With my involvment in a small custom A/V store, I get to see a lot of different products and I would like to think that there are still bargains to be had. Well my friends read on, because I have found a bargain in the RDC-7. From it's build quality to it's sound quality, I have not used another preamp at anywhere near a $4,000 MSRP that comes close. The first thing you notice about the RDC-7 compared to other A/V preamps is the fact that you can't really hear it. By this I mean it doesn't really have any strong sound characteristics of it's own, and for all of you who are wondering, this is a good thing. An A/V preamp should do nothing more than switch inputs, raise and lower the volume and decode all that fun digital data and DSP information. The RDC-7 does all of that stuff and goes about it's business without adding a whole lot to the sound. If I had to describe it's sound quality, I would have to say that it has an open and very neutral presentation with just a hint less depth in the soundstage than some of the best two channel pieces I have heard. But then they didn't have DAC's and DSP processors and video switching components in them, so the comparison is apples to oranges. I highly recommend you check out the RDC-7 on your own and I guarentee you will come away impressed. For those of you wondering, here is the list of components in our showroom's main theater:

Integra Research RDV-7 pre-processor
Integra Research RDV-1 DVD-V/A player
JVC HS-9800U VCR
Marantz VP12S1 DLP front projector
Draper Clarion 106" HDTV format screen
(3) Genelec HT-208 active LCR speakers
(4) Genelec HT-205 active SR speakers
(1) Velodyne HGS-18 subwoofer
All video, digital and balanced cables are from Kimber Kable

Remote is a bit on the inexpensive side but is very easy to use and is backlit. But lets be realistic, as inexpensive as this piece is you could buy it and have someone install a Crestron touchscreen control system for less money than the Lexicon MC12!

A wonderful piece of equipment and should be auditioned if you are in the market for a piece with it's features and price tag.

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You name it, I have seen and heard it!

processing accuracy,detail,full rich sound,excellent dacs

NONE THAT I KNOW OF OR NOTICED YET.

THIS PROCESSER IS BY FAR ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE LISTENED TO
AT THIS PRICE POINT THE FACT THAT IT IS SOFTWARE UPGRADABLE
MAKES IT A PLUS,IN CANADA YOU HAVE TO SEND IT TO THE DISTRIBUTOR TO GET IT UPGRADED FOR THE TIME BEING YOU PAY
FOR THE SHIPPING WHICH TURNS OUT TO BE ABOUT 120.00 CDN FUNDS AND THE UPGRADE IS FREE.
RDC7 YOU SEND OUT ON MONDAY YOU
HAVE IT BACK BY FRIDAY THE SAME WEEK NOW THATS SERVICE.
AS FAR SOUND GOES YOU THE SURROUND ENVOLPEMENT THERE IS NO
DEAD SPOT INTHE ROOM VERY WARM SOUNDING NON FATIGING,JUST
A PLEASURE TO LISTEN IN MUSIC AS WELL HOME THEATER AND IT IS
ONE HELL OF ANALOG PREAMP,WHAT CAN I SAY THE FOUR COMPANIES
THE WERE INVOLVED DID THEIR HOMEWORK .

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EAD OVATION

Build quality, Sound, looks, flexibility, upgradability, 7 channels, 7.1 analog passthroughs, phono stage, RF input (laserdisc), broadcast quality HD capable video switcher, remote, THX-ES

Does not include sub in direct bypass mode; no separate memory for DTS and DD speaker level adjustment

I have been a top of the line receiver man my entire life...primarily because of the ease of use and relative cost per performance. But after getting an incredible deal on an Aragon 8008X5 power amplifier, I decided it was time to take my first steps into High End home theater. I now needed a pre-amp, processor and I had no idea what I was getting into.

After reading review after review and listening to almost everything out there. I narrowed it down to an Aragon Soundstage and the Integra Research RDC-7. The Aragon included the subwoofer in the 2 channel direct by-pass mode, but the Integra included an RF demodulator for laserdisc and a phono stage. According to everything I'd read they both sounded fantastic, but because the Integra also included a AM-FM tuner, HD bandwidth video switching and a better remote, I went with the RDC-7.

