Onkyo 805, THX no workie

[reberly]

I've recently noticed that when I rent THX certified movies that my onkyo 805 doesn't change over to any type of THX mode. I have a THX button on the remote and the manual talks about a couple types of THX settings but my receiver tells my "not available"

Just wondering if someone else might know how to make the THX setting work.

Thanks

[disneyjoe7]

THX a mode? What did I miss...

[reberly]

I have a THX button on my receiver remote, as if it's one of the many audio formats I can choose. Seems like when I press the THX button the display should go from dolby digital to THX? The manual also lists about 5 THX flavors that I might have access to.

[kuntasensei]

THX isn't a separate audio format, so your receiver won't switch just because a DVD is THX-certified. Are you running straight 5.1 or 6.1/7.1? I think most THX modes on the 805 are for at least 6.1 (other than stereo sources, which should let you use THX Cinema, Music and Game modes).

[Keiko]

THX is a standard and not a sound format I thought. ???

[danger boy]

THX is not a audio format.. it's specs that your receiver conforms to. it meets certain criteria to be able to use the THX logo. what does your Onk users manual say about the THX button?

[Face]

http://63.148.251.135/redirect_service.cfm?type=own_manuals&file=TX-SR805_875_B_En.pdf
As per page 72, it is a listening mode.
You have have to set it up. Start at page 72 then proceed till you figure it out. :D

[WilliamM2]

THX is not a audio format.. it's specs that your receiver conforms to. it meets certain criteria to be able to use the THX logo. what does your Onk users manual say about the THX button?

There are THX surround modes on many recievers and pre/pros. Been around for years. Lexicon, McIntosh, Yamaha, Onkyo, Anthem, and several others have these modes.

[Ricardo]

All those THX modes are custom, such as stadium, rock arena, jazz, games, etc.
When you are watching a DVD, you'll probably get the best sound by using what is coming from the source (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc).
The THX mode and others can be used for watching TV, if you like them.

[venomclan]

Do you mean the 7.1 Ex modes? If so, very few movies actually put out that signal.
Venom

[Silverti]

I've recently noticed that when I rent THX certified movies that my onkyo 805 doesn't change over to any type of THX mode. I have a THX button on the remote and the manual talks about a couple types of THX settings but my receiver tells my "not available"

Just wondering if someone else might know how to make the THX setting work.

Thanks

I have the same unit. What are you using to output sound from the dvd player with? Do you have a 5 channel+ setup on the Onkyo? Is the DVD setup to send out multi-channel (maybe its set to stereo or something). The Onkyo will switch to THX settings if it receives the data in a way that it can use the THX settings. I’m usually listening to movies in the "THX Ultra 2 cinema" setting

[Ricardo]

I have the same unit. What are you using to output sound from the dvd player with? Do you have a 5 channel+ setup on the Onkyo? Is the DVD setup to send out multi-channel (maybe its set to stereo or something). The Onkyo will switch to THX settings if it receives the data in a way that it can use the THX settings. I’m usually listening to movies in the "THX Ultra 2 cinema" setting

How does this "THX Ultra 2 Cinema" compare with original from the source? I would think that any "manipulation" done by the AVR would change the sound as was intended to be heard; what are the benefits you are seeing?

[malikarshad]

Some of THX processing modes works only if you have 7.1 setup. I have a 5.1 setup and i cannot select certain THX modes on Integra 9.8 preamp.

[reberly]

Well I do only have a 3.1 setup right now and I realize I wouldnt be enjoying the benefits of THX using the other 2-4 speakers. However in my manual there is a mode called Neural THX 5.1 which from my understanding while watching Dolby Digital movies it should use it's vodoo magic to expand my 2 channel to sound like a 5.1 THX. For any of you onkyo users out there I am getting that from the graph on pg 73 and the Neural THX explanation of page 77 (Neural THX mode can expand any 2 channel stereo source for 5.1 playback)

I am able to put a cd into my dvd player and get to that Neural THX 5.1 mode. So I am guessing that I do indeed need 5.1 speaker setup to enjoy the THX experience of DVD's but if I so choose I could listen to cd's with the Neural THX 5.1 mode. I don't want to alter my 2 channel music listening w/ any THX processing so for now I'll just have to wait for those back channel speakers to hear what George Lucas and his THX had in store for me. Besides the word Neural sounds like a disease I don't want to catch

[Silverti]

Well I do only have a 3.1 setup right now and I realize I wouldnt be enjoying the benefits of THX using the other 2-4 speakers. However in my manual there is a mode called Neural THX 5.1 which from my understanding while watching Dolby Digital movies it should use it's vodoo magic to expand my 2 channel to sound like a 5.1 THX. For any of you onkyo users out there I am getting that from the graph on pg 73 and the Neural THX explanation of page 77 (Neural THX mode can expand any 2 channel stereo source for 5.1 playback)

I am able to put a cd into my dvd player and get to that Neural THX 5.1 mode. So I am guessing that I do indeed need 5.1 speaker setup to enjoy the THX experience of DVD's but if I so choose I could listen to cd's with the Neural THX 5.1 mode. I don't want to alter my 2 channel music listening w/ any THX processing so for now I'll just have to wait for those back channel speakers to hear what George Lucas and his THX had in store for me. Besides the word Neural sounds like a disease I don't want to catch

Ya, thats what it is, the Onkyo 805 is pretty smart (unlike my old Onkyo 800) and only allows you to use seting that you have plugged into it. I would suggest something like "all stereo" to use that center untill you get your 5.1 setup.

