Integra’s Unveils New Research Series AVR, Controller

Integra yesterday announced plans to add an AV controller and AV receiver to its reference-grade Research Series.

Slated to ship in March, the new DRC-R1.1 AV preamp/controller ($2,500) and DRX-R1.1 AV receiver ($3,300) retain the 11.2-channel architecture of their predecessors and are described as the first in their respective categories to support 4K HDBaseT, which facilitates the transmission of high dynamic range (HDR-10 and Dolby Vision) 4K content at 60fps with 4:4:4 color up to 100 meters (328 feet) over Cat 5/6/7 wiring.

Both units support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with up to 7.2.4 channels, multi-zone processing, Chromecast built-in with Google Assistant voice control, and DTS Play-Fi multi-room music streaming. A generous selection of connections is also offered on each model, including eight HDMI inputs (one on the front panel), main out, and sub/Zone 2 out with support for HDCP 2.2, 4 K/60 Hz, all three HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma, or HLG), wide color gamut, extended (sYCC601, Adobe RGB, Adobe YYC601) color, and BT.2020 video pass-through.

The THX Ultra2 Plus-certified DRC-R1.1 AV controller features an audiophile design with copper screws locking modular circuitry blocks to a double-skinned insulated frame, extra internal bracing for enhanced anti-resonant characteristics, floating circuit boards, three 32-bit DSPs, and gold-plated balanced XLR audio pre-outs for all channels. Other highlights include independent differential digital-to-analog-converters (DACs) for stereo front L/R (384 kHz/32-bit AK4490) and surround (768 kHz/32-bit AK4458) as well as separate DACs for Zone 2 (HDMI in 1-5, SPDIF/PCM, Net, and USB) and Zone 3 (Net and USB). Advanced home automation control features include bi-directional IP and RS-232 ports, two IR inputs (one output), and three programmable 12-volt trigger outputs with adjustable delay.

The THX Select-certified DRX-R1.1 receiver shares the same 4K video support, multichannel audio processing, and audiophile design as the DRC-R1.1 with the addition of a high-current amplifier rated to deliver 140 watts per channel (8 ohms with 0.08% THD with two channels driven, FTC). The amplifier features a custom low-hum magnetic-flux transformer.

For more information, visit integrahometheater.com.

COMMENTS
drny's picture

For those of us who have been on hold since 2015 waiting on HDMI 2.1 and or HDbaseT capability on Receiver / Integrated amp Integra has just shoved the gate wide open.
All competitors have been given notice.
I need a 2018 Receiver with HDMI 2.1 and HDbaseT. Come on Marantz make it happen.

jnemesh's picture

Marantz already announced their 2018 lineup and HDMI 2.1 isn't included. However, they DID announce that customers purchasing their flagship Pre-amp/Processor, the AV8805, will get a FREE HARDWARE upgrade to HDMI 2.1 when available.

As to HDBT integration, I wouldnt hold my breath for that from Marantz either. It's pretty simple to add an HDMI transmitter to your system. Yes, Integra's offering saves you a LITTLE bit of money since you just need to buy the receiver, but not enough to be significant in any way. It is a nice feature, but I wouldnt consider it essential, since you can get the same functionality without it being built into the AVR or processor.

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