Review: Integra DHC-80.3 A/V Controller

Bottom Line

If you seek a separate-component pre/pro with reference-quality audio and video performance, and are not prepared to pay one dollar more than is necessary, the Integra DHC-80.3 stands at the top of a class of one. It may be complex to set up and, occasionally, to use. But for most people, those factors will be addressed by a custom installer — and the rest of us will revel in the Integra’s complexity. More important, I can’t imagine the DHC-80.3’s audio or video prowess disappointing a home theater builder, no matter how lofty his or her goals. And in my book, that’s the very definition of a “reference” component.

Test Bench

Dolby Digital Performance

All data were obtained from various test DVDs using 16-bit dithered test signals, which set limits on measured distortion and noise performance. Reference input level is –20 dBFS; reference output, 200 mV into 100 kilohms. Volume setting for reference level was 80.5. All level trims at zero; except for subwoofer-related tests, all speakers were set to “large” with subwoofer on. All are worst-case figures where applicable.

Distortion ref. (THD+N, 1 kHz)

0.014%

Noise level (A-wtd): –75.5 dB

Excess noise (with sine tone)

16-bit (EN16): 0.1 dB

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, –0.2 dB

Multichannel Performance, Analog Input

Reference input and output level is 200 mV; volume setting for reference output level was 84.5.

Max Input/Output Level (1 kHz): 4.4v/6.5v

Distortion (THD+N, 1 kHz): 0.004%

Noise level (A-wtd): –101.0

Frequency response: <10 Hz to 200 kHz +0, –0.3 dB

Stereo Performance, Digital Input

Reference level is –20 dBFS for 200-mV output; all level trims at zero. Volume setting for reference level was -84.5

Distortion at reference level: 0.003%

Linearity error (at –90 dBFS): 0.06 dB

Noise level (A-wtd): –75.6 dB

with 96-kHz/24-bit signals: –91.9 dB

Excess noise (with/without sine tone)

16-bit (EN16): 0.1/0.3 dB

quasi-20-bit (EN20): 6.0/6.2 dB

Noise modulation: 0.0 dB

Frequency response: <10 Hz to 20 kHz +0, –0.2 dB

with 96-kHz/24-bit signals: <10 Hz to 44 kHz +0, -1 dB

Max Input Level (1 kHz, 0 dBFS): 6.5v

Bass-Mangement Performance

Measured results obtained with Dolby Digital test signals.

Subwoofer-output frequency response (crossover set to 80 Hz): 24 dB/octave (approx.) above –6-dB rolloff point of 80 Hz

High-pass-filter frequency response (crossover set to 80 Hz): 12 dB/octave below –3-dB rolloff point of 80 Hz

Maximum unclipped subwoofer output (trim at 0): 7.4v

Subwoofer distortion (from 6-channel, 30-Hz, 0-dBFS signal; subwoofer trim set to 0): 0.02%

Crossover consistency: bass crossover frequency and slope were consistent for all sources and formats

Signal-format consistency: consistent for all applicable formats

Speaker-size selection: all channels can be set to “small”

Speaker-distance compensation: available for all main channels

Not too surprisingly, Integra’s DHC-8.3 controller measured identically, effectively speaking, to the DHC-9.9 model we tested about 2 years ago. Which is to say, virtually perfectly, matching benchmarks or theoretical maxima on just about every test. Signal-to-noise ratio, linearity, distortion, frequency response; all were spot “on the number,” and the DHC-8.3 matched its predecessor in showing no noise modulation whatsoever on our repetitive fade-to-noise test. From the engineering perspective, the Integra pre-pro proved itself that most admirable of examples, a “reference” design that backs it up on the bench. — D.K.