Integra DRX-8.4

[GSM58]

Glad to see it's working out better this way. I have only done Dirac Live calibration via Mac/PC, so I don't really have any experience with the App-based calibration, but I am not surprised you are getting better results. Something you might be interested in investigating on down the road is adding the optional Bass Control module, particularly if you choose to add a 2nd subwoofer. It will allow you to make very fine-grained adjustments to the crossover frequency per speaker group (down to 1 Hz increments) and my experience in a multi-sub configuration is that it does a very good job of creating an even bass response across the room.

Thanks again! My room doesn't have room for two subs. I'll just stick with the basic DL.

 

[ban25]

Thanks again! My room doesn't have room for two subs. I'll just stick with the basic DL.

I'm curious what your impressions are of Dirac vs AccuEQ now that you've had good calibrations with both?

 

[GSM58]

I'm curious what your impressions are of Dirac vs AccuEQ now that you've had good calibrations with both?

So far, this has been the best experience I've had with the DL. The bass was excellent, but there's still room for improvement in dynamics and highs.

I've done several AxBs using the OPPO 203 BD, and it really depends on the media and the recording to decide which one is the winner. I listened to BDs by The Police, Paul Rodgers, and David Foster.

In any case, today's calibration with the DL was a huge improvement. The idea is to listen only with the DL, since it's an improvement in terms of correction.

My problem is that I have no skill with calibration and graphics. I spent many years dedicating myself only to stereo.

 

[GSM58]

Another positive point is that the 8.4 doesn't get too hot. My living room is air-conditioned all the time, especially since it's summer and it's been very hot.
The receiver has a lot of potential... You turn up the volume without mercy and it keeps going without complaining. The raw power is very impressive for a receiver. In this price range, it has a great cost-benefit. It still needs to connect via Alexa.
The negative point is the dated look. The back panel is much more beautiful than the front. An interesting detail that few people talk about are the transparent speaker connectors. They are much more beautiful and well finished than the traditional black and red ones.

 

[GSM58]

Bank25, você usa amplificadores externos no seu 8.4?

 

[ban25]

Bank25, você usa amplificadores externos no seu 8.4?

Yes, I have external amplification for the front LCR. A McIntosh MC302 driving FL/FR and a Fosi ZA3 driving the center, all connected via balanced XLR. The 8.4 powers my surround and Atmos speakers. I have it set it Front Pre-Amp mode, which disconnects the internal amps for the front, theoretically enabling better performance.

 

[GSM58]

Yes, I have external amplification for the front LCR. A McIntosh MC302 driving FL/FR and a Fosi ZA3 driving the center, all connected via balanced XLR. The 8.4 powers my surround and Atmos speakers. I have it set it Front Pre-Amp mode, which disconnects the internal amps for the front, theoretically enabling better performance.

Great, my friend!

What curve are you using in the central box? I need more "body" in the dialogue.

 

[antho625]

Hello everyone,

I've had the 8.4 for a little over a month. The only thing I notice is low bass from the output. I'm only using the micro 3000, but when compared to the C399 and my Eversolo A8, it's not impressive. With the latter 2, my volume on the sub app would be 26(music) and the bass was loud. Now, it's at 10 and I still feel the need to bump it up in DL. I purchased DLBC. I'm wondering if there's enough juice coming from the sub output. I also ran it without DL and still very low base.

I used double bass control, but I don't wanna run my fronts at full band. Any suggestions? Also, I notice when the center channel is engaged with music, (3.1) the base is normal(loud) vs (2.1)

 

[ban25]

Great, my friend!

What curve are you using in the central box? I need more "body" in the dialogue.

I drag the left (bass) handle on the Dirac calibration up +6 dB on all speaker groups.

 

[ban25]

Hello everyone,

I've had the 8.4 for a little over a month. The only thing I notice is low base from the output. I'm only using the micro 3000, but when compared to the C399 and my Eversolo A8, it's not impressive. With the latter 2, my volume on the sub app would be 26(music) and the base was loud. Now, it's at 10 and I still feel the need to bump it up in DL. I purchased DLBC. I'm wondering if there's enough juice coming from the sub output. I also ran it without DL and still very low base.

