will not be an HDMI update for current RDC-7.1, so if no Firewire or a player that will decode all the new formats and provide enough bass management and distance parameters with analog outputs, RDC-7.1 owners have little option left other than a mod or moving to completely new hardware.

Warranty on the RDC-7.1 will be a non-issue very shortly for me. However, a new player that is modded will not have a manufacturer warranty. This would need to be addressed. I would also be curious as to what sample rate we are talking about. I would also want to know if the modded player would still have a fully functional HDMI output that could work in unison with the mod--you could still end up with a different processor/receiver down the line and you would not want to lose full video capability.

Will

I think the mod concept is interesting. This sounds like what had previously been available as mods for SACD for users like Meridian who wanted to avoid an A-D additional conversion. I had been hoping a BluRay with Firewire out. Though periodic rumors, I have not seen anything concrete coming. There will not be an HDMI update for current RDC-7.1, so if no Firewire or a player that will decode all the new formats and provide enough bass management and distance parameters with analog outputs, RDC-7.1 owners have little option left other than a mod or moving to completely new hardware.

Warranty on the RDC-7.1 will be a non-issue very shortly for me. However, a new player that is modded will not have a manufacturer warranty. This would need to be addressed. I would also be curious as to what sample rate we are talking about. I would also want to know if the modded player would still have a fully functional HDMI output that could work in unison with the mod--you could still end up with a different processor/receiver down the line and you would not want to lose full video capability.

Will

Hi Will,

It is the same mod board being used by MEridian owners:
http://www.switch-box.com/3x_S_PDIF_Transceiver_%28In_Out%29_board.html

The creator of the board has been looking at the RDC-7.1 service manual and is fairly certain it will work. The RDC-7.1 takes analogue sound and converts it to 24/96 digital which is then passed to the DSPs. The master clock, divider and output type are all comptible with the board linked above.

The big question is if it will accept anything other other than 24/96 on the multi channel inputs. The signal path followed by multichannel is the same as ILink so the hardware can but how the software/firmware would react to say a 24/48 signal on that input is inknow at present and likely will be just need testing.

All the modded players leave the HDMI output fully operational. The output rate varies depending on the player. For example some players output the native rate of the soundtrack but others upconvert everthing to 24/96 (Ideal behaviour if this is the only sample rate the RDC-7.1 will accept).

Player warranty should not be of too much concern. The mod currently works on all Toshiba HDDVD players and future mods would be aimed at the cheaper players that convert all formats to PCM (Sony 550 and Panasoic BD50) so at least you aren't risking warranty on a $2000+ unit.

I thought about if I would still need this mod if Pioneer release a Blu player with full ILink support and the answer is I still need it because I can then mod my Toshiba HD-XE1 with it. If Pioneer dont release an ILink player then I will likely get a Samsung UP5000 (If they fix the firmware) or Panasonic BD50 modded.

Krobar,

Thank you for the info. I have neither HD DVD or BluRay yet, but now am considering moving into BluRay. I would prefer the ILink player, so I will hold for a bit to see what materializes. Without it, I would be willing to pursue the mods. For the Intergra, I would lose the analog Multichannel capability, but I bought that card for insurance purposes and it has not been used up to now.

Regards,
Will

I have an RDC-7.1 tuner card that I never use (I do listen to
FM, but through an external tuner). I'd be willing to sell it very
reasonably.

-- Ron

With the recent firmware upgrades I think the LG BH200 would be a good candidate for the Coax mod. Seems it will soon work properly with all HD Discs and decodes all Dolby formats to PCM.

According to the dealer i bought my RDC-7.1 from, Integra Research has officially abandoned the US market with no plans to resume. Those IR boys can pull some wacky tricks eh?

According to the dealer i bought my RDC-7.1 from, Integra Research has officially abandoned the US market with no plans to resume. Those IR boys can pull some wacky tricks eh?

Thius is correct...I just sold my RDC-7 and moved into an Integra DTC-9.8, while the 9.8 is not broke in yet, I miss the sound of my RDC-7 so far. Integra Research is indeed going to move out of the US market, sad but true. So much for the future proof RDC-7, shame on me for thinking this was going to be the case.

