Integra DHC-80.3 - Page 112

Too much bass on the back wall!

I have three rows of stepped seating, each row has four seats. The back row receives too much bass, any ideas how to correct this please?

I have followed all the correct mic positions all closer to the centre row, more than 2 feet off the back wall and mic placed higher than the back of the seats. The back wall is covered with a 2" acoustic paneling. I have two 12" Velodyne SC-600 IF/IC with SC-1250 1250w Amplifier which was initially setup with the Velodyne 5mic system, before using XT32.

Any simple solutions will be appreciated.

BTW. I havent seen any mic placement ideas when the seating is stepped, do you raise the mic for the higher seats?



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I do not know what Audyssey says on the subject, but I would believe that you set your mike tripod up for typical ear height, then keep it that way as you move up the risers. So, yes, the mike would be higher on the risers.

Sounds like you might be a good candidate for Audyssey Pro, though, and its up to 32 mike positions. If it were me, I would set the mike up at the back of each seat, plus 4 more at the front of the first row about 2 ft. In front of the backs of those seats. Those would be after doing the central position as the first mike calibration point to establish levels and distances. So, that would be a total of 17 positions. The back seats might still get more bass than other seats due to the proximity of the back wall and back corners. But, getting the back seats right might adversely affect the others. Audyssey can only give you a compromise or average in any case. That is just the way room acoustics is.

You might contemplate putting some heavy duty bass traps in those back corners. I doubt that the 2" treatments you have done are going to extend that deeply into the bass. But, good bass traps going deep are hard to find, and they are generally not panels. The best bet might be to build your own "super chunk" traps in the corners. Kal Rubinson has also reviewed some off the shelf bass smoothing devices in his Stereophile column, which is available online.

Duplicate post deleted.

Thanks for the info. I hooked the Sony directly to to Runco and the 24p works. Then I hooked the Sony back into the Integra but disconnected the Runco from the Integra monitor out and the Integra then can recognize the 24p. So it seems to be a problem when the projector and the Integra are negotiating. The Integra and the Runco can't seem to agree about the 24p format in the HDMI negotiation. I have no problems if I turn the 24p off on the Sony and it defaults to 60p.

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I know I really need bass traps in the corners but its impossible for me sadly there is just NO room to fit them (see att). One corner of the back wall has the air con, the other a vet and both doors to the cinema are right up to the walls. I just dont know how I can address the issue with the limited space.

If I redo the XT32 what mic positions would or could be better for me to try? BACK WALL.jpg 73k .jpg file

I'd run Audyssey using one of the middle row seats as the main listening pos, I'd actually advise to set the tripod on the armrest so it's in the exact middle of the row and above the back of the seat. The next two spots I'd do would be either side of this still in the middle row and still using the armrests.

Next I'd do the front row using the exact same method, exact same positions.

This would be six spots. The last two I'd use on the back row middle two seats with the mic still above the height of the seat.

Obviously the subwoofer levels would be set from the first main listening position also.

The 80.3 has a function in it where you can use a boundary gain compensation or something where you set it and it supposedly lowers the bass for listeners near side and back walls, no idea how it works but try it out.

With your back row so close to the back wall you'll always have issues, probably better to optimise the middle row for the money seats, and the rare occasions all seats are being used well first in best dressed lol.

Btw, your theatre looks sensational!

Cheers.

Thanks for your help, would really like to try the BGC (boundry gain compensation) on the 80.3 but it only works if you set the the sub to THX certified sub. Do you think it matters if mine are Velodynes?

I have Seatons and just assumed they'd be THX certified. I'd assume the Velodynes would be also. Not sure how you find out, it's probably just a fee certain manufacturers pay THX to get the certification anyway. Just try it and see if sounds better, can't see how it could do any harm.

*BUMP*

I'm not trying to be annoying with these posts but it seems like my questions get lost in the thread after a while. Has anybody else experienced anything like this and is it something I should be worried about?

That sounds like an HDMI handshake issue, not an issue with the 80.3.

Sorry but, what does that mean? Something is wrong with the HDMI cables?

I unfortunately found out the difficult way awhile back that my HDMI was slightly bent at the point were it plugged into my pre pro and some days it would be fine and then I would get constant video dropout or audio dropouts.Finally pulled the cable out and replaced it and then I could actually see the issue.

These cables can be at times very fragile!!!

I set the sub to THX so I could try the BGC setting and wow, it really has improved the back wall boomy bass! I also did exactly the mic positions you suggested so maybe those were also better than the more obvious ones I had always used in the past. Bit more playing and testing tonight........ New Year is way over now for us in NZ!

I figured! That is why I put 3 HDMI cables in place for my projector in my dedicated theater room before closing the ceilings and walls. I have 2 back ups just in case.

