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Marantz AV7005 Or Integra DHC 80.2

4827 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by FerretHunter, Aug 8, 2011

FerretHunter

Discussion Starter · Aug 2, 2011

It's my birthday today, and I have money to spend.

I'm looking for a new preamp. I'm trying to decide between the Marantz AV7005 and Integra DHC 80.2. Here are the arguments I've come up with for going with either:

Marantz

--------

Pros

1. Beautiful looking unit

2. Lower price

3. No clicking noise

4. Airplay support

Cons

1. Not enough HDMI inputs, though I have workarounds

2. Not THX certified

3. DVDO chipset

Integra

-------

Pros

1. 2 extra HDMI inputs

2. Reon HQV versus DVDO

3. Better room equalization software

Cons

1. Costs $1300 more (MSRP) than Marantz, in Canada

2. Ugly looking

3. Clicking noise

4. Known service bulletin about 40 pin cable issue

I had an Integra DTR 6.5 a while back. I went to a dealer on the weekend to listen to this much talked about clicking noise with the relay. It is the same as what my 6.5 used to do, when switching inputs. The only new twist was the fact that the 80.2 clicks on chapter skips as well. Not a big deal for me, though I wonder why Integra has to have this relay click while every other AVR manufacturer I've had (Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, Anthem) can switch without clicking.

For me, it is boiling down to the following:

1. How much better, if at all, is Reon vs DVDO?

2. How important is THX certification?

Has anyone else had to pick between these two? Which did you go with, and why? Are you happy with your decision?

The $1300 difference is significant. It's not that I can't afford the 80.2, I just can't justify it. To quote Arnold from Predator, the 80.2 is "one ugly mother f***er".

Thanks,

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DonH50

· #2 · Aug 2, 2011

Audyssey XT32 is a big reason to go with the Integra. Chances are you will not notice the video difference in the real world. Looks (aesthetics) are not all that important to me, they are both sort of basic black. Frankly, I was debating between them but am now seriously considering following Chris to the Denon 4311 instead. About the same price as the Integra but with a few more features and amps included.

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WiWavelength

· #3 · Aug 2, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by FerretHunter /forum/post/20769298

1. How much better, if at all, is Reon vs DVDO?

Well, first, DVDO is a standalone video processor. That is not the correct comparison. Rather, DVDO uses an Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT) chip, as does the AV7005. So, your comparison is HQV Reon-VX to ABT2015. And, second, why do you have the impression that the Reon is better than the ABT2015? It may very well be, but the ABT2015 is more recent -- it is a newer version of the ABT2010 utilized in the very highly regarded Oppo 83.

As for several of your other mentioned factors, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The 80.2 has a solid aluminum front panel; the AV7005 is partly "glass reinforced resin" (i.e. plastic). On the other hand, the 80.2 is soon to be replaced by the 80.3, as Integra turns over its line up every year. But the AV7005 will continue in the Marantz line for at least another year.

AJ

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FerretHunter

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 2, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by DonH50 /forum/post/20770570

Audyssey XT32 is a big reason to go with the Integra. Chances are you will not notice the video difference in the real world. Looks (aesthetics) are not all that important to me, they are both sort of basic black. Frankly, I was debating between them but am now seriously considering following Chris to the Denon 4311 instead. About the same price as the Integra but with a few more features and amps included.

This is for a 2.1 speaker setup, so I'm not sure XT32 is that big of a deal for a rather simple speaker setup.

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FerretHunter

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 2, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by WiWavelength /forum/post/20770706

Well, first, DVDO is a standalone video processor. That is not the correct comparison. Rather, DVDO uses an Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT) chip, as does the AV7005. So, your comparison is HQV Reon-VX to ABT2015. And, second, why do you have the impression that the Reon is better than the ABT2015? It may very well be, but the ABT2015 is more recent -- it is a newer version of the ABT2010 utilized in the very highly regarded Oppo 83.

As for several of your other mentioned factors, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The 80.2 has a solid aluminum front panel; the AV7005 is partly "glass reinforced resin" (i.e. plastic). On the other hand, the 80.2 is soon to be replaced by the 80.3, as Integra turns over its line up every year. But the AV7005 will continue in the Marantz line for at least another year.

AJ

I was too lazy to look up the exact chipset from DVDO. You knew what I meant

I searched on avs and the internet for opinions regarding Reon vs ABT. Didn't find a whole lot. I guess it's subjective. I have a DVDO iScan Duo, and am happy with its' performance. I'm just trying to figure out the $1300 difference between the two.

Any idea when the 80.3 will be out? If its very soon, I might hold off. There isn't a whole lot of discounting in Canada on these two units.

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schan1269

· #6 · Aug 3, 2011

The 80.3 should be out in September or October.

I have an 80.2 and it (so far) falls outside the "known issue" serial numbers...

The 40-pin is a "non-issue" more or less because Integra will fix it forever.

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lefthandluke

· #7 · Aug 3, 2011

the 80.2 has msrp of 2300.00...7005 is 1500.00 i believe.

800.00 diff instead of 1300.00

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DonH50

· #8 · Aug 3, 2011

Canadian dollars...

OP: The room doesn't care how many speakers are in it, and Audyssey will correct however many you have. Arguably the room and speakers have the largest impact on the sound, at least assuming everything else is adequate.

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FerretHunter

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 3, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by lefthandluke /forum/post/20772323

the 80.2 has msrp of 2300.00...7005 is 1500.00 i believe.

800.00 diff instead of 1300.00

I'm in Canada. The MSRP of AV7005 is $1900. The Integra is $3200. That's $1300.

Even though our dollar and economy is stronger than the US, we still pay a premium. I asked Integra why their 80.2 is $3200 in Canada vs $2300 in the US. They came back with some lame story about costs associated with CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approval.

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schan1269

· #10 · Aug 3, 2011

If the 80.2/3 is too much, there is always the 40.2/3.

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FerretHunter

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 8, 2011

I placed an order for the 80.2.

It came out to $1000 more than the AV7005. In the end, I picked the Integra due to (in no order):

1. Extra HDMI inputs. I can fit all of my gear now into the receiver, and put away or sell my Iscan Duo.

2. Audyssey XT32. I've heard opinions that it is much better than the lesser Audyssey in the Marantz.

3. THX and ISF certification. Looking at the user manuals, there seemed to be more tweaking available in the Integra.

4. Distinct sub 2 setup. The Marantz had 2 sub outputs, but treated them the same (as if you connected a Y cable). The Integra will adjust/equalize the subs seperately. Not that I have two subs, but you never know what upgrades lie ahead.

5. HQV processing. The opinions I've read seem to favour the Realta slightly.

I went to a dealer to listen to the relay click. Not a big deal for me. I used to have a DTR 6.5 and it clicked on switching inputs. This preamp will be about 8 feet away behind a glass door. I doubt I'll hear it in that setup.

My only concern is that I get a unit that won't have the issues tied to the 40pin connector (remote not responding).

I also hope the 80.3 doesn't come out at half the price. That would be tough. But I don't think Integra is going to pull an Optoma type move.

Unit should be here in 2 weeks. Wish me luck! And thanks to those who replied.

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