........at this point i don't share your sadness...i get more of a 'good riddance' vibe after the whole IR experience personally. ;)

........at this point i don't share your sadness...i get more of a 'good riddance' vibe after the whole IR experience personally. ;)

Well, I am stuck with a soon out of warranty
$5000 RDC-7.1, that will never meet the promised
expandability/upgradability. It will become an
expensive paper weight as soon as the first hard
fault hits it, as I am sure it eventually will.

When this happens, I don't know what I will
replace it with. So, yes, I am sad.

-- Ron

Well, I am stuck with a soon out of warranty
$5000 RDC-7.1, that will never meet the promised
expandability/upgradability. It will become an
expensive paper weight as soon as the first hard
fault hits it, as I am sure it eventually will.

When this happens, I don't know what I will
replace it with. So, yes, I am sad.

-- Ron

Their PR is some of the worse but their product was one of the best at the
time hate to see this happen.

Well i guess truthfully i have mixed feelings about it....on the one hand it IS a great sounding piece of gear...on the other the implementation of the 'core concept' of (lets not even use the
upgradable word) let's call it 'hardware expansion' & user servicable firmware upgrades, has been dismal at best. But, no one could have predicted the debacle that has been hdmi & the massive revisions to it's specifications from 1.0 to the latest w// hires audio....so i suppose from that standpoint there were some unforeseen consequences of the chosen motherboard design.

There IS no excuse for the horrendous customer service that seems to be pervasive throughout the Onkyo/Integra/IR system......i recently, begrudgingly had to go through this again trying to source a C-Multi (dual analog 7.1) card....you'd think buying the absolute top product they have made would garner some modicum of respect/attention on the phone. Four phone calls, several people each time, all contradicting one another.....finally get a 'manager of parts sales' who admitted they still stock them & other cards, but 'well we only carry a couple of each'.....what does that mean exactly?...you want to horde them for posterity?...when asked why the other people in the food chain said only the hd/sat radio cards were avail., i was told 'oh they were probably just being lazy'. I guess their recruiting is done during junior high recess.

~Andy

....as to what to replace the unit with eventually, i am going to look hard at the Bryston SP-3 which is currently being developed...i think a tentative eta will be this time next year. It will have a hefty price tag, but industry leading warranty & customer support go a long way with me. With the new Pioneer & other players that are purportedly able to decode over their 7.1 outs & my new handy-dandy C-multi card...(found locally after all that hassle, who knew?)...i'm hoping to hobble along until then.

Btw, what are we needing from these players?...it's my understanding the rdc-7.1 current
speaker level/timings are not applied to 7.1 analog inputs. But, there are seperate levels
configurable only for 7.1 input within the rdc-7.1, correct....just no speaker timing....do i have this right?

~Andy

....as to what to replace the unit with eventually

Replaced mine with a Denon AVP-A1HDCI and am extremely happy. The AVP is truely awesome. Got a great deal on it too.

....as to what to replace the unit with eventually, i am going to look hard at the Bryston SP-3 which is currently being developed...i think a tentative eta will be this time next year. It will have a hefty price tag, but industry leading warranty & customer support go a long way with me. With the new Pioneer & other players that are purportedly able to decode over their 7.1 outs & my new handy-dandy C-multi card...(found locally after all that hassle, who knew?)...i'm hoping to hobble along until then.

Btw, what are we needing from these players?...it's my understanding the rdc-7.1 current
speaker level/timings are not applied to 7.1 analog inputs. But, there are seperate levels
configurable only for 7.1 input within the rdc-7.1, correct....just no speaker timing....do i have this right?

~Andy

I'm looking at the following upcoming Prepros for replacement:
Classe SSP-800 (EXPENSIVE but if anything like the AVP2 should be superb)
Bryston SP-3 (A long way off)
Cary Cinema 11A (Soonish and looks good)

The RDC-7.1 can convert the 7.1 input to 24/96 digital and apply all speaker processing and THX and DPL2X so no limitations there!

For thos hoping for an Ilink capable Pioneer Blu player, this is officially cancelled. When it went from the BDP-LX90 to the BDP-LX91 ILink was dropped.

