expired Posted by iconian | Staff • Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025 9:26 PM
Item 1 of 1
expired Posted by iconian | Staff • Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025 9:26 PM
Integra DRX 3.4 100W 9.2-Channel 8K Network AV Receiver
+ Free Shipping$569
$1,500
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I upgraded from a Yamaha TSR-700 - it is the Costco rebranded version of the Yamaha RX-V6A. It had YPAO (Yamaha's version for room correction).
I have a 5.1 setup and am driving (2) KEF Q950s for Front L/R, (1) Definitive Technology Mythos Three Center as Center, and (2) KEF Q350s for Surrounds. I also have the system paired with a Klipsch RP-1600SW. The center was by choice for design purposes of the living room furniture layout of the TV stand that the TV is mounted above and was able to fit in a small cubby in the TV stand. This was not the optimal end set up but more on this later, it was done for aesthetics as this was in my living room.
I did room correction with Dirac Live as this was one of the major deciders including the price point that pushed me to upgrade. Dirac Live correction was done on the Laptop - I never did the correction with the phone app, I opted for the laptop since reading everything pointed to better results with a PC. I did this in a quiet environment with all the other devices off so as to ensure fidelity of the measurements. I used a UMIK-1 microphone that is recommended by many forums including our own here at Slickdeals.
I was hesitant and concerned with all the reading about the 2021 PAC AVR "Limp Mode" issue. The KEFs all have a nominal impedance rated at 8ohms and range all the way down to 3.2ohms. It has been noted in other forums that these speakers, although not rated at 4ohms nominal, are harder to drive on some 2021 PAC AVRs and trigger the "Limp Mode". Being hopeful but also to avoid any issues, I installed (2) AC Infinity AIRPLATE S7s (each is fitted with dual 120mm fans - so 4 fans total) into my cabinet that remains closed. One AIRPLATE S7 at the bottom shelf to draw in (intake) cool air and one on the 2nd shelf where the receiver sits to draw out (exhaust). There are only 2 shelf compartments, PS5 and Xbox Series X sit in the bottom compartment with the intake fan. Each AIRPLATE unit at maximum each move 104CFM of air and are controlled by an AC Infinity Controller 2. Fan controller is set at 78F to turn on fans. Measured temps at 80-82F max in the cabinet. I have also matched speaker wire lengths to all relative speakers per position and am using 14 gauge pure copper wire to maintain lower resistance and consistent levels of impedance.
With all that in mind…..*drum roll please*…….
The results are in. After setup and room correction. IT SOUNDS AMAZING. Dirac Live is a game changer, highs are highs but not fatiguing, bass is accurate and deliberate, the center surprisingly not being matched (brand, drivers, complementing crossovers, and timbre matching) sounded seamless. The frequency response was consistent across all volumes and consistent into and past reference level. You don't have drivers overextending themselves and distorting with an inaccurate calibration. Wow. Just wow. Do yourself a favor and get this receiver only if you plan on doing Dirac Live room correction. Also, I recommend with even a trained ear, try the room correction out with any receiver you might have, (hopefully it's Dirac or an equivalent) very few people would be able to correct and calibrate as well as the Dirac did. Too many factors for us to try to consider, room size, room shape, insulation materials, types of surfaces, different objects in the room itself, only to mention a few. The receiver had no issues with driving the KEFs at extended periods at reference levels. Details are more transparent - the KEFs are already good at this, but Dirac Live room correction made it even better. No issues with any "Limp Mode", this may be the fact of adequate cooling in the cabinet.
I am currently waiting on a KEF Q6 Meta to arrive but am nowhere in a rush to replace the center, I just wanted to get the full set for when the time comes to complete it with my wife's permission. I know there will be upsides to the matched center and driver sizes but am very amazed by the seamlessness of the staging accomplished between two very different speakers from Front L/R and center speaker after completing Dirac Live room correction. It could be a commercial. It should be a commercial.
If there are any questions on anything, feel free to ask. I can provide more details to the processes or setup.
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He said "same "off by 1" DLBM/DLBC bug"
This does not have access to DLBM or DLBC.