Denon and Integra are two renowned and well-respected brands in the audio industry that produces high-quality speakers, headphones, soundbars, and subwoofers.
In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at sound quality, durability, price and so on. Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points, however, we will compare them as closely as we can.
Before we do that, here are some other comparisons in this series:
Quick History
Denon Quick History
The Japanese manufacturing company, Denon, was founded by Frederick Horn in 1910. It started off by importing recording equipment until 1910, when it started manufacturing recording equipment.
Denon used to be called ‘Nippon Denki Onkyo Kabushigaisha’ but later changed its name to Denon. The name Denon resulted from the merging of Denki Onkyo with the record label Nippon Columbia in 1947.
The company started by producing one-sided gramophones and records. However, they grew over the years because of mergers and expansion of the product line. Today, Denon is known for manufacturing high-end audio equipment, home theater systems, AV receivers, wireless stereos, and other electronic devices.
Integra Quick History
Integra is a subdivision of the Japanese manufacturing company Onkyo with headquarters in Osaka, Japan. It was introduced in 1969 as a brand for marketing Onkyo’s premium products – especially AV receivers and amplifiers. This is why there is some confusion about Integra vs Onkyo. It became its own division in 2000. Integra currently manufactures AV receivers, amplifiers, and CD players.
Sound Quality
Denon Sound Quality
One thing that cannot be separated from the Denon brand’s decades of existence is the production of high-quality audio equipment. It boasts high-quality surround sound in all the home theaters and other audio equipment.
Denon receivers are very good at producing a warm sound that is accompanied by a clear sound effect. The sound quality of an average Denon audio equipment is crystal clear, which makes it an excellent choice for both commercial and professional use.
However, this does not eliminate the fact that they are good picks for home audio equipment. The brand has successfully kept up its reputation of impressive sound quality.
Integra Sound Quality
The Integra audio brand markets only the best speakers manufactured by Onkyo, so the audio quality of Integra devices is superb, as expected.
The brand’s enthusiasm for delivering flawless audio experiences is ingrained into the construction, design, and performance of every Integra component.
This is clearly shown in Integra’s receivers, which have become the top choice of many AV experts and home theatre users globally.
Features
Denon Features
Denon has improved their product by introducing new features and improvements to the old ones according to the trend.
Here are some features you can expect from a Denon product:
- Up to 13 Channel on the AV Receivers
- Surround sound technology includes Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, DTS, DTS:X Pro, IMAX enhanced, and others.
- Up to 8 HDMI input port
- Bluetooth, HEOS, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2 streaming support.
- Multiple input and output ports
- Built-in phono equalizer on the turntable
- Voice control features include Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant.
Integra Features
In line with Integra’s principle of producing only the best devices, Integra products come packed with a lot of features that ensure a memorable user experience.
Here are some of the more important features that can be found in Integra devices:
- Up to 11-channel on the AV receivers.
- IMAX® Enhanced and Dolby Atmos® or DTS:X® surround-sound reproduction through multiple channels.
- Accurate, noise-free DSP with different modes(gaming, music etc)
- Up to 6-disc capacity carousel CD changer on the CD players
- Play MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD 5.6 MHz, LPCM, and Dolby® TrueHD via Local Network
- Internet Radio and Music Streaming Services Included (TuneIn Radio, Pandora®, Slacker™, Spotify, Deezer and others); and Apple AirPlay Support for Wireless Music Streaming
- Mass Storage Class USB Memory Playback Capability
- AccuEQ Room Audio Calibration
Build Quality
Denon Build Quality
You can be sure of a pretty decent build for any Denon product you choose. As a company, Denon has been consistent with the build quality of its products over the years.
If you are someone that prefers a strong build quality for your appliances, Denon might be a hard road to take for you. This is because most Denon appliances are mostly heavy on design and less on strength.
Denon receivers are still up for the contest against other well-rooted brands in terms of the build quality. It is commonly compared to brands such as Yamaha and Marantz, but the choice here is dependent on individual preference.
Integra Build Quality
Integra uses the best materials for the internal and external components of its devices. Each product is “overbuilt,” in Integra’s words, meaning that every component is loaded with more power and higher capabilities than is required to meet industry standards.
Parts and circuit boards are handpicked and tested against strict quality control and performance standards to provide the best possible entertainment experience while lasting a long time.
Ease of Use
Denon Ease Of Use
On average, Denon products are easy to use. They come with soft buttons that are clearly labeled in plain terms for ease of understanding. Size also contributes to its ease of use. Denon has a line of lightweight and portable products in the audio market that almost anyone can easily operate.
Another factor that contributes to their ease of use is their connectivity. It offers a range of wired and wireless connectivity that allows it to be used and operated anywhere in the house and professionally.
Integra Ease Of Use
Integra devices are somewhat easy to use. Though the controls might confuse a newbie, they are quite easy to master. Integra devices are ready for individual use or in combination with your existing home theatre system right out of the box.
