Newbie Q: Does an Ultra2 THX amp require Ultra2 THX pre-pro?

[anupaminsf]

...or will any pre-pro do?

More generally, do all components - digital sources, preamp, processor, amps, and speakers - have to be Ultra2 THX or would the 'weakest link' determine whether a system reproduces Ultra2 THX or not?

Currently, my amp and LCR speakers only are U2-THX.

Thanks in advance for responding to what might appear obvious to most here.

 

[Adam]

Excellent question. My guess is that the pre/pro is not as critical to the equation. I think that rating has more to do with being able to reproduce sufficient volume levels in certain sized rooms, which has more to do with the amps.

 

[Adam]

I just did a quick search and came across this article from this website (among others).

The THX site wasn't loading for me, or I'd research this a bit more for you. Sorry.

 

[Seth=L]

THX is a certification that shows capability of equipment to a degree. There are many manufacturers that chose not to pay to have the logo dropped on their stuff even though they more than meet requirements. THX is not a necessity for a preamp nor amplifier. Putting a THX certified amp with any good pre/pro would yeild good results and visa versa.

 

[anupaminsf]

Alright, from the feedback and the articles, it sounds like THX is a performance certification more than a functionality certification. If that is so, 'underperformance risk' should be concentrated in amps and speakers instead of in components earlier in the signal path.

Thanks.

 

[chunkisagoonie]

THX-certified receivers and processors also have post-processing modes (like timbre-matching and re-correlation) that can be applied over typical surround sound formats (i.e. Dolby, dts).

But as said before, THX shouldn't necessarily be a key deciding factor in choosing a surround sound processor. There are many good SSP's that are not THX-certified.