Introduction

The AV receiver has become a very important component in home theater today. This box is the hub that ties all our other components together. Everything runs to and from this key device. While receivers have nearly reached dime-a-dozen status, those of us desiring separates have fewer options. The choices that do exist are usually very expensive. The problem is once you’ve experienced the superior dynamics and power handling of separates, it’s hard to go back to a receiver.

Integra is a boutique brand sold mainly by installers and integrators. They have always been at the forefront of new technologies in AV. Integra was among the first to include now-commonplace features like HDMI 1.3 and height/width channels in their products. Integra has placed value as a high priority with its latest line of AV processors. Their flagship, the DHC-80.1 is no exception to that rule. Coming in at an MSRP of $2300, it undercuts the high-end competition by a considerable margin. Does the performance measure up to the big boys? Please read on to find out why I say “most definitely.”