Hearing distortion on my receiver's THX processing

[stanrozenfeld]

This is really bizarre!

I began noticing a warbling type distortion on my surrounds several days ago. Further investigation showed that it only happens when I activate my Marantz SR-18 receiver's THX processing. On all other modes, the sound is clean. Did anyone ever hear of such a problem before? Any ideas what could be causing it?

Thanks,
Stan

 

[mtrycrafts]

This is really bizarre!

I began noticing a warbling type distortion on my surrounds several days ago. Further investigation showed that it only happens when I activate my Marantz SR-18 receiver's THX processing. On all other modes, the sound is clean. Did anyone ever hear of such a problem before? Any ideas what could be causing it?Thanks,
Stan

I am not sure. Is this the first time you activated the THX mode? Are there more than one THX modes? Does it happen with all?
Curious indeed. Have you called Marantz?

 

[stanrozenfeld]

yes, I called Marantz. They suggested resetting the receiver which did nothing, and then taking it in for service.

I always use THX mode for movies. My receiver has only one thx mode. The thing is that the distortion is not so easily evident unless it's a passage with low volume music, that plays over the rear dipole speakers. I don't know how long the problem was there before I noticed it.

I guess it's possible that there is some kind of dedicated thx circuit that's messed up.

 

[mtrycrafts]

yes, I called Marantz. They suggested resetting the receiver which did nothing, and then taking it in for service.

I always use THX mode for movies. My receiver has only one thx mode. The thing is that the distortion is not so easily evident unless it's a passage with low volume music, that plays over the rear dipole speakers. I don't know how long the problem was there before I noticed it.

I guess it's possible that there is some kind of dedicated thx circuit that's messed up.

Interesting. I wonder if that rear is supposed to get a full bandwidth sound to 20kHz or rolled off drastically at 7kHz. Maybe that is what you are detecting?
If under warranty, send it in

 

[stanrozenfeld]

I just checked the same material at my brother's, who has the same identical system. His plays clean. So it's definitely a problem. Sigh... I was hoping that this receiver would last me till next year until the new hdmi 1.3 receivers come out with onboard dts-hd decoding and guaranteed 1080p passthrough.

Stan

 

[JMO_PWR]

A year? I heard it could be up to 3. Although everyone does hear differant rumours.

Have you checked the sources?
Perhaps settings that differ between the amps?
How old is your amp?

Try and test differant things, such as a differant source, resetting the settings in your Receiver etc.

Goodluck.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

I doubt it will be three. Supposedly Panasonic will be releasing an hdmi 1.3 receiver in the fall with onboard dts-hd decoding. Maybe it will be delayed, but I doubt three years.

Yes, I tried different dvd players and different modes on the receiver. Only the thx mode is affected. My brother's system is set up identically to mine.

My receiver is over seven years old, so I am reluctant to spend money to fix it.

 

[JMO_PWR]

Yeh that whats around the forums about HDMI 1.3

Yeh i would be reluctant to spend money. I say when you can (if you want to wait for HDMI 1.3 or not) to treat yourself to a nice receiver. Sounds like it is the problem.

Goodluck.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

Yes, I have my eye on Marantz SR9600. That would be very nice indeed.

To wait or not is a big topic that has been covered on the forums forever. I read lots of threads and still came to no decision. However, that's not the topic of this thread.

 

[JMO_PWR]

Marantz SR-9600? Now im Jelous I got excited now that im looking at buying a Marantz SR-7500. Although the budget of a 17 Year old Student doesnt stretch too far.

If i was buying something like that (Flagship) personally i would wait. Until HD etc. came out, depending of course on how important it is to you. DD-HD/DTS-hd has little importance to me at the minute. However when buying flagship model your better off not knowing that your investment will be outdated in 2 years time

 

[mtrycrafts]

My receiver is over seven years old, so I am reluctant to spend money to fix it.

Then just not use the THX mode with movies
DD/DTS will do you well too, not like THX was the last resort for 5.1