THX certified Receivers - worth the extra $$$?

[runninkyle17]

You might also take a look at what Yamaha has to offer in the THX range. I used to own a Pioneer and now I have a yamaha and I absolutely love it.

 

[gmoneyreece]

" i would take a HK over a THX select Sony in the same price range any day"


Last time I checked sony does not make a THX certified receiver. Even if they did, I would probably use it as a giant door stop!

I guess i was wrong, sony does not even make a THX receiver, that just tells you how much i shopped sony's receivers.

however reading the THX article posted above I was not suprised to see that there is a charge for the THX certification. George Lucas licences and makes money off of everything since Star Wars, in fact he probably is going to charge me for mentioning THX so many times in the forum.

 

[Takeereasy]

Also don't forget the fact that HK receivers are insanely overpriced up here in Canada. In the states that 135 costs half of what Futureshop is charging. The 135 is a decent little receiver but not worth anywhere near what is being charged. The $100 difference is easily worth it for the Pioneer IMO. More features and a much better looking unit (again IMO) than the HK.

 

[gmoneyreece]

I had a HK 525 for the last 3+ years, it was a nice $550 receiver at the time. i am now rolling with the Denon 5805, it's not bad

 

[shokhead]

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.

 

[brian32672]

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.

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.

 

[Crackerballer]

I opted for my Yami to have THX select. I got the RX-V2500 for $590 shipped brand new with store receipt. (PM me if you want the companies name and addy). I can't tell you how it sounds though, because my damn Paradigms haven't come in. Even when they do I am going to run a 2.1 Setup, with Studio 20's and later a Sub.

I got THX for options. It is my opinion that with multiple settings and watching different movies, the more options you have, the more likely you find the one you like. Watching a movie in great surround sound is a fabulous way to spend 2-3 hours to relax and escape.

When I was shopping for a receiver, I was told not to focus too much on power, and watts per channel, to mainly go for what features I like. In the end, sound is subjective. Just decide if that extra $100 spent is gonna bring you $100 worht of enjoyment over the life of the receiver. Aren't there also other feature benefits you get with that $100 increase?

 

[j_garcia]

If there is a difference, it has to be negligible - not meaningful price change that the consumer would notice. My 8300 is THX Select. The 8400 came out a year later and was not, and it sold for basically the same price. The 8500 came out, again with THX Select, and again the same price.

THX post processing is intended to be used with speakers that are THX cert. The speakers are designed with certain characteristics and the processing (which does roll off the highs) expects that your speakers are designed with that in mind.

 

[shokhead]

If i had to choose beteewn,lets say THX and some DSP's,well THX all the way. Between THX and DTS,DTS all the way.

 

[j_garcia]

If i had to choose beteewn,lets say THX and some DSP's,well THX all the way. Between THX and DTS,DTS all the way.

THX is a post process and can be applied on top of DTS. It is not a sound format.

Given the choice between a THX and a non-THX receiver, I'd have to listen to both and then pick the one that had the features and sound that I liked better, THX or not.

 

[shokhead]

Did i say anything about a sound format,no. I'm just saying how unimportant THX is vs extra cost.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

BTW,the weight of my unit is massive,imo.

Your a lucky Guy, shokhead! But does your opinion matter in this instance?
He He He

 

[j_garcia]

Did i say anything about a sound format,no. I'm just saying how unimportant THX is vs extra cost.

You weren't clear. You said "If I had to choose between THX and DTS..." which sounds like you are comparing the two.

My receiver is 37 or 38lbs. What does that make it? Ginormous?

 

[shokhead]

Your a lucky Guy, shokhead! But does your opinion matter in this instance?
He He He

Well my wife cares.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

You weren't clear. You said "If I had to choose between THX and DTS..." which sounds like you are comparing the two.

My receiver is 37 or 38lbs. What does that make it? Ginormous?

mine is 61 lbs...now thats a spicy meatball!

 

[j_garcia]

mine is 61 lbs...now thats a spicy meatball!

Sounds like a hernia to me I didn't realize the 7200 weighed that much. I just verified the weight of my receiver, it's 19.3kg or 42.5lbs.

 

[shokhead]

Sounds like a hernia to me I didn't realize the 7200 weighed that much. I just verified the weight of my receiver, it's 19.3kg or 42.5lbs.

Too funny. Gota love it.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Sounds like a hernia to me I didn't realize the 7200 weighed that much.

I only get a hernia when I have to move it. consiquently, Once I got it to the shelf...Thats where its going to stay.

I wont have to worry about anyone running off with it! The lights on the front are really neat and It also serves as a space heater

 

[shokhead]

Now thats one hell of a unit. Mine only has wheels{removable of course}.