Integra DHC-80.6 is a complete analog of Onkyo PR-SC5530 in terms of circuitry, but quality of assembly is notably higher, plus some program alterations are available. In the market since 2014.

Its precursor is Integra DHC-80.3 / Onkyo PR-SC5509 – a unique device in terms of upgrade potential, manufactured since 2011.


New features have been introduced since then, like Dolby Atmos system and HDMI 2.0 supporting 4K/60 Hz video. That is why a new processor combining those features was presented. Besides, acoustic system configuration possibilities have become really manifold. For example, you can specify that acoustics is in the ceiling – this was not available earlier.

From the perspective of “out-of-the-box” sound, there is nothing prominent about this processor’s multichannel sound, especially stereo. The sound is relatively simple, without any pretense of Hi-Fi and Hi-End.

As regards the circuitry, there are no significant differences from Integra DHC-80.3 except for one – volume control in CS3318 preamplifier was replaced by a R2A15220FP. It was hard to find out whether it is good or bad, for I didn’t manage to find any specifications. All I could do was listen to this processor after upgrade.


In other respects, this processor left a double impression. Some parts of it have been made cheaper – for example, low-price njm4580d operating amplifiers were installed, whilst ne5532 were installed in Integra DHC-80.3 – they also are far from perfect, but better than the new ones anyway. On the other hand, new boards are made of glass textolite, which is a good choice.

Major advantages of this processor:

1. Excellent standard power supply: (2 of them being E-type for digital circuits, and one being a toroidal Japanese BANDO for analog circuits). BANDO manufactures transformers for Accuphase.
2. +-12V power of the analog circuits provides for installation of better operating amplifiers.
3. PCM1795 D-to-A converter is installed in the processor. It is in itself a good high-performance D-to-A converter, but it can be replaced by a better one - PCM1792 – which is a top D-to-A converter by Texas Instruments.


In general, this device seemed quite upgradeable.
Three upgrade versions were designed and implemented: Standard, Maximum, and Super-upgrade.

Standard version:

The aim of this upgrade version was to improve the frontal channels to the maximum, and to bring the other channels to a decent level.

1. PCM 1795 D-to-A converters replaced by PCM1792 in all frontal and upper channels.
2. A new additional analog board was developed and installed for frontal channels.
3. Operating amplifiers in the low-pass filter were replaced by high-quality LME49720 in all channels.
4. XLR outputs remade for 2 frontal channels (upon request all 11 may be remade).
5. Low-pass filter on the main D-to-A converter board redesigned and improved for the central, rear, and upper channels.
6. +-12V power unit of the analog part of D-to-A converter remade in the frontal and central channels in order to eliminate HF noises and interference.
7. Preamplifier power unit remade in 7.1 format.
8. All interstage electrolytic capacitors were removed. Bridges were installed in their place.


Maximum version:

In this version I further improved the frontal channels a bit, and substantially improved the surround sound and LFE channels.

1. Replacement of D-to-A converters PCM 1795 by PCM 1792 in the frontal, central and upper channels.
2. A new additional analog board was developed and installed for frontal channels. Material used - ARLON 25N.
3. Operating amplifiers in the low-pass filter and I/U were replaced by high-quality LME49720 in all channels.
4. XLR outputs remade for 2 frontal channels (upon request all 11 may be remade).
5. Low-pass filter on the main D-to-A converter board redesigned and improved for all channels.
6. +-12V power unit of the analog part of D-to-A converter remade in the frontal, central and rear channels in order to eliminate HF noises and interference.
7. Preamplifier power unit remade in 11.4 format.
8. All interstage electrolytic capacitors were removed. Bridges were installed in their place.


Super-upgrade version:

Frontal channels improved to a maximum, plus all possible improvements made in the surround sound and LFE channels.

1. D-to-A converters PCM 1795 were replaced by PCM 1792 in the frontal, central, rear and upper channels.
2. A new additional analog board was developed and installed. Material used - ARLON 25N.
3. High-quality SUSUMU resistors used for al channels.
4. XLR outputs remade in 5.1 format (upon request all 11 may be remade).
5. Operating amplifiers in the low-pass filter and I/U were replaced by high-quality LME49720 in all channels.
6. Low-pass filter on the main D-to-A converter board redesigned and improved for all channels.
7. +-12V power unit of the analog part of D-to-A converter remade in all channels in order to eliminate HF noises and interference.
8. Preamplifier power unit remade in 11.4 format.
9. All interstage electrolytic capacitors were removed. Bridges were installed in their place.

Some measurements. Basically, they are not indicative of sound quality, unless the distortions go off-scale. I have seen many devices showing low distortions, but the sound is frankly unbearable. In our case the measurements show that the device is in good order and there are no defects.


Listening.

I devoted two days to this process.

Compared to the super-upgrade version of Integra DHC-80.3 with a similar analog part on D-to-A converter board, the sound is pretty much the same. There are only minor differences: the bass is more percussive and dynamic. The distinctions may be attributed to a different volume control in Integra DHC-80.6.

In comparison with brand stereo devices for music playing like Wadia, Accuphase, Audio Note, this processor is as good as those, even better in some points.

Currently there are no analogs of upgraded Integra DHC-80.6 / Onkyo PR-SC5530 processors and receivers based on this platform, and none are expected in the nearest future (with similar combination of parameters and sound quality).

Upgradeable devices:
Integra DHC-80.6, Integra DTR-70.6, Integra DTR-60.6
Onkyo PR-SC5530, Onkyo TX-NR1030, Onkyo TX-NR3030, Onkyo TX-NR5030

Author: Timur Sheykhov