The last hope IMHO is the 5/7.1 SPDIF input mod but this needs someone who lives half local to the guy who does these to take their RDC-7.1 in to be fitted.

I'm looking at the following upcoming Prepros for replacement:
Classe SSP-800 (EXPENSIVE but if anything like the AVP2 should be superb)
Bryston SP-3 (A long way off)
Cary Cinema 11A (Soonish and looks good)

The RDC-7.1 can convert the 7.1 input to 24/96 digital and apply all speaker processing and THX and DPL2X so no limitations there!

For thos hoping for an Ilink capable Pioneer Blu player, this is officially cancelled. When it went from the BDP-LX90 to the BDP-LX91 ILink was dropped.

The last hope IMHO is the 5/7.1 SPDIF input mod but this needs someone who lives half local to the guy who does these to take their RDC-7.1 in to be fitted.

Krobar, sorry to hear about the loss of I.LINK on the LX91, but like I've said many times before, I.LINK is dead. Why aren't you interested in the Denon AVP-A1HDCI? At the risk of sounding like a fanboy, this unit is truely awesome. Plus, if you have a Denon DVD player you can use Denon Link. I've got a Denon DVD-3910 which I connected via I.LINK to the RDC. I now connect it to the AVP via Denon Link, and SACD and DVD-A are fantastic. Late this year or next I expect Denon to launch a flagship BR player with SACD & DVD-A. There is even speculation they may do a Denon Link 4 which may provide for jitterless TrueHD, DTS-HD Master, etc.

Krobar, sorry to hear about the loss of I.LINK on the LX91, but like I've said many times before, I.LINK is dead. Why aren't you interested in the Denon AVP-A1HDCI? At the risk of sounding like a fanboy, this unit is truely awesome. Plus, if you have a Denon DVD player you can use Denon Link. I've got a Denon DVD-3910 which I connected via I.LINK to the RDC. I now connect it to the AVP via Denon Link, and SACD and DVD-A are fantastic. Late this year or next I expect Denon to launch a flagship BR player with SACD & DVD-A. There is even speculation they may do a Denon Link 4 which may provide for jitterless TrueHD, DTS-HD Master, etc.

Hi Gimp,

The Denon is of interest but will cost me a huge amount. I could sell my Lumagen VP but would have to use the proceeds from it to buy two SDI to HDMI convertors since the Denon does not have SDI.

What I like about the Denon is the very high end PCM1792 dual diff DAC setup, 6 HDMI and 12 Balanced outputs.

Connectivity wise the New Pioneer Integrated amp is best for my needs. It has ILink and AC3-RF, both things that I use. I would seriously have to listen to it at home first though beause I rather like the sound of my Integra EAD combo.

I think the Classe is too expensive for what you are getting (The Denon is a comparative bargain). The Bryston is too far off which only leaves the Cary Cinema 11A. This simple little prepro would be nearly as good for my needs as the Denon, I dont need the VP abilities of the Denon, I have no Denonlink devices, I already have a touch screen Jukebox so the Wifi and media stuff is useless to me as well.

Cinema 11A, SC-09TX or AVP-A1HDCI?

Hi Gimp,

The Denon is of interest but will cost me a huge amount. I could sell my Lumagen VP but would have to use the proceeds from it to buy two SDI to HDMI convertors since the Denon does not have SDI.

What I like about the Denon is the very high end PCM1792 dual diff DAC setup, 6 HDMI and 12 Balanced outputs.

Connectivity wise the New Pioneer Integrated amp is best for my needs. It has ILink and AC3-RF, both things that I use. I would seriously have to listen to it at home first though beause I rather like the sound of my Integra EAD combo.

I think the Classe is too expensive for what you are getting (The Denon is a comparative bargain). The Bryston is too far off which only leaves the Cary Cinema 11A. This simple little prepro would be nearly as good for my needs as the Denon, I dont need the VP abilities of the Denon, I have no Denonlink devices, I already have a touch screen Jukebox so the Wifi and media stuff is useless to me as well.

Cinema 11A, SC-09TX or AVP-A1HDCI?


