Integra Research RDC-7

[chrisbrenneisen]

Kinda Late in the game for an RDC-7 (if still available) but I'd like to know if anyone has info regarding upgrades for the original release of the RDC-7......I think there were 2, I'm mainly interested in the firmware updates and not the hardware. This RDC-7 is new for me....I've owned an Aragon Soundstage and a Lexicon MC-1 and I think this RDC-7 is awesome!

[wettou]

Kinda Late in the game for an RDC-7 (if still available) but I'd like to know if anyone has info regarding upgrades for the original release of the RDC-7......I think there were 2, I'm mainly interested in the firmware updates and not the hardware. This RDC-7 is new for me....I've owned an Aragon Soundstage and a Lexicon MC-1 and I think this RDC-7 is awesome!

I have owned one for seven years and it is great, how can I help. Mine doesn't have HDMi unfortunately

So I am looking at the Classé SSP-800 or maybe the Denon AVP1

[Burke Strickland]

Believe it or not, information about both RDC-7 firmware upgrades (the original press releases) are still available on the Integra Research web site. My RDC-7, which is still in good operating condition, got both of these upgrades, and I thought they were both worthwhile at the time.

As far as I know, although both an RDC-7 hardware upgrade and a trade-in program to the RDC-7.1 allegedly occured, they never officially announced any hardware upgrades or trade-in program on their site, and failed to notify a number of registered owners (including me).

For HDMI switching and BluRay audio decoding (if your BluRay player doesn't decode), a relatively inexpensive Sony STR-DA2400ES receiver works nicely. Plug its analog preamp outs into the multichannel direct input of the RDC-7 (hope you have the "octupus" cable connector Integra Research provided for that).

Here is the original press release info on the RDC-7 firmware upgrades:

http://www.integraresearch.com/press.cfm?id=59

Integra Research Announces THX Ultra 2 and DTS 96/24 Upgrade for RDC-7 AV Preamp-Processor

04/30/02 - When Integra Research first introduced its RDC-7 audio-video preamp-processor two years ago, it featured a revolutionary ""future-proof"" upgradeable architecture that protected consumers from having their processor rendered obsolete each time a new home theater processing technology was introduced. In 2001, the company offered an upgrade that added DTS-ES and Dolby Pro Logic 2. Today, Integra Research is announcing a program to upgrade these processors to accommodate the new THX Ultra2 and DTS 96/24 home theater and multi-channel audio sound formats, and to add a variable subwoofer crossover for improved bass accuracy. The upgrade will be incorporated into all new RDC-7 units. With this upgrade, the two-year-old Integra Research RDC-7 is equipped to decode the latest in audio processing formats, said Eric Harper, Integra & Custom Installation Product Manager. This gives our customers and installers the ability to keep pace with state of the art technology, without having to buy a new preamp-processor every six months. Like the earlier THX Ultra standard, THX Ultra2 certifies that the Integra Research RDC-7 offers superior audio and video specifications, which have been updated to reflect new technology. In addition, because many multichannel titles lack Surround-EX encoding, the more stringent Ultra2 standard specifies sophisticated CinemaMode processing which automatically detects any program of 5.1 channels or more, and optimally reproduces it on a 7.1-channel system. The addition of DTS 96/24 technology also provides a dramatic upgrade to the Integra Research RDC-7’s capabilities. The DTS 96/24 standard allows conventional video DVDs to include 5.1-channel sound tracks with audio quality comparable to wide bandwidth, high dynamic range formats like DVD-Audio and SACD, while still allowing for full-motion video. The upgrade also provides a variable subwoofer crossover can be set at 80, 100, or 120Hz, except when using THX processing which fixes the low-pass filter at 80 Hz. The upgrade, which will be available in June with a retail price of $500, requires internal hardware and software modifications that will be performed by regional service centers. An introductory $200 discount will be offered until August 30, 2002. Customers who purchased the DTS-ES and Dolby Pro Logic II upgrade last year will be given an additional $50 credit because those features are also included with the new upgrade. The price includes the cost of shipping and insurance to the service center. The updated Integra Research RDC-7, which incorporates this upgrade, will be available in July with a suggested retail price of $4,500.

