THX or not

[ward91]

Hello all :confused:
i have a pc with a THX soundcard Connected to my 6.1 direct inputs on the back of my non THX amp so I guess this is a non thx setup? But will there be a difference , and anyhow what is thx ?

[fireshoes]

THX is BS.

[PolkThug]

http://www.thx.com/

[ward91]

Today, 08:39 PM #2
fireshoes
Polkologist




What is BS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THX is BS.
__________________
(¯`·._ (¯`·._-=- Fireshoes -=-_.·`¯) _.·`¯)

[madmax]

Barbara Striesand

madmax

[phuz]

BS = BullS*&t.

And I Agree.

[ward91]

:confused:

[jdhdiggs]

THX is a marketing gimmick at best. Any mid-fi equipment will easily surpass the THX specifications

[ward91]

http://www.marantz.com/new/index.cfm?fuseaction=Products.ArchProduct&cont=eu&bus=hf&prod_id=2485&type=avr

Is a Marantz sr4400 " mid-fi " or just budget ?

[bobman1235]

Marantz is decent stuff - jdhdiggs wasn't saying that THX is for mid-fi stuff. Merely that it's an arbitrary set of specifications that any halfway decent equipment CAN meet. There's plenty of excellent equipment out there that doesn't have THX certification simply because the company didn't feel like buying into the marketing gimmick. So basically, ignore THX when choosing a receiver - read reviews, and go listen to equipment yourself to make a decision.


EDIT : Also, the Barbara Streisand thing was a joke. BS stand for BullSh*t - he was saying what I said above - THX certification means nothing.

[ward91]

why do you think it is BS ??
just need a reason to agree (eg.....)

[ward91]

cheers bobman1235

[jdhdiggs]

Bobman's right, I was saying that just about any decent receiver and virtually all seperate components far exceed the minimum specs needed to get the THX specification. Most companies are not willing to shell out the $$$ to get the certification since it means virtually nothing.

In fact, all of my "grunt" gear is THX certified and everything else I own isn't.

THX does offer some benifits that you will at least meet a certain level of performance if every peace of gear wears the THX label and will generally mix well.

[aaharvel]

I respect the fact that THX helped establisha standard for ht that is a helpful guidline in today's setups (80hz crossover, "Small" settings, etc.) and the idea of their RE-eq feature is brilliant for those who hate bright sound in the soundtrack, such as myself. My only problem with THX is the fact that it's parent co. Lucasfilm sold the propriety to Creative Labs. Everything's got a price I guess.

I respect the fact that some well known, successful companies such as Polk Audio and Harman Kardon don't have to stamp a THX logo on each component to give the prospective buyer that warm, cozy feeling.

[fireshoes]

I respect the fact that some well known, successful companies such as Polk Audio and Harman Kardon don't have to stamp a THX logo on each component to give the prospective buyer that warm, cozy feeling.

Well, they don't have to stamp it on there, but would you be ok with it if they did?

From CEDIA 2005 preview @ ultimateavmag.com
"Polk Audio promises a press event featuring surround sound from a single speaker (a product category that's growing like kudzu), a new THX in-wall speaker, new information on Polk's IP addressable active speakers, in-wall subs, and lame jokes. That's what it says in the press release. I'm there, especially for those fabulous, free, imaginary prizes."

Edit...ah, an even better link (http://www.polkaudio.com/partners/press.php?id=56) on Polk's own site...

[aaharvel]

doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

[F1nut]

THX is a way for the masses to think they are getting something special. The truth is most of it is entry level at best. I was very sorry to see that Polk put that curse on their new in-walls.....bad juju.

[TroyD]

Yup, that was the one thing that I kinda shook my head over. They as much said it was just a marketing issue.

BDT

[Toxis]

THX or not?




NOT!

[goingganzo]

the olny thing you should consider buying that has a thx on it is a pre amp. you actuley get something that cant be had on a non thx equipment. but my sunfire can do 9.1 with is 2 more than thx standards.