Understood.

Hi Gimp,

The Denon is of interest but will cost me a huge amount. I could sell my Lumagen VP but would have to use the proceeds from it to buy two SDI to HDMI convertors since the Denon does not have SDI.

What I like about the Denon is the very high end PCM1792 dual diff DAC setup, 6 HDMI and 12 Balanced outputs.

[...]
Another consideration is that Denon is a bit like Integra
research, in that their equipment is a bit too ambitious
for their competence and their CS is on par with IR's, as
well.

Years ago I bought Denon's AVP-8000 prepro, that, at
the time, was cutting edge technology. The unit
performed well -- when it performed at all. Denon's CS
(and later, Service) were abysmal, to say the least.
Since they couldn't fix the problems, they kept shipping
me new units (actually, refurbished units, which they
called 'new'). The unit I now have it the third one.
Sounds familiar?

Along with the AV-8000 I bought Denon's AOP-8200 and
AOP-8300 power amps ($2500). The input RCA jack broke
on one of them (my fault). I called Denon for a replacment.
After weeks, they still couldn't find one, so they offered
the same $2.00 jack, mounted on a tiny PCB, for a mere
$200. Then it turned out they couldn't supply that one,
either. They kept putting me off, promising to get back
to me later, but never did. I wound up sending a letter to
their president in Japan. A couple of weeks later I received
an RCA jack in the mail (no bill, no letter, no explanation,
no apology. no nothing -- just the jack). The amp was out
of commission for three or four months, during which I must
have called them a hundred times.

Later, I was foolish enough to buy Denon's DVD-3800, a high
end DVD player. Wonderful performance -- when it worked. I
won't go into the trials and tribulations with their CS (They
never, ever, returned phone calls). After repeatedly shipping
the unit to them and repeatedly getting it back with the same
or worse fault, I gave up. I sent a letter to their US CEO (it
took two letters, Denon people couldn't or wouldn't follow
up on his promises), I finally got my money back from them
(LOL... the idiots reported it as income and the folks at the
IRS wanted their cut).

Understandably, even though the Denon AVP-A1HDCI
sounds like a great prepro (on paper), I am very leary
of buying a Denon product again.

-- Ron

Another consideration is that Denon is a bit like Integra
research, in that their equipment is a bit too ambitious
for their competence and their CS is on par with IR's, as
well.

Years ago I bought Denon's AVP-8000 prepro, that, at
the time, was cutting edge technology. The unit
performed well -- when it performed at all. Denon's CS
(and later, Service) were abysmal, to say the least.
Since they couldn't fix the problems, they kept shipping
me new units (actually, refurbished units, which they
called 'new'). The unit I now have it the third one.
Sounds familiar?

Along with the AV-8000 I bought Denon's AOP-8200 and
AOP-8300 power amps ($2500). The input RCA jack broke
on one of them (my fault). I called Denon for a replacment.
After weeks, they still couldn't find one, so they offered
the same $2.00 jack, mounted on a tiny PCB, for a mere
$200. Then it turned out they couldn't supply that one,
either. They kept putting me off, promising to get back
to me later, but never did. I wound up sending a letter to
their president in Japan. A couple of weeks later I received
an RCA jack in the mail (no bill, no letter, no explanation,
no apology. no nothing -- just the jack). The amp was out
of commission for three or four months, during which I must
have called them a hundred times.

Later, I was foolish enough to buy Denon's DVD-3800, a high
end DVD player. Wonderful performance -- when it worked. I
won't go into the trials and tribulations with their CS (They
never, ever, returned phone calls). After repeatedly shipping
the unit to them and repeatedly getting it back with the same
or worse fault, I gave up. I sent a letter to their US CEO (it
took two letters, Denon people couldn't or wouldn't follow
up on his promises), I finally got my money back from them
(LOL... the idiots reported it as income and the folks at the
IRS wanted their cut).

Understandably, even though the Denon AVP-A1HDCI
sounds like a great prepro (on paper), I am very leary
of buying a Denon product again.

-- Ron

Understood. I think it will be the Cinema 11A or no upgrade at all for me.

