Integra DRX-4.2

    90
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    Highlights

    • 9.2 Channels
    • 11.1 Channel Processing
    • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • THX™Select™ Certified
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
    • HDR10, Dolby Vision
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
    • Ethernet
    • Phono Input
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Integra DRX-4.2 was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 90 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.


    Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

    Evolution of the series
    Model Year Chann. Power Dolby Atmos DTS:X HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision Pass. Price
    DRX-4.3 Image cannot be found 2019 9.2 100 W 4K
    DRX-4.2 Image cannot be found 2018 9.2 100 W 4K

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Integra DRX-4.3 vs DRX-4.2.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Integra DRX-4.2.

    PROs

    •   THX™ Certification
    •   11.1 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   DTS:X
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   Google Assistant
    •   Chromecast Built-In
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   3 Zones
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal
    •   Independent Power Supply

    CONs

    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   No Wi-Fi
    •   No Bluetooth
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Digital Radio

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   Power Output - 100 W
    •   3 HDMI Outputs

    Integra 2018 Lineup

    In 2018 Integra released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Integra 2018 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsZones Price
    DRX-5.2 Image cannot be found 9.2120 W11.111.23
    DRX-4.2 Image cannot be found 9.2100 W11.111.23
    DRX-3.2 Image cannot be found 9.290 W9.12
    DRX-R1.1 Image cannot be found 11.2140 W11.211.23
    DRX-7.1 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W11.211.23

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Integra DRX-5.2 vs DRX-4.2 vs DRX-3.2 vs DRX-R1.1 vs DRX-7.1.

    Successor

    In 2019 Integra DRX-4.2 was replaced by Integra DRX-4.3. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Integra DRX-4.2 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Integra DRX-4.3 vs Integra DRX-4.2
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
    IMAX Enhanced vs
    Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
    Wi-Fi vs
    Bluetooth SBC, AAC vs
    Apple Siri vs
    AirPlay Airplay 2 vs Airplay
    More RCA Line Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 6
    More Composite Video Inputs 3 (1 front) vs 2
    Front A/V Inputs HDMI, Composite, L/R Audio vs HDMI
    DOWNGRADES Integra DRX-4.3 vs Integra DRX-4.2
    Network Audio Formats FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, MPEG-4 AAC vs FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, MPEG-4 AAC, LPCM
    Music Playback via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC vs FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, AIFF, AAC vs FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
    HDBaseT Compatible vs
    In: 1
    Out: 1
    RS-232: 1 (Pasth through)
    IR In: 1 (Path through)
    IR Out: 1 (Path through)
    Maximum Video Resolution: 4K 60 Hz (YCbCr 4:4:4)
    Less Optical Inputs 1 vs 2
    Less Component Video Inputs 1 vs 2

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Integra DRX-4.2 vs DRX-4.3.

    Audio Section

    9 channel Amplifier

    Integra DRX-4.2 features 9 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      THX Select™ (previously known as Select2) certified

      Integra DRX-4.2 is THX Select™ (previously known as Select2) certified. This means that it is ideally suited for a room where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is approximately 3 to 4 meters, and the room size is approximately 56 cubic meters.

      • THX™ Certification: THX™ Certification offers optimal performance, superior quality and seamless integration. THX works with partners from the ground up, so that certified products deliver professional quality audio-visual experiences right out of the box. They only certify the very best products with uncompromised quality, performance and consistency. They ensure that THX certified devices play well with lower performing devices and components. THX listening modes make the receiver to have one speaker set up for movies, music and games. They are tested for power output, bass management, signal-to-noise ratio and feature THX Loudness Plus, Boundary Gain Compensation, Timbre Matching and RE-EQ.
      • Power Output: Power output is tested to ensure the receiver accurately plays source material at THX Reference Level in every input and mode and at every sampling rate for all possible playback combinations selected by the listener.
      • Frequency Response: THX has strict requirements for frequency response to ensure that you hear all the details in high-resolution tracks, ensures dialog in movies, and vocals in music are clear while maintaining deep, impactful bass output that doesn’t overpower the listening experience.
      • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: THX tests the signal-to-noise ratio to ensure the unit is designed to have low noise performance with very little to no audible hiss from the speakers.
      • Bass Management: THX requires an 80Hz crossover point in the setup menu to ensure proper bass management in every THX Certified AVR. This setting confirms that the subwoofer handles low frequencies, freeing up the loudspeakers to handle mids and highs.
      • THX Loudness Plus™: THX Loudness Plus™ is a volume control technology featured in THX Certified Dominus, THX Certified Ultra and THX Certified Select AV Receivers, and preamplifiers that automatically adjusts the front-to-back speaker level relationship as you turn the volume down. With THX Loudness Plus, home theater audiences can now experience the rich details of surround sound at any volume level.
      • Boundary Gain Compensation: Sitting near a wall may result in increased acoustic levels at the lower frequencies. BGC corrects the way low frequency sound is perceived when seated near a wall. This results in a more accurate bass response.
      • Timbre Matching: Your ears hear different tonal qualities in sounds coming from different directions. Timbre Matching restores the frequency balance between your front and surround speakers ensuring seamless and smooth panning between the front to back of the room.
      • RE-EQ: Many movie soundtracks are mixed in studios for playback in large cinema auditoriums with an array of speakers. When played on home systems, they may appear abrasive and edgy. Re-EQ establishes a more accurate tonal balance when enjoying movies in your home.
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels9.2
      Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Non-Phase Shift Amplifier
      VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) Front L/R
      THX™ Certification Select™ (previously known as Select2)
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Discrete Output Stage Circuitry 2-Stage
      PUSH-PULL Design
      Bi-amp Capability Front L/R Channels