[Phil Dawson]

THX was developed by Tomlinson Holman (TH) to try to standardize the monitoring environment for mixing, home theater, and the comercial theater. I don't believe that he was trying to set a pinnacle to be aspired to, but more of a minimum standard that could be achieved by many listeners. His personal taste for a surround system seems to be 10.1. Surround is a fairly new concept especially in the music only format and he only attempted to develop a set of standards. There are many ideas of how to best do surround. A trip to Wendy Carlos' (formerly Walter Carlos) web site will give you a whole new perspective on surround and other things musical. As we as listeners, musicians, and recording industry individuals seek the best possible listening experience a bit of respect and understanding for others on the same quest might be in order.
Phil

5.1 Music rig:
SRS SDA front
2.3tls rear
2 cs400i center
Shure 12" sub
2 PSE mono blocks and 1 stereo amp front
2 PSE stereo amps rear
1 PSE stereo amp center
Mac 2100 bridged to mono sub
B&K ref 10 upgraded to ref 50 pre/pro
Harmon Kardon Citation tuner
Pioneer tuner for AM
Pioneer DA-45 universal player
Sony X7esd CD player
Technics 1200 TT
PSE pre amp for the analog stuff

[aaharvel]

As we as listeners, musicians, and recording industry individuals seek the best possible listening experience a bit of respect and understanding for others on the same quest might be in order.
Phil

damn right. I find it hilarious that most people (that I know) who bash THX have never had a THX component. I can only attribute this to people who makes themselves feel better by bashing something they'd like to have, but can't afford.

Hey- I'VE never had a THX component- and I have no desire to. But I also have no desire to bash something because it might be the "in" thing (Bose not included)... But that doesn't mean that i'm sufferring from so many brainfarts that I'm not man enough to admit that what THX has done to improve the industry of home theater through various standards and practices is indeed noteworthy.

And the last time I checked, THX is not for the masses. You don't see THX labels on Sony receivers nor Bose speakers. Hell, the masses don't even know what "THX" is! They probably think it's IM lingo for "thanks".

[Mike682]

My decision to buy a component is not affected if the unit does/doesn't have the THX logo.

[bobman1235]

While many of us may not know the history or specifics of the THX standard, no matter its beginnings, it has BECOME merely a marketing tool. If it were a true STANDARD, it woudln't cost a significant amount of money to "buy" into it. The problem most of us who dislike it face is that we know many components that are above and beyond what THX would require do NOT have the certification, whereas many components that we would consider.... not so great (for example, most of Sony's non-ES line) DO have the certification. Those basic examples makes it seem .... well... useless.

[aaharvel]

While many of us may not know the history or specifics of the THX standard, no matter its beginnings, it has BECOME merely a marketing tool. If it were a true STANDARD, it woudln't cost a significant amount of money to "buy" into it. The problem most of us who dislike it face is that we know many components that are above and beyond what THX would require do NOT have the certification, whereas many components that we would consider.... not so great (for example, most of Sony's non-ES line) DO have the certification. Those basic examples makes it seem .... well... useless.

Actually, SOny's non-es line receivers crossovers are at 100hz, as so are they're dvd/sacd players with multi-channel outs. The THX standard is 80hz.
ANd thxs re-eq is a GREAT feature that should be made standard on all receivers- thx or non-thx. Other than that, your post was right on Bobman.

[F1nut]

damn right. I find it hilarious that most people (that I know) who bash THX have never had a THX component. I can only attribute this to people who makes themselves feel better by bashing something they'd like to have, but can't afford.

It's been my observation that THX is found on gear that most folks can afford. The good stuff never has THX plastered on it.

And the last time I checked, THX is not for the masses. You don't see THX labels on Sony receivers nor Bose speakers. Hell, the masses don't even know what "THX" is! They probably think it's IM lingo for "thanks".

See above. IMO, the masses do associate THX with other quality gear...like Bose.

[fireshoes]

I've seen Klipsch Pro Media computer speakers with THX on them.

THX is BS. End of thread.

[W WALDECKER]

It's been my observation that THX is found on gear that most folks can afford. The good stuff never has THX plastered on it.



