THX receivers

[mike c]

whats THX? (hides behind a couch)

kidding aside ... a yamaha rxv750/757 costs USD428 and an RXV 1500 costs USD785 (thats converted to USD)

is THX worth the extra clams? what difference is there?

 

[brian32672]

THX is just a certification that is used to make sure a unit complies to minimal THX standards.
Here read this.
http://www.audioholics.com/FAQs/THXSelectUltra2JohnDahl.php

EDIT::: There are a lot of units that would pass THX certification. Just because it is or isn't THX certified should not be your determining factor. However with the THX certification, you a gauranteed minimal guidance standards. There are usually some form of sound modes that are on THX recievers. But the same receivers will have Dolby ProLogic2(x), Dolby Digital, DTS, etc. and quite a few modes for each of those. I personally hear little difference in Dolby Digital Ex mode or DTS Neo 6 over the THX mode. However there are slight differences, and they all will sound awesome with the correct 5.1, 6.1, or best 7.1 set-up.

 

[mike c]

thanks for the link ...

so to our ears ... is there a difference in what we hear? (with a nonTHX and a THX receiver)

 

[brian32672]

While you posted the above question, I was editing my original post. Please read that.

 

[mike c]

thanks for that brian. money saved is money earned! ... to be spent on something else. sigh

 

[brian32672]

No problem....
The Yamaha RX-V 750 surely would pass THX certification, but Then Yamaha would pass along to you their savings of having it certified by jacking up the price....
I just like the logo of THX on my receiver. Plus the super features it has for its price range. You may want to consider it. The Pioneer VSX-1015TX can be had for 393.00 shipped and it is Pioneers flagship of their consumer line. I believe the retail is like 650.00 and it is well worth it IMO. It does offer more power over the 100x7 of the 750. To 120x7 for the 1015. As far as the THD, it has been quoted by quite a few members that these numbers are way off. I can turn the receiver up to reference levels with little to NO distortion at all. And I mean at deafening levels of volume.

 

[mike c]

i will ask the store how much that thing is ...
im considering it because the pioneer.sg site says it gives out 150w at 6 ohms (which the yamaha ef series needs)

problem is, even the NS-777 has a continuous RMS of only 100watts (250 max) and thats not even counting the surrounds that only recommend 60watts RMS

wont i blast out the speakers?

so you mean to say pioneer is saying on its specs that it has a THD of 1.0 compared to 0.7 of the others? (its like discouraging people to buy its amps?)

 

[brian32672]

Trust me you are taking these numbers to literal.
The 1015tx link here
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209686388,00.html
Would easily push those 89db speakers to levels that you would never go up to. And I mean this on a continuos sound levels.
If you like those speakers you may also want to look into the Polk series.

 

[brian32672]

so you mean to say pioneer is saying on its specs that it has a THD of 1.0 compared to 0.7 of the others? (its like discouraging people to buy its amps?)

If you read the manual of the 1015 I beleive it says something like 0.05 THD at 100x7 and pushes all the way up to 0.9 at 120x7. You are more than likely not going to listen to above reference levels and would never hit 120 watts. Probably more like 70-90 watts continous and even that would be at high volumes. And the THD at those levels would be like 0.009

 

[jaxvon]

Now Brian, you shouldn't be randomly quoting numbers that you have no backing for. Okay, that aside, I use an old Yamaha CR-1020 to power my BIC Venturi Bookshelves. I think it's rated for lik 70wpc, and this thing CRANKS. At volumes where I literally need hearing protection to be in the same room (room is about 20x16x7). At these damaging levels, I'm only hitting 50 watt PEAKS (according to the VU meters on the receiver). Now granted, these speakers have a 90dB efficiency, but seeing how I can push 50 watt peaks and need hearing protection, you should be fine.

 

[brian32672]

Now Brian, you shouldn't be randomly quoting numbers that you have no backing for. Okay, that aside, I use an old Yamaha CR-1020 to power my BIC Venturi Bookshelves. I think it's rated for lik 70wpc, and this thing CRANKS. At volumes where I literally need hearing protection to be in the same room (room is about 20x16x7). At these damaging levels, I'm only hitting 50 watt PEAKS (according to the VU meters on the receiver). Now granted, these speakers have a 90dB efficiency, but seeing how I can push 50 watt peaks and need hearing protection, you should be fine.

Well thats what I was getting at. Surely you know this.....

 

[mike c]

ok ... with the link you gave ... IF this receiver is available here in black ... its good as sold! (assuming its within budget)

but what about this item's "sturdiness" i cant have an amp dying on me ...

 

[mike c]

ok ... the pioneer model isnt even available here, so ...

what do you guys think (please vote)
yamaha rx-v1500
vs.
harman kardon avr335 (this is the unit with the closest price to the above yam)

for the setup in my signature

 

[Xsound]

Not only do you want THX, you need THX. Many will try to convince you that THX is just a marketing badge that does little to affect the sound or the whole HT experience.

I say POPPYCOCK!!!!

I bought a Pioneer Elite VSX-54tx receiver in January... and now we have a new baby son. Coincidence? HA!

Not only will THX improve the sound and impact of your Home Theater experience, it will increase cuddle time, make you more appealing and attractive, and apparently more virile!

Worth it? You tell me! But I know how little Grady Stroman Thames would answer!

 

[mike c]

Not only do you want THX, you need THX. Many will try to convince you that THX is just a marketing badge that does little to affect the sound or the whole HT experience.

I say POPPYCOCK!!!!

I bought a Pioneer Elite VSX-54tx receiver in January... and now we have a new baby son. Coincidence? HA!

Not only will THX improve the sound and impact of your Home Theater experience, it will increase cuddle time, make you more appealing and attractive, and apparently more virile!

Worth it? You tell me! But I know how little Grady Stroman Thames would answer!

hehe
what did you have before the pioneer thx?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Mike,

You're using Infinity speakers. There's going to be a difference in sound with different receivers. I wouldn't be all over the board on which unit to buy. I'd be much more intersted in asking questions like "how do Infinity speakers pair up to Pioneers/Yamahas/Onkyo's/HK's etc..." Then I would add, "I prefer my music a bit on the bright side. I like rock as opposed to classical or jazz." See where I'm going with this?

As much as people hate to admit it, an entry level Sony receiver paired up with entry level Klipsch horn loaded speakers are going to pop your eardrums if you're not careful.

Infinity speakers are known to be smooth, and if you are into rock, you may hate yourself for pairing them up to a unit that doesn't quite match up.

 

[mike c]

i like both r&b and some soft songs ...
75% HT use ...

so, whats your take on yamaha and HK ... i mean, which is a good pair for the above usage?

 

[mike c]

super bump

 

[Takeereasy]

I'd say go HK. The 335 is a more "bare bones" receiver, but that allows you to keep it simple. The 335 will sound great with music and movies. Also Harmon and Infinity are the same company, so you'll be remainig brand loyal if that means anything to you. Harmans are not available in black however (not for some time now).

 

[Xsound]

an old Onkyo. It was a good receiver, but this pioneer rocks.