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Onkyo vs Integra – Which Brand Is Better?

By Author Norvan Martin

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Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Norvan Martin

Onkyo and Integra are two renowned and well-respected brands in the audio industry that produces high-quality speakers, headphones, soundbars,  subwoofers, and amplifiers. 

In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at the 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.

Onkyo is known for its high-quality home theater systems and audio equipment, while Integra is a high-end audio brand known for its premium-priced home theater systems and audio equipment.

Pros and Cons of Onkyo:

  • Pros: Known for producing high-quality audio components, including amplifiers, receivers, and CD players. Many of their products are well-regarded for their sound quality and build quality.
  • Cons: Some users have reported issues with their receivers randomly shutting off and going into protection mode.

Pros and Cons of Integra:

  • Pros: Known for producing high-quality home theater products, including receivers, amplifiers, and speakers. Strong reputation in the home theater industry.
  • Cons: Some products may be on the expensive side.

Quick History

Onkyo Quick History

Takeshi Godai established the Japanese company Onkyo in 1946. Godai intended to address the gap in delivering satisfactory Japanese-made dynamic speakers.

onkyo logo

The work Onkyo originated from a Japanese word meaning “sound acoustics.”

Integra Quick History

Integra is a subdivision of the Japanese manufacturing company Onkyo with headquarters in Osaka, Japan.

Integra logo

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

Onkyo Sound Quality

If you are an audiophile, you want a receiver that can deliver your specific notes as perfectly as possible. The range of AV receivers from Onkyo sound very impressive and complete with incredible functionality and product regardless of your listening environment.

Onkyo HT-7800

When it comes to choosing and paying for the better fidelity unit, putting your money on Onkyo is one of the best decisions for audiophiles.

They have a more well-rounded sound signature that offers more detail; audiophiles refer to it as a more “clinical” sound. The highs, mids, and lows are equally discernable.

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.

integra receiver

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

Onkyo Features

Many people expect to get a bundle of features in today’s world, especially when paying more for a product. However, the features of an Onkyo receiver are mainly related to the system’s sound.

It has some of the best step-up receivers with features such as:

  • Dirac Live
  • Streaming suite
  • Support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

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

Onkyo Build Quality

People tend to look at their build quality first when buying expensive devices. However, other than looking good, the device should be able to deliver good service over many years.

When it comes to build quality, Onkyo is a bit shaky. Many people complain of their receivers either requiring repair or going dead in less than a year despite the two-year warranty on their devices.

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.

integra receiver

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

Onkyo Ease Of Use

Onkyo receivers are particularly easy to set up. As an excellent performer, the products are made with superb usability and valuable features that make them easily accessible by all users.

The direct source buttons added for ease of control in the absence of a remote further make the Onkyo TX-NR585, for instance, much more user-friendly.

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

Onkyo Cost

Onkyo receivers are generally costly. This is most likely attributable to their high-quality build and good sound performance.

Speakers: $20 – $6000

Receivers: $200 – $3000

Amplifiers: $40 – $1000

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:

Space Requirements

Onkyo Space Requirements

Generally, Onkyo receivers are a little taller. Although they may not take much space on your table, they are much taller and broader than many competing receivers in the market.

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

Onkyo Remote Controls

Onkyo receivers come with remote controls that make them easy to control even from the comfort of a seat. Besides, the remotes are intuitive and easy to use. The wireless remotes are device-specific and can be purchased separately from the device.

On the other hand, the Onkyo remote for Android utilizes the home network to operate wirelessly and deliver several remote control functions to manage your Onkyo hi-fi systems. Besides, the app permits wireless streaming of audio from personal computers and handsets.

Onkyo is, therefore, more advanced when it comes to remote controls and will make your entertainment system easy to navigate.

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

Onkyo Connectivity Options

Onkyo receivers have several connectivity options to take care of the analog and digital features.

They are therefore compatible with older devices and the modern class of devices. Some of the vital connectivity features include:

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 analogue audio output; and Ethernet connectivity options.

Power Range

Onkyo Power Range

Onkyo receivers have several connectivity options to take care of the analog and digital features.

They are therefore compatible with older devices and the modern class of devices. Some of the vital connectivity features include:

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

Onkyo Frequency Response

The frequency response is varied depending on the device. For instance, the speakers have a frequency response of between 50Hz to 20kHz.

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

Although the build quality of Onkyo can be less than desirable, the vintage brand manufactures audiophile-grade sound systems. They are, however, costly. On the other hand, 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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