How Important THX is?

[avliner]

Hi all,

got some doubts about THX Certification.
As we all know, nowadays more and more manufacturers are launching THX certified receivers at very competitive prices.

That makes me wonder why some well known top end manufacturers (like Denon & Marantz, for example) only have THX certified gears available at the mid-to- high end ranges. By the way, never heard about a SONY receiver having THX certification. Is there any we don't know??

Have heard someone saying that - as a comparison - Denon 3805 is by far better than several Yammies, Pioneers and Kenwoods wich are THX badged.
It's just like saying: I don't need that badge at all... I'm good enough.
Probably that's a marketing strategy for those manufacturers anyway.

Another point I'd like to discuss is the price factor between THX SELECT CERTIFIED and THX ULTRA 2 CERTIFIED receivers.
There's indeed a huge price difference between them, being the ULTRA 2, as far as I'm concerned, only applied to the flagship models.
Let's get this example:

YAMMIE 4600 @ 1,900 ( THX SELECT )
DENON 4806 @ 3,500 ( THX ULTRA 2 )

I know that the 4806 has many more features as to justify such a price difference, but again there's the THX ULTRA 2 point. I really don't know; perhaps it's just a matter of royalties between the 2 certifications.

I'm planning to upgrade my receiver this year (I own a Denon 2803) and after several researches I'm narrowing my choices down to 3 brands:

Denon 3805, Yammie 2500 and HK 7300.

There's another one coming on the list and that is basically where lies all my concerns: JVC RXDP15 (the only one which is THX ULTRA 2 CERTIFIED). Being a flagship model (same as HK) and being sold at $ 1,300 brand new (at Vanns), it makes me wonder whether this could be the best bet.

Just cross-checking the MSRP's between the 4 brands (all brand new ones with full manufacturer's warranty):

JVC = $ 1,300
HK - $ 1,300
DENON - $ 1,200
YAMMIE- $ 1,000


Would appreciate to know if someone knows more about the above JVC gear and if that "supposed advantage" (THX Ultra 2) makes JVC to stand out of the crowd.

My logical ranking order's choice is:

1) HK
2) DENON
3) YAMMIE

But what about the JVC?? By cross-cheking all specs, I would rank the JVC as the 2nd choice, with good chances to become # 1, if the THX issue plays and important role (as well as the other specs, of course).

Regards.

 

[Spiffyfast]

This should help you with the distinction between THX Select and THX Ultra 2

http://www.thx.com/mod/products/chosngProduct.html

The THX Select is something for smaller rooms and the THX Ultra 2 is designed for large sized rooms. Checked this topic out yesterday just out of curiousity.

 

[claudermilk]

IMHO it's purely a marketing thing. They give Lucas some money to run his tests on the product so they can put the THX logo on it. Now they can go out and say "hey we're THX certified."

I think my Marantz receiver is better than many lower end THX logoed competitors. I would be surprised if it couldn't match the qualities noted, they just didn't give Lucas the money to slap that extra logo on the faceplate. For me having the logo didn't factor in to my shopping.

 

[Tempest]

The only reason I have the THX unit listed in my signautre is that is was a closeout at a really, really low price. If I had the kind of money needed to buy it for full retail, I would have sprung for something else...I have no idea what, but I'm sure there is better stuff out there for the same or less. I'm not saying THX is all hype...I'm not qualified to give that opinion. I wouldn't base your purchase on THX alone.

 

[outsider]

IMO the specs of a unit, or whether or not it's THX means nothing.

I've seen equipment with no-so-great specs outperform equipment with excellent specs.

Ultimately, it all comes down to what you like. Ignore the extra labels and trust your own judgement. If you like it, then it's what you should get.

Personally, I'd avoid THX just so you know you aren't giving any money to that greedy egomaniac

 

[MDS]

Personally, I'd avoid THX just so you know you aren't giving any money to that greedy egomaniac

Here we go again. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I find that particular stance comical. It's as if there is no value to the certification because THX charges a fee for it. It's equivalent to the other oft-stated 'opinion' that one shouldn't buy microsoft software because Bill Gates is the richest man in the world and there is no value to their software - it's all just a money grab.

