THX Equipment?

[admin_exported]

Hey

Seen some nice amps and speakers, but I cant understand the price difference? EG..... I have the altec lansing THX computer subwoofer and speaker package and it cost 69.99 on sale, Now that is really chaep for the bass it provides.

But you look at THX stuff for Home audio for your TV and you are looking at over 500.00 for speakers and amp and thats each and thats the cheapest.

I can undertsand what the price difference is, just becuase it says THX, Is a amp worth the price? as seen for 690.00.

I want a new amp soon (end of year) to upscale normal sky as RS says the picture would be far better, than my Pioneer VSX 819.

Whats your guys thoughts on THX stuff and upscale video amps?

Thanks

 

[Frank Harvey]

Rather than keeping THX an exclusive mark, they sold out a few eyars ago and decided to give sub standard computer speakers and games a THX rating. Personally I think it was to get their name back out there after a drop in sales maybe, but I think it backfired and did them a bit of harm, especially in the eyes of home cinema buffs.

With AV products like speakers and amplifiers, they need to be tested to THX's spec, which obviously they charge for, and I also believe there's a royalty per product that needs to be paid, so generally you only tend to see more expensive AV products with this badge - although there are three varying degrees - THX Select and THX Ultra, of which there a few different degrees in the guise of Plus and 2 Plus versions.

THX is a set of standards that the amp or speakers have to achieve. More specific details can be found here.

 

[Anonymous]

I would have thought that my PC speakers were not proper THX stuff, yes the bass is amazing, but the left and rights are not up to much.

I was just wondering as seen a nice black onkyo amp and quite a good price for Ultra THX.

So would I need 500.00+ each THX speakers to go with this?

 

[Andrew Everard]

THX has a variety of standards, from those for desktop computer speakers to the high-end Select and Ultra for home cinema components.

 

[Frank Harvey]

The THX aspect of an amplifier is only really of any use if the speakers are THX as well. Also, THX only really has it's full effect when paying at reference level (which when the system is set up correctly, would be 0dB on your volume control), so wouldn't be of much use to the majority of people who have neighbours. THX have brought out features like THX Loudness to try and give the user the benefit of THX at more normal volume levels.

 

[Anonymous]

No point then really, will never be able to afford the whole package and also neighbours already hate the 370HD lol.

Will just look into a video upscale one.

 

[Anonymous]

FrankHarveyHiFi:
The THX aspect of an amplifier is only really of any use if the speakers are THX as well. Also, THX only really has it's full effect when paying at reference level (which when the system is set up correctly, would be 0dB on your volume control), so wouldn't be of much use to the majority of people who have neighbours. THX have brought out features like THX Loudness to try and give the user the benefit of THX at more normal volume levels.

Too much misinformation in this post. I suggest you re-read THX Website

If an Amplifier meets the standards set by THX, the level of performance and useability is not rendered meaningless by the use of non THX certified speakers nor by operating the unit below reference levels.

http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/audio/thx-certified-receivers/

 

[Frank Harvey]

There's not that much information in their in the first place, so please, do enlighten us.....

 

[Anonymous]

It has a lot of info about THX amps, but it did not say that you need or dont need THX speakers.

I would assume to get the best you need to whole thing, as THX is a sound quality ? right ? so you would need speakers

 

[Frank Harvey]

Yes, to get the benefit of a THX amplifier, you would need THX speakers. There's nothing to stop you using THX with normal loudspeakers, which would make it sound 'different', but unless you have a sub/sat system (like MK or blue Sky for example), the benefit is lost.

The speakers I have are THX, and I prefer to use them without THX even if the amp has the feature. The fixed 80Hz crossover point doesn't always agree with all speakers. Although if you're trying to get as close to what was initially mixed in the studios, then THX might just be for you, but you'll need to be looking at speaker packages around the £3k mark, like the MK 750THX.