Remote, Build Quality, and Setup

From left to right we see the i.LINK, Ethernet, Toslink and coax digital connections, followed by multi-channel inputs, analog RCA's, S-video/composite and component video, HDMI, RS232 and the trigger system.  Integra Research accommodates component video or BNC, or both. I selected the extra component video card to support my current system configuration. Owners of certain high-end front projection systems may wish to opt for the BNC card instead. Pretty much all the bases are covered here and in the likely event of newer interface adoptions, the RDC-7.1 is ready with a quick card change from your local dealer.

Remote Control

At first glance the RC-555M remote control could be quite intimidating.  It's basically a long thin remote stuffed with a lot of buttons.  Though the buttons are well labeled, they could sometimes be difficult to read in a room with high ambient light due to reflections off of the anodized silver faceplate or in a darkened room since the backlighting was rather dim.  One of the redeeming qualities of this remote was the spin flywheel which functioned twofold; to toggle operation mode and source.  When you spun the flywheel the "mode" and "input" buttons illuminated green allowing you to select which you would like to control or both.  Initially I accidentally toggled the wheel with both options illuminated and it took me a few moments to figure out how to get the remote to operate the processor since it was stuck in DVD operation mode.  Selecting "mode" and spinning the flywheel won't take you back to controlling the processor which they designate as "amp".  You must instead press the flywheel for it to revert back to processor control.  Remember this or you will be in a world of hurt if you accidentally toggle the remote to control other devices.  I found the buttons I used most during normal operation, aside from the obvious volume and power, were the flywheel and "surround" and "DSP" keys which allowed the user to toggle surround modes on the fly.  On many processors and receivers it takes at least two or three keystrokes and/or submenus to address this feature. I much prefer the simpler approach of the Integra Research.  With this configuration, the user can simply toggle between PLIIx Music Mode or Movie Mode by the toggling a single button (a handy featuring when switching between different source types).

Programming the RC-555M was a snap, again thanks to the handy flywheel.  All you have to do is look up the manufacturers ID code and toggle the flywheel to component name you wish it to operate.  You can even customize specific keys and set up macro commands.

Unfortunately the program modes of the RC-555M are only reserved for (DVD, TV, VCR, CBL, and SAT) inputs.  The other inputs are hard configured for Onkyo/Integra hardware.  I successfully operated my Dish PVR box using the Integra Research supplied ID codes, but was unable to operate my Denon DVD-5900 with any of the supplied ID codes.  I had to manually program the remote to get it to operate my DVD player.

Overall, the RC-555M is a very competent remote with good tactile feel and build quality, though somewhat limited in programming function.  I just wish the backlighting was a bit brighter but as of yet we don't buy flagship high performance electronics for their remotes, and for as little as $300, a dedicated universal remote control can be purchased without such limitations.

Inside the RDC-7.1

Anyone who is into cars always likes to get a good look under the hood before they take the plunge into proud ownership.  Test driving a new A/V processor is no different, at least not for me.   My curiosity got the best of me so I grabbed my trusty Torx screwdriver and removed the top cover.  With the sheer size and weight of the RDC-7.1 it's hard to believe this is a processor and not a flagship receiver.  Peering into it with the top cover off, I was pleased to see a well laid out design, oversized toroid power supply, and ample heat-sinked regulation.

Chips Anyone?

As with the RDC-7.1's predecessor, Integra Research has provisioned some of the best and most current processors and DACs on the market including dual 32-bit processors from Aureus™ Texas Instruments, 192kHz/24 bit DACs from Wolfsen, and a proprietary low jitter clocking system from Apogee which is said to audibly clean up jitter by taking in erratic or jittery timing signals and putting out cleaner, lower jitter signals. This allows optimum A/D and D/A conversion for improved sonic performance.

The Set-Up

In my opinion the true test of a well-designed, user-friendly interface is how infrequently one has to reference the owner's manual to setup and operate the equipment.  I am one of the last people to ever use those dreaded things (I am also one of the last people to stop and ask for directions when I get lost driving in an unfamiliar place, so I am sure there is a pattern here.)  In fact, I usually stubbornly drive around getting more lost until I find my way, and similarly leave the owners manuals in the box and attempt to figure out the equipment setup and configuration myself.  With many A/V controllers and receivers, I get reasonably far along before I eventually have to crack it open.  Considering the complexity of the RDC-7.1, I figured I wouldn't get too far and would soon be referencing a novel length owner's manual.  Shockingly, my assumptions were incorrect.  I actually configured about 95% of this processor on the fly, with no referenced instructions whatsoever!  The menu options were straightforward, and quite easy to navigate.  I did find an area or two that I felt were not appropriately labeled or complete, such as the first option "0. Hardware Set-Up" that serves no purpose other than assigning a remote control ID.

Bass Management

On the surface, the RDC-7.1 bass management system appears to be among the most flexible systems we have seen in a processor, allowing the user to adjust speaker group crossover frequencies independently of each other in 10Hz step sizes from 40Hz to 150Hz.  I proceeded with caution based on my past experience with systems that attempted, but failed, to successfully offer this type of multiple crossover system.  The problem with most multiple crossover systems is when you configure one speaker group's crossover to a much higher setting than the main channels, the bass from those speaker groups don't get recombined to the sub and is lost entirely.  This is because most systems only incorporate one fixed LPF setting for the subwoofer channel which is usually derived from the main channel's setting.  Knowing the kind of company Integra Research is, I didn't suspect the RDC-7.1 truncated the bass like this, especially since it has a separate LFE crossover setting.