THX certification means that a unit has met a rigorous set of standards. Period. Read about it, learn what it is and what is is not, and then make an informed decision on whether or not it has any value.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

My logical ranking order's choice is:
1) HK
2) DENON
3) YAMMIE
But what about the JVC?? By cross-cheking all specs, I would rank the JVC as the 2nd choice, with good chances to become # 1, if the THX issue plays and important role (as well as the other specs, of course).

Your ranking is right on the money IMO. I wouldn't go the JVC route for the simple reason they haven't been in the HT game the way these others have, which means they probably haven't sold enough models to refine their technology or squeeze out any minor problems.

THX certified is very different than an approved THX Surround system. That system requires THX approved speakers, placement, acoustics, a THX approved eq, and more money than any of us care to spend. IMO, unless you are going for broke, don't worry about THX certification, because you'll only have a small piece of the puzzle. For the fee to certify a receiver as THX (my guess is either a percentage of the MSRP, or a flat amout, say $150 per unit), companies can give you an equally sufficient component and pass the savings on to us (instead of Mr. Lucas).

 

[msmith855]

I haven't had enough experience to actually rank them but I would have to say your three choices in brands (along with Pioneer perhaps) are generally in line with everything I've read and heard as far as the best without going into the exotic stuff like Lexicon. But don't be too fast to dismiss JVC, while it may not have the reputation that the others carry my experience with JVC has always been positive and in terms of bang for the buck they are often hard to beat.

 

[rikmeister]

watches do the same thing with cosc certified adds another 300.00 to 500.00 to the

price of the watch. will it keep better time not necesarily. will you be able to resell it for more not really in some cases. just a market ploy to soak more money out of the consumer.

 

[avliner]

THX & JVC

Thanks for all inputs.

Let's make it that way: THX is a PLUS, not a MUST!

I foresee that in very close future, basically all known receivers will bear the THX logo, the same way as Dolby. We all know that there's a considerable percentage of marketing stuff on that, but it's also undeniable that THX specs have raised the bar in the AV world, in terms of specs. Their standards seems to be pretty rigorous and for sure not all currently made models are entitled to bear their badge. Conclusion is that we - the consumers - will take a good benefit from that, as the manufacturers (struggling to sell more & more), will be forced to improve the overall quality of their products, in order to be at the same level as the competition.

Can someone imagine nowadays one receiver without the Dolby processors??
Needless to say that it would be a total flop in terms of sales performance!

It's quite clear to me that THX will follow the steps of Dolby Labs...

Back to the receiver's choice, I agree with Buckie's comments when he says that JVC haven't hit the "long and winding road" as the others did in the AVR world (Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, HK & Pioneer); however I do agree also with msmith855 comments, as not to dismiss JVC too fast. I personally don't believe that JVC would be entering the, let's call it " flagship AVR war " without the proper weapons (and their arsenal is full of...). From what I've read on forums & magazines (mostly Europeans), the overall quality of the RXDP15 is paramount.

Will try to get one demo'ed at the earliest opportunity, but would as well appreciate to hear any additional comments on that specific model, as I'm planning to upgrade my receiver late this year.

Cheers / Avliner.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

It's quite possible JVC decided not to market in the US (or if they do, not as heavily as their competition). I've never seen any of these receivers at any ht or mass merchant store, only at JR Music World, Crutchfield (only digital) and similar websites. They may be outstanding contenders, but not having a foothold in our market tells me any future repairs could be costly. My very first receiver was a 30wpc JVC. Although it was a budget unit ($200 back in 1985), it lasted well into my college years (1992) until it conked out with a little to much Led Zepplin. My replacement was a Yamaha Natural Sound receiver that I still use in my lower level system. It was a $149 40wpc 2 channel unit, and IMO was a better sounding unit with the same speakers. My aunt had a top of the line JVC HT receiver in the late 80's and loved it. I can't knock JVC. That's my limited experience with JVC receivers. As far as video, they are hard to beat (especially with LCD tv). Here's the new JVC receiver lineup.
www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD1000000&pathId=5

http://www.jr.com/JRSectionView.process?N=10946+401073&Ne=400000#Brand

 

[brian32672]

Wow, that JVC RX-DP15B looks pretty sweet. With 120x7 @ 0.02 THD THX Ultra2. And around 1100.00 seems to be a pretty decent deal. Very clean power, weighs 52 lbs.