Integra DRX-8.4 review

[AVSMike]

To me, this looks like one of the best AVR's out there, especially for the price. I have been using a prepro in my HT system for many years. I do that because I need XLR for my 3-way active LCRs. This AVR has balanced XLR output for the LCRs. Also has two XLR outputs for subs. On top of that, it has 150 watts per channel and comes with Dirac Live standard. This unit must have a big beefy amp section in it because it draws 1,095 watts for input. Compare that 1,095 watts against other brands.

My plan is to feed my amps using XLR for the nine channels of amplification that I need for the front three speakers and let the AVR provide power for the eight passive surround and atmos speakers. If I feel I need more power for the surround, I can always use the RCA preouts and run to the crown amps that I already own.

Added 10/25/2023
After using this AVR, I thought I would come back and add more info. With my AV7703 I was getting a little bit of hum and hiss on my front three speakers, even though I was using XLR output. All I did was disconnect the left, center and right XLR cables from the AV7703 and plugged them into the DRX-8.4. All the noise went away. Cables are even still strapped in the same location, so nothing changed other than processor. Must be better channel separation.

I tried using the included mic for Dirac calibration. Simple and easy to do. If you can run an Audyssey calibration, you can do this. I then tried the calibration using my mac and a calibrated mic. Again simple and straightforward. just make sure your computer and the DRX-8.4 are on the same network. Sound quality is definitely improved over the AV7703 with Audyssey and I was using the Audyssey APP, so that I could make adjustments, like removing the dip and adjusting the curve. If just using Audyssey onboard, then it will be a huge improvement.

With the AV7703, of course, I was running amps for every channel. I decided to try the amps built into the DRX-8.4 for my four lower level surrounds and four upper level atmos speakers, to see if I still needed the amps. My system is easily capable of clean reference levels. I did not notice any step back in output, so no longer using amps for surrounds, just using external amps for the nine channels feeding my 3-way active LCR's.

Some might be concerned because this AVR only has individual sub out connections for two subs. I have six subs in my system. I was already using a MiniDSP10x10HD with the Marantz due to the same reason. My front two subs are equal symmetrical distance from main listening position, so that pair is on one sub out, feeding my 10x10HD. The other four subs in the back of the room are on the second sub output of the DRX-8.4 and I use the 10x10HD for adding delay for the measured difference from my main listening position. My room sounds the best it ever has. So good that I have been going back and rewatching a lot of my favorite movies.

Note, if you are considering the cheaper Onkyo version, RZ70, note the RZ70 is not the same internally. The heat sinks are smaller and much thinner. Integra has confirmed the DRX-8.4 will be getting Dirac ART. I have not heard if the Pioneer or Onkyo units will get ART.

One feature that I like on this AVR that I did not have on my Marantz is the ability to delay the 12 volt trigger output. Since I use external amps, it is nice to be able to delay power on and off of amps. Especially sub amps. Everyone with a powered sub could take advantage of this feature.

I am loving this AVR. Does what I need, issue free, sounds great and much cheaper than the other options I was considering. Also has a five year warranty. 

If interested in this AVR or one of its cousins by Pioneer Elite and Onkyo give us a call.

https://integrahometheater.com/product/drx-8-4/

[David Vaughn]

It looks great on paper. I've owned various Integra/Onkyo pre/pros and AVRs in the past. Curious to hear your thoughts on its performance once it's setup in your system. 

[bmoney]

What is the room correction on board?

[AVSMike]

What is the room correction on board?

Dirac Live. 

[AVSMike]

Have mine set up. Something that really surprised me. With my Marantz AV7703, I was getting some hiss on my LCR's. With the DRX-8.4, using the XLR output to the exact same amps, I am not getting hiss on my LCR's. Same XLR cables, so only change is AV7703 to DRX-8.4. My noise floor is now lower in my room. Dirac live was easy to set up. Using the AVR to power the four lower surround speakers and to power the foru atmos speakers. Room sounds great.

[AVSMike]

It looks great on paper. I've owned various Integra/Onkyo pre/pros and AVRs in the past. Curious to hear your thoughts on its performance once it's setup in your system.

Added more info and some of my thoughts on the DRX-8.4 in the first post. I love this AVR. Has saved me thousands, because I thought I was going to have to buy the Marantz AV10 to get the performance and features I was wanting.