See above. IMO, the masses do associate THX with other quality gear...like Bose.i had a Rotel rb 1080 amplifier that was THX certified and it was very compressed sounding at least to my ears. i think it is just a feel good label for Harry Homeowner.

[Holydoc]

Dang it! Now I am Harry Homeowner.

My Onkyo receiver has THX stamped all over it. Didn't purchase it because it had it, but am not regretting the fact that it has it either. I wanted 7.1 sound. I wanted a variety of playing formats. I wanted lots of inputs and outputs. I wanted upconversion of video signals. THX wasn't one of those things I desired, but I don't see it as a negative either.

Get the unit that fits your needs, future growth, and pocketbook. If it has THX stamped on it, then wonderful. If it doesn't, then just as good.

[dorokusai]

Unfortunately, THX isn't going away, and technically is pretty dynamic compared to the lesser formats for HT. I'm a DTS devotee, so I really don't care, but you must also realize that it's using the same approach for SS reproduction. THX actually hit upon a much larger surround format, 5.1+ before others figured out an application to do so...give him some credit for forward thinking at least.

I would never base a purchase on something BEING THX certified, but if it is, then it just helps my potential resale.

If you are a 2CH devotee, sorry, but you really have nothing to say about DD, DTS or THX beings you don't make it a dedicated precedent. There are other sound formats in the world, accept it and move along quickly. I know, you have used it and found that there's not much difference vs HT, blah blah, I really don't care.

My B&K upgrade came with a THX Ultra upgrade, do I get naked about it? No. Am I currently still 5.1? Yes. I love basic surround sound and have heard all the other formats, yet I'm still 5.1. If I felt it was that big of a deal, I would have done it by now.

[ward91]

i have a pc with a THX soundcard Connected to my 6.1 direct inputs on the back of my non THX amp so I guess this is a non thx amp setup?

[mantis]

It's been my observation that THX is found on gear that most folks can afford. The good stuff never has THX plastered on it.


Well lets see. Krell is THX , McIntosh is THX , Lexicon is THX , Anthem is THX , Integra is THX , Rotel has THX amps , B&K is THX , Pioneer Elite is THX,
Marantz is THX , Parasound is THX , Proceed is THX , Mark Levinston is THX ,

That looks like a "GOOD STUFF" list to me.

Dan

[mantis]

In my opnion you should shop for gear in your price range. If it comes with THX then thats a added bonus. I don't think it's something I would consider buying or not due to having or not. There are many other factors that should be considered before THX like how many inputs does it have? Do I have enough power to drive the given speakers I have selected? Does it have all the features I want?

Dan

[Gaara]

Ward,

To answer your question, which I don't think anyone has yet, no your setup is not a THX setup. For it to be true THX all of the components would have to meet the standard, but as others said I wouldn't worry to much about it. To be true THX you would have to have a thx certified source (your sound card), you would have to have a thx certified amp, and thx certified speakers and sub. On top of that the different levels like Select, Ultra, and Ultra 2 make things more confusing. I don't know anyone with a true THX certified system.

Jared

[aaharvel]

I've seen Klipsch Pro Media computer speakers with THX on them.

THX is BS. End of thread.

yes, yes. very good point fireshoes. I saw this set of COMPUTER speakers a year ago with THX on it at best buy and i was like "WTF!!!!!!!!!" :confused:

[F1nut]

Well, let's see......

Krell has 2 pre/pro's and one DVD player in their KAV line stamped with THX, none of their other KAV line or their better Class A or Reference line have it. McIntosh has one pre/pro, that's it. Levinson has one pre/pro, that's it, etc......

Based on that I stand by my comment.

[RuSsMaN]

It doesn't matter.

Don't look for THX gear, just for the label. There is plenty of GREAT gear with and without the THX logo stamped on it. You don't NEED the THX logo at all, but if you end up with it, it's not a BAD thing.

Think of it as a Good Housekeeping seal of approval for audio. It really doesn't mean a whole lot.