Integra DHC-9.9 Preamp Processor

Description

The Integra DHC-9.9 was one of the standout surround-sound preamp/processors of the late 2000s, arriving at a time when Blu-ray, HDMI, and lossless high-definition audio were transforming the home theater landscape. Introduced as the successor to the well-regarded DTC-9.8, the DHC-9.9 combined an unusually comprehensive feature set with sophisticated video processing, balanced outputs, and extensive room correction. With an original price of $2,000, it offered performance and flexibility that challenged considerably more expensive separates.

At the center of the DHC-9.9’s appeal was its ability to decode the then-new lossless formats, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, with support for up to 7.1 channels. It also carried THX Ultra2 Plus certification and offered an extensive collection of Dolby, DTS, and THX post-processing modes. Audyssey MultEQ XT provided automatic room correction, while Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume offered additional tools for optimizing listening at lower volumes and maintaining consistent levels between television programs and commercials.

Video processing was another major strength. Integra equipped the DHC-9.9 with the HQV Reon-VX video processor, one of the most highly regarded video-processing platforms of its era. The processor could deinterlace and scale sources to 1080p and perform extensive analog-to-digital and format conversion. Particularly useful was the ability to configure processing independently for individual inputs, allowing users to bypass processing for high-quality sources while applying scaling and enhancement to older DVD, cable, composite, or S-video sources. Reviewer Kris Deering wrote that he had “yearned for this kind of flexibility from processors that cost several times more.”

Connectivity is extensive by today’s standards, with four HDMI 1.3 inputs and two HDMI outputs, three component-video inputs, numerous composite and S-video connections, and a generous assortment of digital and analog audio inputs. The DHC-9.9 also provides seven-channel RCA preamp outputs plus balanced XLR outputs for all seven main channels and the subwoofer, making it particularly attractive for systems using separate power amplifiers. Three 12-volt triggers, RS-232 and Ethernet connections further accommodate sophisticated custom installations.

Sound quality was highly regarded. Sound & Vision reviewer Daniel Kumin reported that the DHC-9.9 produced “impeccable audio and video from virtually every source”, while praising its Reon-VX processing and Audyssey calibration. He found the automatic setup capable of producing a more open spatial presentation and improved bass and midrange balance.

The DHC-9.9 was not without shortcomings. Its Ethernet connection was intended primarily for control rather than network audio or firmware updating, it lacked modern streaming capabilities, and only one HDMI monitor output could be active at a time. Nevertheless, Kumin’s final assessment was emphatic, calling it a “highly capable A/V control center” and praising its outstanding audio and video performance and exceptional value.

Today, the DHC-9.9 remains an appealing vintage/legacy home-theater processor for enthusiasts who want excellent 1080p-era processing, lossless 7.1 decoding, Audyssey room correction, and balanced outputs without spending heavily. In a dedicated 1080p system it remains an impressively capable and well-engineered component.

Product Specifications

• Type: 7.1-channel A/V preamp/processor
• Original price: $2,000
• Audio decoding: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
• Surround formats: Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, THX Ultra2 Cinema/Music and related modes
• THX certification: THX Ultra2 Plus
• Room correction: Audyssey MultEQ XT
• Additional Audyssey: Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume
• Video processor: HQV Reon-VX
• HDMI: 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs; 2 HDMI outputs
• HDMI video: Up to 1080p
• Component video: 3 inputs, 2 outputs
• S-video: 6 inputs, 2 outputs
• Composite video: 6 inputs, 3 outputs
• Digital audio inputs: 3 coaxial, 3 optical
• Analog audio inputs: 9 stereo plus 7.1-channel analog input
• Main preamp outputs: 7.1-channel RCA
• Balanced outputs: 7.1-channel XLR
• Subwoofer output: 1
• Control connections: Ethernet, RS-232, 3 × 12V triggers, IR connections
• Other features: HD Radio, XM/Sirius compatibility, optional iPod dock
• Dimensions: 17.13″W × 7.63″H × 17.5″D
• Weight: 29.3 lb.