Since there was only one unit available (an introductory demo) from only one Audio Dealer in the entire state, I wasn't sure I'd be able to find one. But the Gods must have been smiling on me because I purchased it. I bought it along with it's companion DVD-Audio/Video player, the RDV-1.

I installed two 20 amp AC circuits and bought a Tice 3B Powerblock AC filter surge protector. I purchased a Granite Audio #560 30-amp power cord; Carver Pro/Phoenix Gold High End balanced interconnects and speaker cables. I ran the gear for about 2 weeks in different modes to burn it in. Purchased some new music, including some DVD-audio discs. And nearly lost my mind after hearing the sound.

Everything looks and sounds better. DVD's look HD like. The surround sound really surrounds. 2 Channel stereo sounds like the surround channels are "on"; the sound stage is huge. The sound is sweet, clean, deep, and authentic. I watched the eagle's "Hell Freezes Over DVD" and thought I was on stage "live" with the camera man. Digital cable, VCR (looks and sounds more like DVD), Laser discs, Radio; everything (I havn't connected my cassette deck or reel to reel yet) is improved.

Though this isn't a review for the RDV-1 DVD-Audio/Video player, I can tell you that the CD playback will rival any audiophile quality separate DA converter and CD transport rig you can find. The sound is more like high end vinyl. You can hear and feel textures.

The RDC-7 received a AAA rating in Stereophile's Guide to Home Theater's March 2001 issue and I think deserves it. The first computerized upgrade for Prologic 2 and DTS-ES surround are on the way and I'm eager to check it out.

My system includes:
Aragon 8008X5 power amplifier
Integra Research RDC-7; seven channel, tuner Pre-Pro
Integra Research RDV-1 DVD-Audio/Video player
Tice 3-B Powerblock
Atlantic Technology 350THX Speakers
Velodyne F-1800 Subwoofer
Otari MX-5050 Reel to Reel
Pioneer CLD-D704 Laser Disc Player
Pioneer CT-W 900R cassette deck
RCA VR725HF S-VHS VCR
Granite Audio #560 AC Mains 10AWG Cable
Carver Pro/Phoenix Gold LXR & Speaker cables
Audio Quest speaker cable
Monster Cable M-351 SWHT THX subwoofer cable

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Only highend receivers

Sounds great, Flexible Set-up, Easy–to-Use, Future Expansion for Firewire.

A-bit big and looks identical to the Integra Receiver DTR 9.1. Picky, picky, picky...

I have been an Audio & Video enthusiast for over ten years. I have to admit that I have not owned a system that I considered a “high-end” system until this year. I decided that I’ve been looking/planning/researching, not to mention dreaming about what I wanted in a system long enough and finally forked out some money this year to build a new audio/video system (aka home-theater).This review is not about my system but about the Integra Research RDC-7; however it’s important to know the rest of the components, as most/all of you know.Source: Sony DVP-S9000ES (DVD/SACD/CD)Pre/Pro: Integra Research RDC-7Amp: Krell KAV250a3 (front channels) & McIntosh MC165 (surround channels)Cables: Canare for Interconnects and Monster for Speaker cablesSpeakers: L/R (Self built speakers using ribbon drivers), Center=Paradigm CC350 (soon to be upgraded to Martin Logan Theater), Surround= Paradigm 450.

Looks/Appearance/Built Quality: **** 4/5

I agree with Duane (one of the previous reviewer below) that if you are used to looking at the so-call high-end components (Theta, Lexicon, Krell, Classe, etc…), the Integra may not hold up to the others. But then again, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder…I have a complaint about the appearance/built quality. The front/face plate of the unit is built with a solid chunk of metal (about ¾ inch thick) but the case behind the face-plate is made up of a cheesy material similar to what you see in low-fi to mid-fi receivers/products. Also the feet is made out of cheap plastic…. Again as stated in the “Weakness” above, I think it looks identical to the Integra Receiver DTR-9.1 L both the front and the back (with the exception of XLR interface).Btw, the comment about the bright display below, it can be turned down or off if needed; however the source selection button on the front panel is really bright and can not be turned off. To give you an idea, when my room is dark, with only the Integra power on (display shut off), the light from the source selection button lights up my projection screen 14 feet away.

