INTEGRAL 2 REPORT by HDFURY 

  JoeRod

11/12/2018

So I was very apprehensive to even try HDFury’s newest gadget the Integral 2. I just came from attempting to get my theater wishes by trying 6 or 7 different switchers. Each of them claimed they could pass through Atmos sound through their outputs but as I attempted I soon discovered each of them lied. At least out of the box. I did spend time playing with all their edid settings either on the component or hooking up to a PC or via WiFi. What a huge pain. These gadgets ran from 349 to 2000. I decided to take one last gamble with a 249 Integral 2 in which I was fully expecting to return. I even neatly kept the packaging off to the side so I could instigate the return process easier. 

So how did it go? I sent my Apple TV 4K’s signal using a Cinnamon Audioquest HDMI cable to the bottom input of the Integral 2. I then use the outputs - top to my McIntosh MX160 and the bottom to my Oppo 205. I only go into the Oppo since it has valuable zoom modes which allow us to put the image in 1.2 which pretty much gets rid of the black bars. We only loose a minimal part of the image on the sides. So the MX160 gets full Dolby Atmos as well as a 4K HDR image which it sends to my Restroom TV. I love having that TV in the restroom since it allows us the ability to never have to pause a movie. If anyone has to take care of personal business during a movie they don't have to worry about missing anything. Anyway the other output heads into the Oppo which allows us to get our movies in 4K/60p HDR which just looks better using Sony’s Smooth Low Motionflow setting. The MX160 only allows 4K/24 since it’s HDMI chip is 10.2 gbps. Sony has a True Cinema Motionflow mode which was perfected for 1080p/24 movies but honestly 4K to my eyes with motion is just optimal at 4K/60p. The image looks fantastic in both places. So in a nutshell we do the following: 

AVR to TOP OUTPUT

TV to BOTTOM OUTPUT

SCALE SLIDE on AUTOSCALING

And from what I have been told I have the Integral 2 doing some first grade level chores. It is capable of so much. If I were to list everything this would turn into a 5 page Review. Instead I will give you a link to their site where you can read all about it. Go here. What I think makes it so flexible and the key component in any and all set ups is it is a true 18Gbps Splitter. With 1 input replicated to 2 outputs, each individual output can be used to upscale or downscale based on your setup needs. That means no matter your displays, components like Receivers or processors the Integral 2 will be able to negotiate between them and make things work. It is the ultimate relationship councilor. The Integral 2 is the superior cost effective solution that solves most if not all of today’s HDMI issues...

Sony VPL-VW5000ES, McIntosh MX160, Apple 4K TV, Datasat RA7300 Amps X 2, DirecTV 4K, Oppo UDP-205 4K Player, Darblet DVP 5000S, Samsung UBD-K8500 4K Ultra Blu-ray player, Integral 2 HDFury, Monster Power HTS 5100, DENON DVP-602CI Video Processor (for DirecTV), DVDO iScan DUO Video Processor (for DirecTV), Value View 3D glasses, Antec Component Coolers, Stewart Studiotek ST100 Screen, Speakers: MARTIN LOGAN ILLUSION Center, IMPRESSIONS (Left and Right), VANQUISH (HEIGHTS & ATMOS & T), AXIS (Backs), Subwoofers- Martin Logan BalancedForce 212 X 2, Dayton APA150 Sub AMP x 2, 8 Aura Pro Bass Shakers, 8 Black Seatcraft Venetian Home Theater Chairs (with Raffel Integrated Lighted Cup Holders), Remote: Harmony 1100, HARMONY ELITE. Cables: Audioquest & Monster Black Platinum shorter HDMI cables top to bottom. And two 32 Audioquest (Cinnamon & Forest) HDMI cables.

Equipment used for all or parts of this Review:

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