If there's one trend we can put our fingers on regarding this year's AV receiver offerings, it would boil down to this: seven channels of amplification is so 2017. Nine amps is where it's at these days, and Integra's new "Dot 2" series offerings provide further confirmation for this trend.

The three new Dot 2 AVRs, which range in price from $1,000 to $1,700, support Atmos and DTS:X in 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 configurations, and the two higher-priced models also support two extra channels of processing, if you're willing to bring your own external stereo amp to the equation.

Other goodies include Works with Sonos certification and, of course, a metric boatload of custom installation features, this being Integra and all that. All three models also support the new AccuEQ Advance room correction system, which sounds intriguing.

Of course, the one thing you may be seriously curious about given the name of the series is whether or not these new AVRs offer true stereo subwoofer capabilities. Scouring the instruction manuals, it appears that they don't. Both subwoofer outputs appear to share the same processing, crossover settings, delays, etc., and act as on sub for the purposes of room correction.

For complete details, check out the full press release below:

Integra today announced the next iterations of its reference-grade network A/V receivers with its new "Dot 2" series. The new offerings step-up from 7.2 to 9.2-channels and are the first available Integra units to receive the "Works With Sonos" certification.

Designed and manufactured to the exacting standards befitting Integra's outstanding reputation among custom installers, the new units include:

• • • DRX-5.2 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (MSRP: $1,700 USD / $2,200 CAD)
    • DRX-4.2 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (MSRP: $1,400 USD / $1,800 CAD)
    • DRX-3.2 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (MSRP: $1,000 USD / $1,400 CAD)

Reference Grade Audio
Both the DRX-5.2 and the DRX-4.2 are THX Certified Select for theater reference sound, and support Enhanced HDBaseT LAN connection supporting HDCP 2.2-compliant 4K/60Hz video transmission; Power Over Cable (POC) in combination with optional HDB-RX1 HDBaseT Receiver, and IR and RS-232C control. The now THX Certified DRX-3.2 gets a massive across-the-board upgrade including Zone 2 HDMI with matrix switching; Zone 2 OSD and Powered Zone 3 capabilities for audio. The three units support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats up to 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 channels, with both the DRX-4.2 and DRX-5.2 able to support 7.2.4-channel configuration with an external amp.

Quality Design & Construction
Integra is renowned for the quality of its components and construction and the 'Dot 2" series doesn't disappoint. With HICC (High Instant Current Capability); all steel/aluminum chassis for enhanced anti-resonant environment to surround the internal circuitry; hand-selected parts with nearly zero tolerances; and gold-plated connectivity for top-of-the-line signal to noise ratios, together strive towards the assembly of consistently musically accurate products, and feature exclusives like 'Works with Sonos' authorization protocol all ensure owners receive the most powerful feature-rich home theater hubs available.

Works With Sonos
Integra's new Dot 2 series carries the "Works with Sonos" certification. Once the Integra receiver is connected to a Sonos Connect, owners will be able to send any music or source on their Sonos app to the receiver. The receiver can be grouped to other Sonos devices on the network or it can be used independently. Firmware enabling this function will be available early in June.

Easy Room Calibration
Onboard all three units is AccuEQ Advance, a new premium multi-point room-acoustic calibration system that eliminates standing waves (dead areas where sound-wave peaks don't move spatially, and compromise reproduction quality when sounds of the same frequency interact). Users can place the setup mic in three positions to assure optimal imaging across an expansive soundstage following an easy automated calibration process. AccuEQ Advance is enhanced by AccuReflex technology, which aligns the phase of directional and non-directional sounds for cohesive, comfortable, and well-organized object-based audio reproduction through Dolby Atmos-enabled speaker systems.

Powerful Amplification
Integra's dynamic and powerful audio performance is driven by its low-impedance amplification system with discrete output stage circuitry and custom-made capacitors. The DRX-5.2 is a powerhouse at 120 Watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08 % THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC), while the DRX-4.2 boasts or 100 W/channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08 % THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC). The base model DRX-3.2 packs a formidable 90 W/channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08 % THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC).

Wireless LAN Connectivity Options
Connected to a wireless access point the Integra Dot 2 series also includes a host of wireless audio capabilities including:

• • • Chromecast built-in wireless audio streaming that works with the Google Assistant;
    • Music streaming from DTS Play-Fi -enabled applications;
    • FlareConnect multi-room network and analog*1 wireless audio distribution to compatible components and speakers
    • On demand services such as Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, TuneIn, Pandora, and Deezer*
    • AirPlay Audio Streaming from iTunes and iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch

Custom Install FeaturesOf course, each unit supports the latest features custom installers seek including:

• • • Bi-directional ethernet with IP Control for home automation
    • RS232 port for control;
    • HDBaseT output capability on selected models.
    • Zone 2 Pre- / Line Out for distributed audio playback in another room;
    • Zone 2 DAC for S/PDIF, NET and analog sources;
    • Independent Zone 2 bass / treble / balance control;
    • IR inputs and 1 output;
    • Three 12V trigger outs with adjustable delay.

Detailed list of features, specifications and owner's manual can be found at www.integrahometheater.com.

Additional Resources
•Onkyo Products Earn Works With Sonos Badge at HomeTheaterReview.com.