I looked out the HDMI handshake issue and that sounds like EXACTLY what I am experiencing. I'm gonna pay closer attention to the order in which I turn everything on now and let the 80.3 fully power on before powering on my Oppo 93 and see if that solves it

Ok cool, glad you have got an improvement. A room that looks as smart as yours sure deserves to have awesome sound to match! Cheers

This was referred to as a quirk, but is that the way it is supposed to function? I recently experienced this same situation after upgrading to 7.2. I really want a 5.1 DTS source to play as 5.1, not 7.1 unless I choose to do so. My Integra DTR 9.9 will play DTS 5.1 as 5.1 and 7.1 as 7.1. No automatic conversion. I don't consider it a quirk, but a flaw in the firmware. Will some else please verify this situation or point me the DTS spec calling for this function. Thanks.
CT

Hi guys. I was hoping you could help me make a purchasing decisions. Right now I have a Marantz AV 7005. Unfortunately it only worked for about 3 months before crapping out. I'm considering an Integra 80.3, but it will cost me 1300 dollars more. I know the Integra has XT 32 and that it samples at 512 points rather than 16. Essentially this is a Marantz verses Integra, XT 32 verses XT question. How much better does XT 32 sound and how much better is the build quality of the Integra? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I literally just went to the 80.3 from my AV7005. The video processing "seems" to provide a slightly more vibrant picture.

The SubEQ has managed to get my dual front subs a bit smoother across the range (until I add the third sub to the mix and thinks go wonky).

The 80.3 is a "beefier" unit than the 7005, but I miss the sleek styling of the 7005. The 80.3 has stereo xlr ins for analog sources vs RCA on the 7005 if that is a concern. The 80.3 also allows Audyssey to work in 2ch stereo mode I believe whereas IIRC the 7005 did not.

So far thought I can't say it's worth the cost difference though. It's not as if I went "oh wow, this is a big..or FTM ... obvious difference". To be candid, I'd take the 1k difference between what I sold the 7005 for and bought a new 80.3 for and put that coin to either acoustic dampening ( as if the wife would allow it in my family room though ) or better speakers. Or better and / or additional subs (if say you only have 1) . I think these improvements would make much more of a difference and last you longer than any source component would.

 

XT32 is a  significant step up from XT (I have extensive experience of both), especially wrt to the bass frequencies. The difference is easily heard and very obvious too when measured. If your room is not treated, and if it is a typical listening space, then the superiority of XT32 will be self-evident to you too. I have no experience of the build quality of the Marantz unit but the Onkyo/Integra unit is very well built indeed. I\'d say you would be unlikely to be disappointed with the build quality.

pwz414

I am very surprised to hear that your Marantz crapped out so quickly, that is very unusual from everything I have read from them. If it was a Pioneer it would not of surprised me as much, frankly I have seen more people complain about Integra than Marantz. Now as far as the Integra goes it is nothing more than an Onkyo on steroids. Truthfully they are both built solid and I would not have a problem with either one. The Ingera has the upgraded components or components that are tested to a higher caliber, that is if you believe them. I know that in Japan you will find Integras on the shelf along with other pre-amps and a special dealer is not required. The integras usually do have a larger power supply and a slighly better warranty so you are paying a little more and getting more as well.

Now for your comparison between Marantz and Onkyo, I really like the specs of the new AV8801. Having with 7 HDMI in's and 3 HDMI outs and having the extra HDMI output play a different video from the main makes it a nice HD multi-zone unit! The built in ethernet switcher and 4K pass thru makes it future proof is something else to consider in the mix. Look wise I think the Marantz is a better looking unit.

Check out this thread while your are on the hunt;

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1431914/marantz-av8801-preamp-processor-official-owners-thread

After my room construction is finished, I will be purchasing the DHC-80.3 and the DTA-70.1. My friend out West has the DHC-80.3 and the DTA 70.1 and he's now testing the Denon DBT-1713UD and the Integra DBS-50.3. He's an audio professional and runs very heavy DVD noise filtering tests through his players to decide what's good and bad. He has already tested the Oppo BDP-103 which had very bad handshaking results and the noise filtering on DVD's were very bad.

He said that he was very impressed with the DTA-70.1 amp. It is very clean sounding. He compared it against many of his $6,000+ amps and is very impressed with it.

His DHC-80.3 was very easy to setup and the new MultiEQ XT 32 made a tremendous difference compared to the older Audyssey versions. He found that calibrating 6 positions sounded better than 8 positions. The parametric calibrations for the sub I think is a 10k filter and does an incredible job. The default Low Pass Filter setting on the DHC-80.3 is 120hz and shoud be left there for a more fuller and detailed subwoofer sound.

He told me; when I get my system installed, I should run the Audyssey XT 32 with 6 positions, change the crossover frequencies to 80hz, make sure all the speakers are set to small and don't forget to set your Dynamic EQ setting to on. Also, disable all the THX settings. There useless cause not all material uses THX standards and it will degrade a lot of your material.

The video processing in the DHC is very good but you should set your DHC to 'THROUGH' and just let you high end DHC processor do all the audio and either the Blu Ray or DVD or Universal Player that you own; if it's the latest on the market and has the latest firmware updates, do all the video processing. If you don't use the 'TRHOUGH' setting, it won't hurt anything but may slowdown the disc loading and video performance. So experiment, it can't hurt and won't disturb your audio calibration.

