Canuck Audio Mart

The differences I could see are (1) different DACs (24 bits v.s. 32 bits), (2) 2 more HDMI inputs on the back of 80.1, (3) balanced analog audio outputs on the 80.1, and (4) better video processor on the 80.1. The Audessey features on both seem to be slightly different, too, but I'm not too sure about that. Do these justify an extra $1100US? Hard to say.



Definitely, esp. for the 40.1.

I was waiting for the vapourware Sherwood Newcastle R-972 based Outlaw pre-pro but I guess I will just go for a 40.1.

I can't say this is my experience. I've found no such HDMI bugs. I listen to multichannel SACD via HDMI when not listening to my stereo rig, and the sound is very lush, transparent and engaging. With cinema and concert dvds its much the same. The Burr Brown DACs and power supplies in the Integras are what makes the difference and makes them a cut above most other audio processors.

In analog multichannel, much of course depends on the quality of the decoders, power supplies, circuitry in either the source or processor so its tough to generalize. It varies all over the place.

As for the Integras most critical listeners enjoy the sound and indeed are surprised how well it reproduces music. There are better processors than the Integras of course but I have not been able to find any that provide as much performance at that price point. Overall its the unit I continue to recommend for those looking for up to date features and performance but not wanting to break the bank.

I've owned a 9.8 for a couple of years and continue to be very satisfied with it with no urge to upgrade which is rare for me.

I'll second that one. I have a older Model 950 and am happy with it too. Its pretty ugly though ... and dosen't have HDMI.

I guess I'm interested in an 80.1, but two things that kept me from getting an Integra before: the pricing compared to the U.S. prices (actual selling prices, not list comparison), and the very limited distribution of Integra/Onkyo in Canada. I will wait to see what the actual 80.1 price is here, then weigh that with the downsides of purchasing in the U.S. But I have been convinced with my current HDMI pre-pro that this is the way to go with music discs (video is obvious). One set of very good analog circuitry that everything can share, rather than have it distributed in multiple source boxes. Having analog outputs for digital sources these days is just silly when you think of it, doesn't make sense in a modern A/V system and we have to get over it. HDMI can do it all very well. (I do use a separate analog pre for analog sources though.)

Edit: hmm, I see BB/FS is now carrying Onkyo. But as usual for their selection, they stop at the model just below where the more "serious"/flexible stuff starts. And no Integra of course. They know their market.

When I purchased my Integra 9.8 about a year ago, the cdn dollar was very close to what it is today.
I paid the US msrp in cdn dollars.
Although we don't have an Integra dealer in Terrace, we do have a Onkyo dealer in town.
Most of the gear I buy is used,but this was the best money on a new piece I have ever spent.!

^ I'll wait and see what the "real" price of the 80.1 is before deciding. MSRP is just a sales technique in the U.S., it means nothing and nobody pays it or sells for it. I am just a little tired of being a "bent over" Canadian...

Why wait? Call your dealer and ask. The 80.1 is shipping so dealers should be able to give you prices.

From my experience, the US MSRP for the 40.1 is $1200, and in Canada is $1800. The street price discount is generally similar (from a percentage point of view) between what I can get from the US and Canada, so we are still talking about a 1.5X price difference for the 40.1. I'd expect the 80.1 to be the same..... a 1.5X difference just because it makes sense. That would put it around $2300 US versus $3450 Canada at MSRP.




I'd love to have the enhanced Audyssey and balanced outputs of the 80.1 but I can't justify the price difference at this time. I'm just moving over to separates so an amplifier is another purchase for me. Plus I have some other purchases coming down the line. I'm thinking the 40.1 price is very good so I'll try it and if I want to upgrade in a year or two I can sell the unit pretty easily. It seems both units are great options.

I found out my 40.1 came in. FYI, it took about 1 week from dealer order to him receiving it. Unfortunately it wil still be a week before I can pick it up.

I also ordered an Emotiva XPA-5 amp to go with the Integra DHC-40.1.