http://www.integraresearch.com/press.cfm?id=54

Upgrade for Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS ES Discrete now available

06/29/01 - We are pleased to announce that the DTS-ES Discrete, Dolby Pro Logic II and Neo 6 upgrade is now available. To purchase the upgrade, please click here and follow the procedures to order the upgrade. You will need to have the serial number for the RDC-7 that you own. The password to access the upgrade is specific to your product's serial number. The upgrade kit contains a CD-ROM with the upgrade firmware and the required serial cable for connection to the RS-232 port of your Windows 98 / 2000 / ME based PC or laptop. The cost for the kit will be $49.95 plus shipping and handling, also sales tax where applicable. The kit is available to USA customers only and will start shipping 7 to 10 business days from July 1, 2001. If you have any questions, please feel free to email one of our Product Specialist or call our corporate office at 201-785-2600.

[chrisbrenneisen]

Burke, thanks for the info! I have since purchased another (3 now) RDC-7 which already has both of the upgrades ($480 on Ebay!). I could care less about passing any video through my AUDIO processors! I pass my video directly thru my Flat screen - you would just be chasing your tail trying to stay up to date with your processor! I passed on a decent deal ($750) for an RDC-7.1 with HDMI - FM - dual 7.1 input, etc due to negative user reviews regarding HDMI & quality issues. Chose to stick with a known good component. I am going to pass the other 2 non-upgraded units on to friends who can't believe they could acquire a component of this stature for $500! I will be checking into whether Onkyo is still doing any business (upgrades) for Integra Research owners. Regards, Chris

[hll7575]

Keep It Simple

I recently acquired a set of used RDA-7, RDC-7, and RDV-1 from an estate sale. Never thought I would venture into the high-end audio in my wildest dreams. The trio just looked so "high-end" at the sale with bargain basement price tags that I just grabbed them first, and checked out the facts later.

I already had some consumer grade audio gears including an Onkyo A/V receiver, and speakers from Definitive Technology and Tannoy. The Integra Research trio just made my existing speakers that much better.

I am the typical work-from-a-budget kind of guy, so I managed to maximize the use of my trio by hooking them up to each other with the "expensive" cables I also got from the estate sale. Then, I connected the optical audio out from my HDTV to the optical audio in on RDC-7, so I could enjoy the full 1080 digital cable TV programs with the sounds processed through RDC-7 and got out via RDA-7.

I also used component cables to direct the video out from RDV-1 to my HDTV, with satifactory results.

My overall impressions with the trio after two weeks of (mostly) listening music CDs and (some) watching DVD movies:

1. Sounds from my old CDs simply sounded much cleaner, more defined, and no muddy feeling on either the high or the low end.

2. One needs to resist expecting the best of the best video/surround experience from this trio, because the latest video/HT technologies have gone far and beyond what RDC-7/RDV-1 had been designed for 10 years ago.

3. On the other hand, listening to the direct or stereo (with a subwoofer boost) CD music is very much worth the $$ for these used trio. I felt I was driving a Rolls Royce after paying a Hyunda price. The best thing is: there wouldn't be much maintenance if I care for them with caution.

4. CD/DVD audio recording DOES make a difference in the audio playback. I am glad that I could now tell the superb recordings from the shabby recordings instantly by playing music or concernts through the system. p.s., not all newest music CDs guranatee great recordings.

5. For CD demo to friends, so far I kept using Zac Brown Band's Foundation and Susan Boyle. For DVD demo, I used Eagles - Farewell 1 Tour, Live from Melbourne.

6. Watch HD videos from my cable, with sound processed through RDC-7 and RDA-7, especially during the World Cup season is simply a luxury.

[Burke Strickland]

Glad you are enjoying your Integra Research equipment. Thank you for sharing your findings. It is amazing what higher end gear will do even with the likes of Definitive Technology speakers.

[hll7575]

The "trouble" or fun of having tasted the "forbidden" fruits, in my case the Integra Research trio, I think I will be looking for the better speakers now if my budget allows me. My Integra Research trio was a total chance encounter. Living in Washington DC area does have its advantage that every now and then one could re-possess some fine items at ridiculously prices. Incidentally, there was the first-ever capitalaudiofest.com held just a few weeks ago here.