[billbillw]

I'm joining the Onkyo 805 club tomorrow. Sold the Denon 4802, moving to the land of HDMI switching, Dolby TrueHD, etc. Of course, I don't have an HDDVD or BluRay yet, but the timing was right, the price was right, etc. So I am future proof for at least a few years it looks like. Hard to believe I'm turning my back on Denon, but they want almost 3 times as much money for a similarly spec'd receiver.

[reberly]

billbillw. I think you'll be really happy w/ the 805. This is my 3rd Onkyo receiver over about 18 years. Im not jumping on the HD DVD thing yet. I upgraded to a new oppo DVD player over HDMI on my plasma and it is much better them my previous 4 yr old sony w/ component video. I'll be happy with it, until someone decides on just one HD DVD format.

It looks like Onkyo is putting together a new website so hopefully they have some more content for troubleshooting and how-to's.

[BIZILL]

i almost pulled the trigger on the 805 today at work. amazon has it for $716 shipped. i have to sell my h/k 7300 soon.

[billbillw]

i almost pulled the trigger on the 805 today at work. amazon has it for $716 shipped. i have to sell my h/k 7300 soon.

Been seeing your posts over at AVS. Go ahead, get one! Mine was just delivered. Need to cut out of work early to go check it out.

[BIZILL]

Been seeing your posts over at AVS. Go ahead, get one! Mine was just delivered. Need to cut out of work early to go check it out.

yeah, still debating. if circuit city has them on sale for $699 again, i can obtain a 10% off coupon and save roughly $70, then add tax and tag on the 3 year cc warranty and still come out smelling sweeter than amazon's $716 shipped/no tax. i hate penny-pinchin'...

but basically, my mind is made up. i got my hd-a35 coming from amazon. so i want that lossless. already got the ps3.

[billbillw]

BIZILL, if you're not too proud, Shoponkyo has great deals on the refurbed models. Got mine for $684 with a 3y extended warranty. I've heard they go lower at time too (like $599-10%?)
It was cosmetically flawless out of the box.

[kuntasensei]

Thanks to Circuit City flubbing their online price a while back, I ended up with the 705 for right around $480. Wanted to get the 805, but the 705 at that price was just A STEAL. Anyone who gets the 805 ought to be really pleased with it.

I did ridiculous amounts of research on Audyssey, setup, etc., so if anyone has any questions on how to get to get the best out of MultEQ XT, let me know.

[reberly]

since we all got talking about the 805, I've had this mystery I can't solve on my own 805. While watching TV and the receiver is in Dolby Digital Mode I notice that when certain commercials appear that my receiver makes its clicking noise over to a different sound format and quickly displays something that says "dialogue normal -2db". When the commercial ends it makes it clicking noise and goes back to Dolby Digital.

The clicking noise is a little annoying and it seems like that over many years this could cause possibly some extra wear on the receiver. Just wondering if anyone knows how to lock it into dolby digital or what this "dialogue normal -2db" is.

[kuntasensei]

It may be that the receiver is having to change from stereo to digital surround, causing the clicking as it changes listening modes. My understanding is that you can reduce this by going into the default listening modes for each format and set the same listening mode for stereo and surround. For instance, I have both 2 channel and 5.1 set to DPL-IIx Movie Mode, and I never get clicking between channels or when the bitstream changes from stereo to surround and back.

Of course, that would only work if you're running 6.1 or 7.1. If you're running 5.1, you may just have to live with it, because certain listening modes won't be available to you.

As for dialogue normalization, hit the Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialnorm).

[Silverti]

It may be that the receiver is having to change from stereo to digital surround, causing the clicking as it changes listening modes. My understanding is that you can reduce this by going into the default listening modes for each format and set the same listening mode for stereo and surround. For instance, I have both 2 channel and 5.1 set to DPL-IIx Movie Mode, and I never get clicking between channels or when the bitstream changes from stereo to surround and back.

Of course, that would only work if you're running 6.1 or 7.1. If you're running 5.1, you may just have to live with it, because certain listening modes won't be available to you.

As for dialogue normalization, hit the Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialnorm).


^^ This is the exact situation with the 805.

[reberly]

Thanks guys. I did find that preset section and I'll have to mess around with the settings to see if I can get that clicking back and forth between modes to stop. I am only running a 3.1 setup right now so I may have to live w/ that darn clicking

[reberly]

wow, silverti. How the heck did you find that wiki link. That's exactly the problem I was describing.

