RDC-7 DSP Modes and Listening Tests

The DSP modes include Theater Dimensional, Enhance 7, Orchestra, Unplugged, Studio-Mix, All Channel Stereo, Musical and Action. Each of them produce their own ambiance and can be somewhat tailored to suit the listening environment. My personal favorite includes All Channel Stereo (with the rear surrounds), and Unplugged. When listening to two-channel CD's, the All Channel Stereo mode is an excellent processing mode for filling the room with sound, especially when hosting parties. This mode assures that no matter where you stand in the room, you will be able to indulge in a complete sound field. The Unplugged mode is the perfect setting for CD's with acoustic guitar as it provides a warm, MTV Unplugged type ambience. All other DSP modes offer their own sound field that some may like and others may not. It's completely dependant on personal preference as to which will work for you.

For our complete listening study of Integra Research's RDC-7, we went through an exhausting variety of different formats and sources over a 5 month period. For two-channel formats we listened to a broad base of CD's in Analog bypass, stereo mode, and through several DSP modes. We also spent a considerable amount of time listening to movie and concert broadcasts from satellite. We also tested the unit with DTS CD's, SACD's and DVD-Audio so that we sampled all possible modes of operation.

For our listening pleasure, we auditioned the RDC-7 with satellite radio broadcasts and the following list of CD's.

During our time with the RDC-7, much of it was spent entrenched in a pile of CD's. The experience allowed us to better understand the performance of this processor. During playback of these CD's, the RDC-7 was able to produce a large soundstage with detailed, accurate sound without sounding bright or mechanical. The music sounded lively and natural, and vocals were not lispy, nor stale. In Direct Mode without the addition of a subwoofer, there was sufficiently deep bass coming from our large main speakers. The bass was tight and projected with authority, more so than any of the other processors placed in this setup, particularly when compared directly against the Sunfire Theater Grand III. While enjoying the music, we were able to appreciate the subtle nuances of Jewel's voice as well as the reverberation from Church Hall acoustics found on the song "Mining for Gold" on The Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions CD. Guitars, sax, bass, drums, vocals and all instruments were reproduced with precision and detail. Direct Mode should be the preferred setting for those embarking on a listening experience with time to sit back, relax and enjoy the delicate sounds of music. The RDC-7 demonstrated its ability to serve as an audiophile preamp during these extensive listening sessions.

The same collection of CD's listed above, was replayed using the Stereo mode to compare performance to the Analog Direct bypass. This mode allowed operation of the subwoofer with the mains set to either large or small. We initially listened with the subwoofer turned off for a direct comparison. We also switched back and forth between stereo and analog bypass (direct) to note any audible performance differences. While stereo mode does add the option for subwoofer, it theoretically cannot provide the level of detail of the Analog Direct Mode. We felt the Stereo mode was not a sonic match to the Analog direct mode. Perhaps this was due to expected losses from the digital circuitry that results in subtle reductions in details and nuances. Keep in mind that a marginal performance difference is expected when listening to music in Stereo, so it was not a fault with the RDC-7. If anything, it allowed us to appreciate how well the analog direct mode performed. This mode is generally used when added bass from a subwoofer is desired, but it's not necessarily for the audiophile who cleared the house of wife and kids (who, me?) just to sit down and listen to music. Those rare moments should be reserved for the Analog Direct mode. Alternatively, one can opt for bypassing the source DAC's in favor of the excellent DAC section of the RDC-7. We optioned to do so in our listening tests and were most pleased with the results. This allowed us the best of both worlds; a fabulous DAC section (rivaling most high end CD/DVD players) and the ability to utilize subwoofer output in 2 channel mode.