they cost almost 3x what the 8.4 is coming out at - have more pre-out channels (15.2), but only 7 powered channels, and substantially less power. There are plenty of people using the JBL Synthesis SDR35/38 for 7.2.4 setups. although once you add that, it ends up at the top of the price scale. You look at its direct competitors - and the price is well positioned, and slightly lower than most of its competitors - with the additional option of adding DLBC - widely considered to be a superior bass management system to its competitors. Yamaha A8A is also a close competitor - similar power level, same channels, same DAC chipsets, US$3600 - Dirac vs Yama proprietary system differentiator = Dirac Vs Sony's proprietary system The Sony AZ7000 has similar power level and more channels (13.2) for US$3300. their X4800 has fewer powered channels, and lower power. with their AVR-A1H being a substantial notch upwards at US$6500. It's closest direct competitor is the no longer current, Denon X6700h, which at release sold for US$2500 but most lately at US$3000ĭ&M are not expected to rerelease a competitor in that segment for at least another year. more channels, less power not all channels powered, weaker Room EQ, etc. Yes it has competitors, but each competitor makes differing compromises. It fills an interesting slot - high power, and probably (based on my experience with previous generation Onkyo/Integra flagship models of similar power) high current ability to handle low impedance speakers, "limited" to 7.2.4 - 11 channels + 2 sub channels (the alternatives at a similar power level, are 13 channels+subs), with the very well regarded Dirac room EQ. There are very few AVR's with power specs near what is being advertised here - and those that do have that level of power are substantially more expensive. On the price, we have yet to see what the real "street price" will be.
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