But I highly do recommend you borrow or purchase a Sound Pressure Meter to configure your subwoofer to your room. It will make a world of difference. The Audyssey does a pretty good job but it's not 100 percent perfect. If you want to use a SPM, set the meter at your main listening position (ear level) with a tripod, with the mic facing the ceiling. Set it to (C), Slow and 75db and run the test tone that's built into the DHC, choose the subwoofer and raise the volume until the SPM reaches 75db. Then run your Audyssey calibration software for the number of positions needed. Usually 6 but depending on room size and other stuff in your room that may absorb or deflect sound frequencies, 6 should be sufficient. But hey, everyone's room is different and it doesn't hurt to experiment. But on the DHC, you can only configure up to 8 positions unless you use the professional calibration kit that will allow you to calibrate up to 32 positions. But the professional kit and the built in MultiEQ XT 32 are identical according to the Audyssey represenative I talk to on a regular basis. The only difference is that you can calibrate up to 32 positions with the kit and print out a before and after graphical evaluation of your rooms sound measurements and determine which setup produces the best sound.

There are so many approaches to achieve good room sound. There are simple ways that produce great sound and there are also complex ways to achieve great sound. Which ever works for you is pretty much up to you.

But so far, the simplest way has been working out good with many people who own this pre-amp and amp.

And Integra/Onkyo has excellent support as I pick their brains a lot to. I learn from asking just like you. And AVS has helped me out too.


I hope I was able to steer you in the right direction. I wish you luck with your system configuration and if you need more help with your DHC, let me know and I'll direct you to someone who can help you out a lot or call Integra, they have a toll free number and will help you with your questions.

Peace out and have a fantastic new year.

What is this going for now? My local dealer is telling me around $2300 new with a discount from the msrp. Is that too much, pricing is hard to find for this pre/pro. I don't mind used if I can find one in good condition.

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That's a good price. Grab it. I live in Pennsylvania and the cheapest I can get it for is $2,550.00 plus tax = $2,728.50. The dealer is giving me the DTA-70.1 for $1,700.00 plus tax = $1,819.00. And if I decide to go for the Integra DBS-50.3 Blu Ray Player, I can get it for $700.00 plus tax = $749.00. But until I get the product, I'll try to do some negotiating on the prices. Hopefully.

Unfortunately, you can only purchase Integra through a specialty audio store and you have to pick it up onsite. No online orders or online shipping for Integra. Though Onkyo you can have delivered through the mail or ordered online.

I wish my dealer could get my unit for your price.

Peace out!

Thanks for your info! I appreciate it.

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No problem at all. I wish I was an expert like kbarnes701, but I try to read as many posts on AVS that pertain to the gear I'm purchasing and I have met many wonderful people on this site that I communicate with personally on the phone who have taught me a lot. But I'm still learning and this is a great community to learn from.

But Integra is a great product and it won't let you down and neither the Integra Support. Onkyo/Integra is a good company and are producing great products. I use to own the Integra DTR-8.8 and it was a fantastic receiver. I like to upgrade my audio gear every 3 to 4 years or as needed to stay up on flagship products.

Take care my friend and I wish you the best.

The big thing for me is having something that will last many years. I have been happy with what I have but it just isn't performing to my expectation. I have B&W 703 towers with matching center, 685 surrounds and a ASW 608 sub. It just doesn't sound like what the setup today does and I think that is partly because 1) I don't have my receiver set properly, and 2) I still have to learn how to use this stuff, even after 4 years of ownership. HT audio is so different from car. I am doing as much reading as possible and I really think I am going to get this to compliment these speakers and my new Emotiva XPA-5 amp. I don't see me upgrading for many years except for my TV eventually. Time to read most of these 112 pages.

I have had a 80.3 for about a week and am in very very satisfied so far with what it can do and worth every penny. I was on the fence as to whether I really needed it above the Emotiva UMC-1 for my main room and the Audyssey dual subwoofers correction was what peak my interest most. My results were that it not only seemed to make my already treated room sound so much fuller and in the process actually lowered my dual subwoofer volume significantly yet they sound punchier and the surrounds are way more active even on material we have viewed many times over before.

I plan to spend some more time this weekend exploring and tweaking its many features and enjoying music and movie playback !!!

Im not sure why 6 mic positions would or could be better than 8, can you explain please?

very interested to hear more about your experience as you spend more time with it. I too have a UMC-1 but have multiple subs (4) but 3 of them have the same acoustical distance from the main LP so I am hoping the 4th which is much closer will really benefit from the dual sub control for delay. I have been trying to wait for the XMC-1 but it may never happen and may not be as good as the 80.3 or the Marantz 8801 even if it does happen. If it doesn't happen before March I will probably go with the 80.3 or the 8801 so the more opinion from those with exerience with these units is helpful

thanks for your comments so far

With those of you who have the 80.3, would I be disappointed saving some money and buying an 80.2 used? I see certain differences obviously being 4k upconversion (which I can't use) and some other stuff, but overall it seems pretty much similar for my general HT use. Just curious some opinions as I am willing to pay the extra 1K if I will notice much difference. I appreciate all of your suggestions, sorry for being the new guy .