Test Report: Integra DHC-9.9 A/V controller
Integra packs impressive audio and video performance and extremely flexible calibration options into a compelling alternative to an A/V receiver
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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 kohms. Volume setting for reference level was +2. All level trims at zero, except for subwoofer-related tests, all speakers were set to "large," subwoofer on. All are worst-case figures where applicable.
Distortion ref. (THD+N, 1 kHz)
0.004%
Noise level (A-wtd): –75.8 dB
Excess noise (with sine tone)
16-bit (EN16): 0.2 dB
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, –0.15 dB
MULTICHANNEL PERFORMANCE, ANALOG INPUT
Reference input and output level is 200 mV; volume setting for reference output level was +2.
Distortion (THD+N, 1 kHz,): 0.004%
Noise level (A-wtd.): –101.2
Frequency response: <10 Hz to 200 kHz +0, –2.5 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 -+2.5
Distortion at reference level: 0.003%
Linearity error (at –90 dBFS): 0.04 dB
Noise level (A-wtd): –75.6 dB with 96-kHz/24-bit signals: –90.1 dB
Excess noise (with/without sine tone)
16-bit (EN16): 0.1/0.3 dB
quasi-20-bit (EN20): 6.1/6.2 dB
Noise modulation: 0.0 dB
Frequency response: <10 Hz to 20 kHz +0, –0.15 dB
with 96-kHz/24-bit signals: <10 Hz to 44 kHz +0, -1 dB
BASS-MANAGEMENT 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): 7.3v
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.
Given the excellent performance of previous Integra designs, it was not too surprising that the DHC-9.9 approached, equaled, or bettered previous benchmarks on virtually every single test. Noise results were particularly outstanding: the Integra pre /pro delivered an impressive -90.1 -dB signal-to-noise ratio with 96/24 PCM stereo input, effectively perfect linearity to -90 dB (and beyond), and was the first component I can remember to have yielded no noise modulation whatsoever on our repetitive fade-to-noise test. Crossover filter behavior was also exemplary, delivering near-perfect curves and "knee" points with both digital and analog signals. Simply put: state of the art.