Integrated Systems
Perhaps the most pleasantly surprising introduction came from Onkyo and their Integra Research integrated high-end system. It’s been some time since Onkyo has delivered more than bread and butter components but with the Integra Research product line, co-developed with Balanced Audio Technologies and Apogee Electronics, the Onkyo name is coming back with a vengeance and in their words, "bringing passion back to audio."
The RDC-7 Control Amplifier is jam-packed with an assortment of A/V inputs that includes three component inputs (more than any other processor), six digital coax inputs and three optical inputs. THX Ultra circuitry and Surround EX decoding are featured. Balanced outputs are provided, even for the extra center surround used for Surround EX. In fact, the RDC-7 is configured for stereo center surround speakers. Now that’s immersion. The RDC-7 is IEEE 1394 (Firewire) upgradable and provides 12-volt triggers plus an RS-232 terminal for the addition of external control options.
Instead of going back to the drawing board, Onkyo initiated the help of amplifier manufacturer specialists, Balanced Audio Technologies, to create the RDA-7 Amplifier, which delivers a total of 1000 watts (7 x 150) using symmetrical bipolar topology. Balanced inputs are provided to complement the balanced outputs of the RDC-7. Incorporating the patented Ultra-Low Jitter Clock from Apogee, the RDV-1 DVD Player uses the same 24-bit/192k (that’s not a misprint) linear PCM DAC found in the RDC-7. A direct video path can be used, however, to prevent double processing. Employing a dual transformer power supply, the RDV-1 provides a progressive scan output for integration in a HDTV system.
California Audio Labs (CAL), now a division of Sensory Science, demonstrated the no-compromise CL2500 Series: the SSP A/V processor, the VSW Video Switcher and the MCA five-channel amplifier. Isolation of signals has always been the concept of ultra high-end A/V. Rarely has the concept been taken to such extremes. The VSW and SSP completely isolate audio and video signals, while independent power supplies and transformers in the SSP segregate analog and digital circuitry.
The SSP is supplied with 24-bit/96k dual-colinear DACs on all channels and the latest Motorola 56362 100MHz/MIPS 24-bit DSP chip decodes both Dolby Digital and DTS. For critical two-channel audio purists, you can skip all this circuitry by initiating the analog bypass mode. The VSW delivers a 100MHz-video bandwidth to handle the high scan rates of digital TV and line-doubled (and quadrupled) NTSC material. In addition to component video switching, the VSW provides low impedance BNC connectors (more common to broadcast video) to stabilize component video signal.
Introducing the "zero voltage transition" digital switching power supply, which virtually eliminates noise spikes, the MCA five-channel delivers an ear-shattering 500 watts RMS per channel. Three power supplies reside in the MCA: left channels, right channels and center channel, operating as a Class A amp up to 50 watts, then switching to Class A/B performance.
Seamless communication between components is achieved via RS-232 serial port connections, yet it is also Firewire-ready. Shipping with the SSP is the Philips Pronto learning remote pre-customized for the CL 2500 Series. The SSP ($5,400) and the VSW ($2,100) are shipping now, but the MCA ($7,500) will be ready before the year is out.