2 Channel Music ***** 5/5

I have been a Krell supporter/admirer for a long time (hence have a Krell Amp) and was about to buy the Krell KAV HTS but decided not to once I learned/listened to the Integra. For $2,000+ less, I think the RDC-7 sounds a bit better then the Krell KAV HTS that I auditioned many many times over… (Krell/Martin Logan system). I played my SACD disc and it is just incredible, the depth, clarity, the soundstage and the realism is nothing short of the many high-end systems that I have auditioned over the last 10+ years. Ok, ok, let’s not kid anyone either, the big Krell mono-block (or other big names), Krell preamp & Wilson Audio speakers sound better than this…. Ok so you know that I’m not completely bias to my system setup.

Home Theater ***** 5/5

As to be expected, the Integra RDC-7 blew away my top-of-the-line Yamaha receiver, which I don’t think is a bad receiver. I’m still enjoying and listening for differences between DD & DTS but the one thing I can say is the Integra will reveal any perfection or imperfection from your source. It is neutral and revealing every details. The whole sound effect is seamless. Btw, my system is set-up with 5.1 configuration but since I have the Integra, I turned off (in the RDC-7 speaker-setup) my woofer due to the fact that my bass if sufficient by using my front home built speakers. I have not heard the low’s in my speaker like I do now with the Integra. A couple of my close friends that recently visited me was all blown away by the transparent and clarity of this pre/pro.

Features ***** 5/5

This unit provides you all the flexibility that one would need to put in a simple or complex audio/video system. I really like the fact that you can program/defined any inputs to any source selector button. In fact, you can set 12V trigger/s based on your source selector button. Pretty much all types of connections (lacking balance digital inputs, which most of the big name pre/pros have at least one balance digital input) that you ever want/need. The all 8 channels balance out is a great plus and I certainly hear the improvements with balance output.

Value ***** 5/5

This unit is performing just as good or better than the big name pre/pro veterans (I think it’s sounds a bit better than the Krell-HTS) at a price of at least $2,000 less. As an example, the new Lexicon that just came out finally has balance output (12 of them) with similar function/capability for about $10,000 ($9,000 for unbalance output). If you are ready for a high-end pre/pro and are serious about price performance, it is a mistake not to give the RDC-7 a run against other high-end pre/pros. I can’t think of a better price/performance pre/pro in the high-end category. I’m one happy owner of this product.

Stunning sound stage and precise steering

that deadful remote control

I have hooked up the RDC-7 to a Rotel RMB - 1095, and an a Pioneer DV 737 DVD player.

I am blown away by the precision and detail of the RDC-7. I have heard detail on discs that I did not knew existed before. It easily surpasses the best receivers and all separates near the price I have heard.

I love the flexibility, connectivity and with the upgrade to pro-logic 2 and DTS NEO even my tapes and old laser discs sound great

The big let down is the remote control an - el cheapo straight from much lesser models. It has no preprogrammed codes like Pioneer and it loses all that laborious manual programming when the batteries run flat. - Plus I have had considerable difficulty in getting mine to learn anything.

I give it 5 stars for performance but 4 for value because that god damned awful remote control

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Top end receivers

None. Except for the fact that if you try to move the amp around you will surely become paralyzed due to its weight.

I work up in Mishawaka, Indiana in a fairly small high end store. In this store we carry lines such as B&W, Paradigm, Audio Research, Sunfire, Rotel, Kimber Kable, etc. Obviously all high end and basically affordable lines. I have been in this line of work all of my life. My father David Derda has been selling audio for 25 years. He owns B&W Siganture 30's and a pair of Carver Silver Seven Mono Tube amps. For those of you who know the components you know that they are among the best in the world. I have grown accustom to this kind of quality and for recent years have been looking for similar quality in a home theater piece. Until today i have been unable to find it. The Integra Pre/Pro matched with its 7 channel Integra/BAT Amplifier blew me away today. It was my first time with music (supplied by the $7500 SA-1 CD Player by Marantz), and the detail, the dynamics, the tonal accuracy, everything just fell into place. I highly reccomend this system to anyone who truly appreciates music and the ideals of home theater.

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Sunfire Theater Grand II and everything else like it.

Sound, features, future proofness.

Looks kind of like a receiver. Blue lights are a bit too bright for a completely dark room.