[BIZILL]

DAMNED cicuit city had the $699 sunday morn for like 3 hours or something with 10% off on top of that. $630 + tax. i slept right through it and they wouldn't price-match for me. fuggers. have to keep waiting...

[billbillw]

DAMNED cicuit city had the $699 sunday morn for like 3 hours or something with 10% off on top of that. $630 + tax. i slept right through it and they wouldn't price-match for me. fuggers. have to keep waiting...


I saw you stressing about this at AVS. FYI, the 10% off is by using a coupon (like the AAA one). No coupon, no discount.

Just get the refurb already. $619, free shipping, no tax. They will have it out to you within a day. If you're worried about the shorter warranty, you can add 2 years for $65. My refurb came Friday and it is cosmetically flawless. You can't even tell the screws were ever turned.

[BIZILL]

I saw you stressing about this at AVS. FYI, the 10% off is by using a coupon (like the AAA one). No coupon, no discount.

Just get the refurb already. $619, free shipping, no tax. They will have it out to you within a day. If you're worried about the shorter warranty, you can add 2 years for $65. My refurb came Friday and it is cosmetically flawless. You can't even tell the screws were ever turned.

don't need the AAA coupon. right on their website there is a legitimate 10% coupon code XUAH3CJAT3 coupon for anything above $250 and in-store pick-up.

i don't want another refurb. been there, done that with my h/k. returned two because they had problems and the third one they sent me was brand new. though others have commented on the 805's looking flawless, the circuit city deal is still the best. because i'd throw on the 3 year extended warranty. i will call my other local cc to see if that manager will do me right. he said he would last night. but we'll see.... i have my doubts. thing is, this deal is legit and the second time it's been ran. it's not like i'm trying to 'pull one over' on anyone. just trying to get a pm on a deal i've been stalking for a full week now. i will get my way. just may take some time.

[billbillw]

Good luck with the Deal then. I suspect the only way you will actually get the deal is if you happen to go to the website while the sale is live from C.C. and purchase through the website. I have a feeling there won't be anymore big sales until after Christmas though.

[BIZILL]

YEAH, i got it last night at cc. i will find the good deal again and have them credit me. played with it last night awhile and i need more time. watched crank on blu-ray in pcm and it was pretty cool. popped in a music cd and it didn't sound QUITE as good as the h/k, but i had the k/k dialed in. and i wasn't able to do a side-by-side comparison. so it may just be in my head. i do believe the more time i spend with it, the more i will like it. over and above the h/k 7300.

amazon has silver for $677.

[billbillw]

YEAH, i got it last night at cc. i will find the good deal again and have them credit me. played with it last night awhile and i need more time. watched crank on blu-ray in pcm and it was pretty cool. popped in a music cd and it didn't sound QUITE as good as the h/k, but i had the k/k dialed in. and i wasn't able to do a side-by-side comparison. so it may just be in my head. i do believe the more time i spend with it, the more i will like it. over and above the h/k 7300.

amazon has silver for $677.

Sweet! I haven't really had time to dial mine in yet either. I haven't even run the Audyssey setup. I was up late Friday just getting everything hooked up and doing the basic setup. Then I had to reprogram my Harmony so I didn't get angry calls from my wife. I called it quits after that. Then we went out of town Saturday morning and didn't get back till late Sunday. Hopefully I'll get to run the Audyssey setup tomorrow.

[BIZILL]

yeah, i haven't done the audyssey setup yet either. just manually adjusted levels and turned down the treble as it is a bit 'brighter' than the h/k with my rti's. my toshiba a-35 will arrive wednesday and so will my monoprice hdmi 1.3a cat2 cables and i'll be bitstreaming trueHD soon enough.

[kuntasensei]

You can probably ease up on the treble change once you run Audyssey. The Audyssey target curve does a slight rolloff of the high end similar to what THX re-equalization does (though more listenable in my opinion - THX re-EQ sounds duller and less detailed to me). I'm running a 705 with a RTi70, CSi40, RTi28 setup, and the rolloff that Audyssey did seems to take the metallic rasp out of highs. Post-Audyssey, I'm not using any bass or treble control.

A little secret: The Onkyos don't let you choose the target curve of Audyssey, so it uses the Audyssey curve by default. However, THX modes use the FLAT curve instead of Audyssey's rolled off curve (so the THX rolloff doesn't cascade with Audyssey's). If you change to a THX mode and turn THX re-EQ off, you're essentially changing the receiver to Audyssey's Flat response mode. The only problem is that re-EQ re-engages every time you turn the receiver off and on, so you'd have to disengage it every time to use the Flat mode. Personally, I like the Audyssey equalization... especially with my SVS sub, which is getting DAMN flat response.

To anyone who can't get a price match in-store and bought the receiver anyway: Call Circuit City's customer service number from the website and complain. I had a printout of a ridiculously low price on the 705 from the CC website that someone at AVS posted and Circuit City ended up crediting my card the difference once I complained.