BTW: The upcoming BDP-LX91 from Pioneer is not the real deal, no SACD or DVD-A either (Someone at Pioneer still thinks its worth $2000+).

I'm looking at the following upcoming Prepros for replacement:
Classe SSP-800 (EXPENSIVE but if anything like the AVP2 should be superb)
Bryston SP-3 (A long way off)
Cary Cinema 11A (Soonish and looks good)

The RDC-7.1 can convert the 7.1 input to 24/96 digital and apply all speaker processing and THX and DPL2X so no limitations there!

For thos hoping for an Ilink capable Pioneer Blu player, this is officially cancelled. When it went from the BDP-LX90 to the BDP-LX91 ILink was dropped.

The last hope IMHO is the 5/7.1 SPDIF input mod but this needs someone who lives half local to the guy who does these to take their RDC-7.1 in to be fitted.

.....iirc from what Bryston's James Tanner mentioned at the Bryston audiocircle board,
1st qtr 09 they'd be close to SP3...so with a decent 7.1 blu player i'm hoping i can last until then. The rdc-7.1 has definitely run like a top since i went through that cursed debacle
of a 'firmware upgrade'..i used to get the odd lockup & scrambled display readout but nothing since. I spoke to the Canadian IR/I/Onk rep and he owned an rdc-7.1 and said there was also a '7.1a' which was an internal unpublicized revision with some hardware changes on mobo, fwiw. Maybe the mobo that got swapped into my unit is a 7.1a revision
hence it's propensity for smooth behavior.

~Andy

I have an RDC-7 that I would like to sell. Does anyone know if there is a market for this item - ebay maybe? There is one on a-gon, but it is not possible to check completed sales there. The last time I checked ebay, a few had recently been sold. They've scrolled off now though.

TIA!

- Jeff

The ones I've seen have been asking ~$700-800 on places like Audiogon, videogon and ebay. Of course, you could always pay to use the Audiogon BlueBook or www.usedprice.com.

[/B]I have an RDC-7 that I would like to sell. Does anyone know if there is a market for this item - ebay maybe? There is one on a-gon, but it is not possible to check completed sales there. The last time I checked ebay, a few had recently been sold. They've scrolled off now though.

TIA!

- Jeff

Is this price for a RDC-7 or a RDC-7.1?
What would the price be for a RDC-7.1?
Also, what are the prices for a DTC-9.8 new?
Trying to assess the merits of a RDC7.1 trade for a DTC 9.8.
Mike

Is this price for a RDC-7 or a RDC-7.1?
What would the price be for a RDC-7.1?
Also, what are the prices for a DTC-9.8 new?
Trying to assess the merits of a RDC7.1 trade for a DTC 9.8.
Mike

The RDC-7 is the one going for less than a $1000. Last
I saw, asking price for a RDC-7.1, fairly well loaded, was
$2500. Used equipment prices are fluid. This applies to
new DTC-9.8 asking prices as well, try to search the
inet.

-- Ron

The RDC-7 is the one going for less than a $1000. Last
I saw, asking price for a RDC-7.1, fairly well loaded, was
$2500. Used equipment prices are fluid. This applies to
new DTC-9.8 asking prices as well, try to search the
inet.

-- Ron
I can't imagine that they are selling many RDC-7.1's since the debut of the 9.8/885. It will be interesting when the high end pre/pro makers respond to Onkyo's killer value.

The ones I've seen have been asking ~$700-800 on places like Audiogon, videogon and ebay. Of course, you could always pay to use the Audiogon BlueBook or www.usedprice.com.

[/B]
Thanks. One just sold on Audiogon for around $700. I'll put mine up there and give it a try . .

- Jeff

[.......]
It will be interesting when the high end pre/pro makers respond to Onkyo's killer value.

We wish... I don't think high end manufacturer's do
much worrying about the RDC-7.1. It looks great on
paper but it's delivery of published features -- not
to mention, reliability -- are underwhelming.

As to the DTC-9.8, it has a serious disadvantage;
namely, it's made, sold and serviced by Onkyo. I'll
pass.

-- Ron

Hi guys!