I used double base control, but I don't wanna run my fronts at full band. Any suggestions? Also, I notice when the center channel is engaged with music, (3.1) the base is normal(loud) vs (2.1)

Try dragging the bass handle up in Dirac Live to add more bass response.

 

[GSM58]

Arrasto a alça esquerda (graves) na calibração do Dirac para cima +6 dB em todos os grupos de alto-falantes.

Thank you my friend. That's exactly what I did after calibrating the DL. It made a big improvement.
This is what the DL graph looks like with an adjustment in the bass region.
Would you change anything?

 

[ban25]

Thank you my friend. That's exactly what I did after calibrating the DL. It made a big improvement.
This is what the DL graph looks like with an adjustment in the bass region.
Would you change anything?

If you click "Bass Management" in the top right, you should be able to set the crossover straight inside Dirac Live. I think you had it at 40 Hz? That will let you confirm.

I don't know if you have the UMIK-1 yet, but if so, you can also run a sweep with REW to verify the actual in-room frequency response.

 

[antho625]

Try dragging the bass handle up in Dirac Live to add more bass response.

I did that, but with music it's just not as potent. Maybe the C399 and Eversolo are just electronically different in that way.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Naks]

If I'm using Chromecast with my Qobuz, I'm limited to 16bit, 44.1khz. Has there been any improvement in this ? I have been hearing complaints about Dirac delays not applicable if the sampling rates are different from the calibration sampling.

Is it not possible to stream Qobuz natively from the unit?

 

[ban25]

Is it not possible to stream Qobuz natively from the unit?

You certainly can do so using Roon. I'm not sure if the Integra app supports it.

 

[ban25]

If I'm using Chromecast with my Qobuz, I'm limited to 16bit, 44.1khz. Has there been any improvement in this ? I have been hearing complaints about Dirac delays not applicable if the sampling rates are different from the calibration sampling.

The source sample rate doesn't impact your Dirac calibration. Dirac is essentially doing two things: 1) Setting per-channel delays to time align all speakers to the MLP and 2) Applying EQ across the audible band to smooth the frequency response measured at the MLP (mostly cutting peaks). 16-bit source, 24-bit, 48/96/192/352/384 kHz, none of that matters.

 

[Naks]

You certainly can do so using Roon. I'm not sure if the Integra app supports it.

thanks, that's not ideal

 

[antho625]

Quick question everyone,

With my tv (lg G4) hooked up via eARC, with 48gb HDMI, my settings for 4k/8k format in the 8.4 for TV is grayed out. In the manual, it says it should be on 4k enhance by default. I tried everything, but I can't figure out why it's grayed out. Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone,

Anthony

 

[Naks]

Good people, I'm in the market for a new middle-end AVR since my NAD T778 shat the bed, and I like what I'm reading about the Integras.

I have the option of a demo 5.4 @ R36k or a BNIB 8.4 @ R58k.

I have a 5.1 setup, not planning or able to go 7.1, is the 8.4 worth the extra 22k, or will I not notice any difference in sound quality, considering the difference in DACs between these two models?

thanks for any advice

 

[dlaloum]

Good people, I'm in the market for a new middle-end AVR since my NAD T778 shat the bed, and I like what I'm reading about the Integras.

I have the option of a demo 5.4 @ R36k or a BNIB 8.4 @ R58k.

I have a 5.1 setup, not planning or able to go 7.1, is the 8.4 worth the extra 22k, or will I not notice any difference in sound quality, considering the difference in DACs between these two models?

thanks for any advice

Firstly the 8.4 is a high current amp, and the 5.4 isn't, so if your speakers are low impedance or have high phase angles, the 8.4 will handle them well.... if your speakers are straight 8ohm, with impedance that doesn't drop too far (say no lower than 4 ohm worst case) - the 5.4 will be fine.

The other thing the 8.4 has that the 5.4 lacks is Auro3D - which comes with Auromatic - which is apparently the best current upmixer for stereo music ....

Personally I chose the 3.4 about 2 years ago, it has everything I need for the time being, and I have external power amps to handle my difficult main speakers, the 3.4 then handles surrounds and heights without any trouble.

Once Dirac ART is released for the 8.4, I plan to upgrade to the 8.4, and potentially simplify my system by retiring my power amps.