What are peoples thoughts on the Onkyo vs. 'higher level' Integra brandname?  My friend has an Integra 9.1 and it sounds great, even on his Monitor speakers (which I don't tend to enjoy to much).  Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has compared their introductory level Integra models, say 5.4/6.4 vs. the Onkyo SR601/701?  Any thoughts would be appreciated...

They are exactly the same, except that the Integra has a different face plate, and an a-bus capability, which gives it a more robust multi-zone, whole house audio capability. Korey brought up one other difference, I think, but I can't remember what it was...Korey?...

You pretty much nailed it Ben.  The Integra line is designed to be more of a custom install line with A-Bus and RS232 ports.  The only other difference is that the component video upconversion starts at the 5.4 model on up.  Both lines are still manufactured in the same location and use the same amplifiers, processors etc.

Can you play standard DVD movies on any of the Onkyo DVD -DVI input compatible players and watch a movie in high definition? I am deciding between the Denon 5900 DVD player (which claims that it will convert the signal to 720 or 1028 and the Onkyo 800 DVD player.

In response to your question :

Can you play standard DVD movies on any of the Onkyo DVD -DVI input compatible players and watch a movie in high definition? I am deciding between the Denon 5900 DVD player (which claims that it will convert the signal to 720 or 1028 and the Onkyo 800 DVD player.

Onkyo is releasing a new DVD player called the DV-SP1000 which has HDMI output.

You can read about it here: http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=DV-SP1000&class=DVD&p=i

Also, I believe the price is around $1999 which is comparable to the Denon 5900. And the Onkyo boasts digital SACD\DVD-A audio connects via fire wire. However, I am not sure if this requires the compatability of the latest ONKYO receiver(TX-NR1000).  

 

As I menioned in another Onkyo thread, I had asked this question of Integra (advantages of Integra over comparable Onkyo model), and here was their "official response":

Integra vs Onkyo Advantages

Ø Integra engineered power supplies-Labeled Integra
Ø Extensive use of coupling caps throughout the signal paths
Ø Precision matched parts selection
Ø Detachable Hi-Current Oxygen Free power cable
Ø Multi-Room capable on all models

Ø 3-Year Warranty

Ø 12-V triggers on selected models- Home Automation

Ø Unique Integra cosmetics

Thanks for posting this Sean,

It seems we have all different respsonses when we ask this question from Onkyo   I actually chatted with a couple people at Onkyo and that is more information than I received from either of them.  I will look into these details more, just out of my curiosity.

The standard line is a 2 year warranty, so there is a difference there also.

How these effect the performance and how they are different from the regular line, I would like to find out.

Ø Integra engineered power supplies-Labeled Integra
Ø Extensive use of coupling caps throughout the signal paths

Thanks Korey!

I would find it helpful if you could post any findings on those additional points you were curious about... those were my areas of curiousity, too. As you may know from my other posts, I have the Onkyo TXNR-900, which is a great unit, but I'm wondering if upgrading someday to the Integra 9.4 separates will get me better imaging/soundstage (or is this only a function of the speakers/placement/room acoustics?)

OK, so my information still varies slightly depending on who my contact is.  I have chatted with three different sources and this is what I can gather of these points.

Ø Integra engineered power supplies-Labeled Integra
Ø Precision matched parts selection

....are part of the same marketing line.  They supposedly use slightly better parts, at a higher cost and a slightly better power supply than it's standard line counterpart.  This power supply is able to have a slightly higher current capacity output than it's standard line counterpart.  It was emphasized that the difference it minor, but that there was a difference.  The Integra line should also be slightly more expensive. 

Ø Extensive use of coupling caps throughout the signal paths

I am still trying to find out clearly what makes this different than the regular line though.