THX SOUND

[admin_exported]

I am contemplating whether to buy the Onkyo TX-SR875 or the TX-SR605 amplifier, to accompany the KEF 3005SE's.

I feel that the TX-SR605 is a qulity amplifier to accompany the KEFs, but the only thing which makes me sceptical is that the TX-SR875 has THX processing whereas the SR605 does not, it goes upto DTS.

My question is, that being a fan of some great movies out with THX sound, is it worth investing the extra 700 Euros (that is the difference here in Greece), for the SR-875 or I won't be able to tell the difference from the KEFs. Please let me know.

 

[Anonymous]

Don't know about telling the difference, but the 705 does THX and is obviously cheaper.

 

[Andrew Everard]

THX is basically just a quality standard, though in the case of a receiver the THX setting does apply some processing to the sound, giving some re-equalisation most noticeable as a smoother, less bright treble.

Aside from the matter of the THX certification being an assurance of quality - although not all agree this is so, and it's perfectly possible for a piece of equipment to be exceptional and not carry a THX certiification - the full benefits of a THX receiver will theoretically only be realised if the entire reproduction chain, from player to speakers, is also THX certified.

Oh, and the cables and the display, too...

I wouldn't worry too much about it - I'd buy the more expensive receivers because they sound better, not because of the badges they carry. In fact that's a pretty good maxim for any AV purpose - people get much too hung up on all the right badges being in place.

BTW, the TX-SR705 is THX Select2 certified, which sets a rather looser set of requirements than the THX Ultra2 certiification of the TX-SR875.