      Speaker Configurations

      Integra DRX-4.2's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Integra DRX-4.2 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.
      Integra DRX-4.2

      Dolby Atmos

      Integra DRX-4.2 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

      • Dolby Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

      DTS:X

      Integra DRX-4.2 supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

      • DTS Neural:X: DTS Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
      • DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
      DECODING
      Dolby Atmos
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      Dolby Digital EX
      THX Listening Modes
      DTS:X
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

      Sound Processing

      • Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Integra DRX-4.2 is done by Onkyo’s Advanced Music Optimizer. While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine through the headphones of your portable digital player, the limitations of these files can be exposed when played back through a quality home entertainment system. This is because a significant amount of high-frequency bit information is lost during the file-compression process. To counter this, Onkyo has designed the Advanced Music Optimizer to compensate for lost bit information and improve the quality of compressed audio signals. This results in a clearer and more expansive sound. Also included in this technology is a loudness correction feature that further improves the audio character of compressed files.

      Room Calibration

      Integra DRX-4.2 comes with AccuEQ Advance with AccuReflex™ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

      • AccuEQ: First, AccuEQ detects the presence of speakers and evaluates the impedance of each. Next, it pinpoints their distance relative to the main listening position using the mic and sets suitable sound-pressure levels. Then it selects the optimal crossover frequency so that deeper bass rolls smoothly off to the subwoofer. Finally, AccuEQ performs frequency response equalization based on room-acoustic and speaker data collected via microphone. The sound-field is now tailored around the listening position, resulting in a more immersive and realistic in-film experience.

      Video Section

      HDMI

      Integra DRX-4.2 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs: 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
      • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Integra DRX-4.2 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
      • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
      • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Integra DRX-4.2 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

      HDR (High Dynamic Range)

      Integra DRX-4.2 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

      • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
      • Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
      • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.
      Integra DRX-4.2
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      In: 1
      Out: 1
      RS-232: 1 (Pasth through)
      IR In: 1 (Path through)
      IR Out: 1 (Path through)
      Maximum Video Resolution: 4K 60 Hz (YCbCr 4:4:4)
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4

      Multi-zone Playback

      Integra DRX-4.2 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.


      Zone 2

      • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      • HDMI Output: Integra DRX-4.2 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
      • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

      Zone 3

      • Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 3 amplifier.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones3
      Powered Zones 2 and 3
      Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
      Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
      Whole House Mode
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output3 (A:100 mA, B:25 mA, C:25 mA)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 1

      Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
      • Analog Pre-Outs: Integra DRX-4.2 has 11.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest. Also, Integra DRX-4.2 has 11 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
      • Analog Line Inputs: There are 6 line inputs for analog audio connection.
      • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Inputs: 7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
        8K Inputs: 0
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0
      • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Integra DRX-4.2 supports up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
      • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0

      Front A/V Inputs

      • HDMI
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 (Rear)
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs2
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs6
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs11.2 (shared with Zone 3 Line/Pre Out)
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs2
      Component Video Outputs

      Integra DRX-4.2 Evaluation

      We evaluate Integra DRX-4.2 and give score of 90 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      OVERALL
      90

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      91

      We give Integra DRX-4.2 a score of 91 for Amplifier features.

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   THX™ Certification
      •   Independent Power Supply

      Audio Features

      EXCELLENT
      88

      We give Integra DRX-4.2 a score of 88 for Audio Features features.

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   11.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      EXCELLENT
      95

      We give Integra DRX-4.2 a score of 95 for Video Features features.

      •   HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      82

      We give Integra DRX-4.2 a score of 82 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   No Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   Google Assistant
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   3 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet

      Zones

      EXCELLENT
      92

      We give Integra DRX-4.2 a score of 92 for Zones features.

      •   3 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      92

      We give Integra DRX-4.2 a score of 92 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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