Ok, once and for all can I use my Integra RDC 7.1 to play the new audio formats from my Bluray player,PS3?
Can I get it from hdmi, multichannel, coax??

Just so I know!
(I have read the thread but I can´t figure it out)

Yes,
I sold one, but kept another RDC 7.1.

As long as the B/R player decodes the audio codecs (TrueHD, DTS Master Audio, etc.) the RDC 7.1 can accept them through the 5.1 or 7.1 analog inputs (provided your 7.1 has a multichannel input card installed).

Some receivers/pre-pros can accept the decoded signal over HDMI 1.1 (yes 1.1) if there is enough bandwidth and the player passes via HDMI (option in bluray player, like Marantz, which I have). This is LPCM output. I do not have the HDMI input card on the RDC 7.1, so I don't know if this is possible, but it is on the pre-pro I have which doesn't decode advanced codecs internally.

That said, you are OK. However, there may be some bass management issues and B/R player settings if the analog is used. If HDMI works, then the processor can handle those as LPCM (treats as a PCM input and uses all bass management, speaker settings, etc.). If analog, the player settings have been used (small, large, etc.) so one might just pass that through.

Try to let the player do the least, if possible.

Good luck,

Mike

Yes,
I sold one, but kept another RDC 7.1.

As long as the B/R player decodes the audio codecs (TrueHD, DTS Master Audio, etc.) the RDC 7.1 can accept them through the 5.1 or 7.1 analog inputs (provided your 7.1 has a multichannel input card installed).

Some receivers/pre-pros can accept the decoded signal over HDMI 1.1 (yes 1.1) if there is enough bandwidth and the player passes via HDMI (option in bluray player, like Marantz, which I have). This is LPCM output. I do not have the HDMI input card on the RDC 7.1, so I don't know if this is possible, but it is on the pre-pro I have which doesn't decode advanced codecs internally.

That said, you are OK. However, there may be some bass management issues and B/R player settings if the analog is used. If HDMI works, then the processor can handle those as LPCM (treats as a PCM input and uses all bass management, speaker settings, etc.). If analog, the player settings have been used (small, large, etc.) so one might just pass that through.

Try to let the player do the least, if possible.

Good luck,

Mike


Hi Mike !

This is good news!!
I have the HDMI card so you think it will work over that to if you let the player do the encoding, thats realy intresting, someone here that can confirm or have tested this?
What bandwidth do you think will be needed to get this to work? And what bandwidth does the Integra have?

Before this I just saw my money fly away on a product thats was not future prof at all, now it´s some new hope i my soul ;)!

I got a demo 7.1 on Agon. There is a warranty with this one. :)

Anyone considering the 5.1 SPDIF mod, currently it is not known if the RDC-7.1 could accept only 5/7.1 24/96 or 5/7.1 16/32 to 24/96 but if the new Panny BD55 is modded then this would apparently just output 24/96 all the time so is a really good partner for a modded RDC-7.1.

Details here:
http://www.switch-box.com/3x_S_PDIF_Transceiver_%28In_Out%29_board.html
http://www.switch-box.com/S_PDIF_installation/Entries/2008/9/25_Equipment_list.html

I got asked some questions that I'm not sure about. Any help appreciated:

1) how many 7.1 inputs (I think there is one set.)

2) is there bass managment for 7.1 analog material and can it be turned off or on? (I think yes).

3) does the pro logiciix overlay onto 7.1 analog when there is only 5.1 material? (I think yes).

Thanks!

I got asked some questions that I'm not sure about. Any help appreciated:

1) how many 7.1 inputs (I think there is one set.)

2) is there bass managment for 7.1 analog material and can it be turned off or on? (I think yes).

3) does the pro logiciix overlay onto 7.1 analog when there is only 5.1 material? (I think yes).

Thanks!

1) One or two sets depiending on the input card installed (Is either 2 7.1 Inputs or a 7.1 and AES/EBU digital)

2) Yes and it can be turned off with true analogue bypass.

3) Yes

1) One or two sets depiending on the input card installed (Is either 2 7.1 Inputs or a 7.1 and AES/EBU digital)

2) Yes and it can be turned off with true analogue bypass.

3) Yes

Thanks!