Snob Appeal**** 4/5

First of all, the unit looks pretty good and better than the photos in the ads and reviews. But if you are into separates and like the look of a dedicated pre-amp/processor, particularily one with some elitist breeding like a Krell or Levinson, this falls just slightly short. I set up the unit and my wife say's, "is that your new receiver?" Then the neighbor came over and said "what kind of receiver is that?" You get the idea. I suppose you could move the receiver (I mean pre/pro) to the bottom of your rack although I am beginning to enjoy the deep blue display. The only place it says Integra is on a small sticker on the front so if you must have a high end name on your pre you could always have a Krell emblem made and place it over the sticker.

2 Channel Music ***** 5/5

Once you get past the looks, the ratings go through the roof. This thing sounds great. I have lived with a Lexicon DC-1 for the past few years and this thing slaps it silly.

It has incredible detail and harmonic richness that is a good step and 1/2 above the Lexicon. It's more forward than a Proceed with a little more detail. To me its more in the style of a Krell. At first, it didn't seem to image quite as well as the Lexicon which has a soundtage that seems to let each instrument just sit right in front of your face. After further listening, I realized that because there is so much detail, the soundstage isn't just from left to right with the Integra, but also from front to back. Instruments which were right on top of each other with the DC-1, but seemed to have different depths with the Integra. Kind of like the difference between looking at a painting (Lex) or looking out a window (Integra). The detail allows for superb drum and cymbal reproduction. I had forgotten how finicky drummers are about their cymbals and that they often search for weeks for that certain splash or ride. Now I can hear them. Brass reproduction is also excellent, so is bass.

Home Theater ***** 5/5

In Dolby Digital 5.1 with or without Re-EQ, once again the Integra bests my old Lexicon. Voices are smoother, more airy, explosions are tighter and more powerful, panning is a little more seamless, and the THX timbre is dead on. THX EX, in the few DVD's I have heard, sounds excellent and more like 6.1 discrete than matrix.

I am still experimenting with DTS and haven't really dialed it in yet so let me just say it sounds pretty similar to DD so far.

Features ***** 5/5

What can I say? eight 24/192 Dacs, eight balanced outputs, extra front, center and sub outs, three component inputs, a headphone jack that won't let you close the front panel until the jack is removed (cool), backlit learning remote, 7.1 analog bypass, an expansion slot, am/fm, a phono input, 7.1 outs, and on and on. If it had Lexicon's logic 7, it would be perfect.

Value ***** 5/5

Comparable in sound to all the big boys, has more features and better future proofing but retails for $4000. The high end companies have some catching up to and I'm sure they will, but for now this one is hard to beat.

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Lexicon DC-1, Proceed HPA-2

Build quality, aesthetics, sound quality, upgradeability, value for the dollar

No obvious ones.

If this is how collaborations between manufacturers normally turn out, then everyone should try it! This thing sounds great, especially with the matching Integra Research/BAT 7-channel power amplifier when listening to DVD-Audio from the Integra Research RDV-1. The amp and preamp are connected with balanced AudioQuest XLR cables. I never really appreciated what having a single master clock for all the digital circuits inside a component could do (thank you, Apogee Electronics), but the clarity and freedom from "glare" that come from the DVD-Audio player are astounding. Also, the sound quality from DVD movies is phenomenal, I think equal to the MC-1 and better than the Sunfire. If you thought DTS sounded good before, wait 'til you hear this combo on some good speakers (my system is a 7.1 channel full Triad Gold THX system with a Platinum sub). I never had any previous experience with B.A.T. products before, but now I see what all the fuss is about! My only criticism is that there is not a direct button on the remote to select the 7.1 channel (that's right, seven point one) analog input for DVD-Audio playback. Instead, one must go through the menu to select it. Actually, I found a way around it, by assigning two different inputs to the DVD player outputs, one can be dedicated to DVD-Audio/SACD (Video 1, for example), and the regular DVD input can be for DVD movie watching. This is possible because of the flexible audio and video assignments. For the best performance, I do recommend having it setup the first time, at least, by a professional. All in all, an exceptional trio of products. Just got my SGHT Recommended Components issue in, BTW, and guess what?! The RDC-7 got rated AAA, along with a $9,000 Meridian combo and a $17,000 Meridian piece. Wow!

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Lexicon MC-1, Sunfire Theater Grand II