The Integra mobile app (available for iOS and Android) allows you to control your device remotely while delivering additional functionality such as streaming from music services. They also support the use of universal or custom-made remote controllers.
Cost
Denon Cost
Denon products are much more affordable than most other audio system manufacturers. This does not mean they have less quality than the other brands.
Most Denon receivers, for example, deliver amazing quality at an affordable price, from $400 to modern, high-performing ones such as the Denon AVR-X6700H with Ultra HD at around $3000.
Note that no matter how cheap the price of a Denon product is, it will still deliver a decent quality of output for what it is designed for.
Here are some price ranges for different devices from Denon:
AV Receivers: $200 – $5000
Soundbars: $200 – $800
Speakers: $200 – $700
Headphones: $50 – $700
Amplifiers: $500 – $5000
Integra Cost
Integra devices are on the high end of the price spectrum. As an example, the DRX-3.4 AV Reciever starts from $1000 to $1300 while the CDC-4.3 CD player costs about $400 to $500.
This is due to the use of quality materials in their production. Integra devices also use state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimum performance. For the price tag, you can be sure that you’ll get nothing but the best.
Here is a price tag breakdown to guide you in your purchase:
- AV receivers: $900 – $2400
- Amplifiers: $900 – $1800
- CD players: $340 – $400
Space Requirements
Denon Space Requirements
There are several portable product lines from Denon that are perfect for use almost anywhere with great portability. These products range from home theaters, soundbars, and Bluetooth speakers, to receivers and amplifiers.
However, it is worth of note to understand that space consideration for using these products is not about their size alone, ventilation requirements are another contributing factor to the space consideration.
Inadequate space could cause the device to heat up hence causing a possible shutdown. For an average Denon appliance, particularly those that require putting in an enclosed area, a minimum of 5 inches is required around it for ventilation.
Integra Space Requirements
AV receivers and amplifiers are not gadgets that require frequent movement. Therefore, Integra devices are mostly bulky and require enough ventilation space for optimum performance.
For example, the CDC-3.4 has dimensions of (W x H x D): (435 x 131 x 436 mm) and weighs 15.2 lbs. (6.9 kg).
Remote Controls
Denon Remote Controls
Denon offers ease of access for using their devices and the opportunity to control the device while sitting away from it.
A remote function unique to Denon is HEOS, which allows users to enjoy music on the device from any room. The HEOS feature is a wireless multi-room sound support that uses an integrated Android/iOS app.
Asides from the HEOS feature, you can control a Denon device with the Denon remote control app. Although, this is only possible if the phone that has the app and the Denon device are connected to the same Wi-Fi source.
Integra Remote Controls
Some Integra devices come with their own remote controls but can be operated using any universal remote controller. The Integra mobile app can be used to control your device remotely.
Connectivity Options
Denon Connectivity Options
Power consumption by Denon devices varies from device to device. For example, the power range for an average entry-level Denon receiver is around 140 watts for 1 channel and 70 watts for 2 channels. However, the power range/consumption for an average soundbar is roughly around 53 watts.
To make the best use of your Denon device, it would be best to read through the user manuals to understand the power range of the particular device.
Integra Connectivity Options
Integra has a lot of connectivity options integrated into their devices for seamless connection to your existing home theatre system. This includes HDMI, USB, digital and analog audio output; and Ethernet connectivity options.
Power Range
Denon Power Range
Power consumption by Denon devices varies from device to device. For example, the power range for an average entry-level Denon receiver is around 140 watts for 1 channel and 70 watts for 2 channels. However, the power range/consumption for an average soundbar is roughly around 53 watts.
To make the best use of your Denon device, it would be best to read through the user manuals to understand the power range of the particular device.
Integra Power Range
Integra devices have a wide range of power requirements which depend on the type of device they are (receivers, amplifiers and CD players) and their performance. The DTM-6, a stereo receiver, uses 135 Watts per channel compared to the CDC-3.4, a CD player that uses 10 Watts.
Frequency Response
Denon Frequency Response
Most Denon portable bookshelf speakers have a frequency range of around 80Hz – 100Hz. But the range common to most portable speakers is 80Hz. However, Denon AVR Receivers such as the AVR X4000H have a frequency range of 16Hz to 200Hz.
Integra Frequency Response
Integra devices have a wide frequency response range, which effectively covers both highs and lows, though there are different ranges for various devices. The CDC-3.4, for example, has a frequency response range from 5 Hz – 20 kHz.
Conclusion
Denon is a brand that dates back to the early days of sound systems, but because it produces quality sound systems, it still owns the market. Denon products are quite affordable, with quality that outweighs the price. Although every product comes with its flaws, Denon produces those that can be easily overlooked. Sony is good for playing jazz sound. The brand is versatile with numerous connectivity options and good build quality. Besides, there are products for all price ranges.
Integra is a brand that settles for nothing less than the best quality available. Despite their high price tag, you can always be assured of flawless performance from your device as long as it carries the Integra logo.
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