shokhead said:
THX wouldnt be on my list of must have. One of those things that if it has it fine,if not,no big deal. BTW,the weight of my unit is massive,imo.
(at 29lbs) No disrespect, but there are receivers that are in the 100lb area.
(does someone need that, certainly not me)
Mine is shy of 34lbs, and I do not find it massive. (just about right,
IMO)
The only receivers that I know to pass (From reading various Audio equipment rags) all channels driven and maintain there advertised output is NAD, HK, Rotel, and Outlaw. Denon, Yamaha, Sony, Pioneer all start dropping their power levels once they start testing across 5 or more channels.
Sorry but this is slightly misleading. Specifically on the Rotel and testing across 5 channels.
I have seen power numbers on a few of their (Rotel) pieces that did not hit specs.
HK usually will hit its rated specs because they are usually way under-rated.
That's not saying they are GREAT, its just saying they are more honest on the power figures.
You are correct, very few mainline receivers will hit their rated specs
(in other words take that 120x7 with a grain of salt, more like 60x7)
Also a note: and I am surprised no one brought this up, specially since this thread started on THX receivers.
There are differences on THX Select(2) and THX Ultra standards on testing the amp section.
By chance I just posted on this, so I will just copy and paste.
THX rating differences here -
HERE
When it comes to amplification, continuous output tests are run on up to one, four, and five channels (simultaneously) of an Ultra product, but only one at a time on Select. With all products, the dynamic amplifier tests are done on up to all available channels. Ultra amplifiers must be stable on all channels to 3.2 ohms and swing an 18A peak, while Select products must be stable into 4 ohms (front channel) and 8 ohms (surrounds), and swing peaks of 12.5A and 6.2A respectively.
So, right off the bat, Select amplifiers have a lower bar to reach, but ultimately in meeting it, they will still cleanly drive any reasonably designed speaker to reference level in a Select-size room. What we are talking about here is the idea that the lower powered equipment can get a THX certification that will assure consumers that the really affordable stuff has met certain standards like the high-end equipment.
Also AH states the same thing. I thought it was on the THX review.
But it was on a editorial note difference in testing Select vs. Ultra THX
Look towards the bottom of this page.
HERE
I am also surprised some of the regulars did not point out, that this has all been explained many times. Including the 1015tx in question.
No big deal, its nice to talk about every once in awhile.
But if you want, here are a 2 threads it was discussed on (THX)
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums...ad.php?t=13065
and
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums...ad.php?t=11686
EDIT: added below.
j_garcia said:
THX does guarantee a certain level of performance, but the processing functions I haven't found useful at all.
I agree 100%, they are nice to have - but IMO offer to much of a 'warm' and or subdued sound.
The DD, DTS, DTS 96/24, etc.. normal processing is certainly a more realistic sound IMO.
I almost (99.9%) do not use the THX modes.
There is NO additional cost for a THX cert receiver vs a non THX one. The manufacturer DOES NOT pay for the certification, though not passing may cause them to have to do some redesigning. The majority of manufacturers have a THX Select at least cert receiver, which means they already basically know what to design to in order to meet the spec.
This I don't really agree with. Same goes for speakers, etc... I honestly believe the price is set at a standard (over what was initial), before it will be considered to have THX certify it. Once it does become certified, I honestly think that standard price is heightened - by the time it hits the consumer.
