Why one THX Ultra and the other Select- SAME AMPS

larry777

Why is the Pioneer SC-37 rated THX Ultra and the SC-35 rated THX Select ? They both use the same class D Ice Amps at 140 Watts per channel. So shouldn't they put out equal power ?

comfortablycurt

The THX rating involves a lot more than the AVR's power rating. I'm not even sure if the power rating is even a factor in an AVR's THX designation.

It has more to do with the AVR's processing and auto calibration abilities.

mdaudioguy

Google it. As Curt responded, it's more about processing and features. There are different levels, none of which matter to me, because I'm satisfied without THX "certification".

P.S. The THX intros before the movie are pretty cool, though!!

thuffman03

mdaudioguy wrote: »

Google it. As Curt responded, it's more about processing and features. There are different levels, none of which matter to me, because I'm satisfied without THX "certification".

P.S. The THX intros before the movie are pretty cool, though!!

+1 on the movie intro and who cares if your system is THX certified!

dorokusai

THX doesn't mean anything that you should lose sleep over but it's a cool logo.

grimmace19

Reminds me of the simpson's episode in the theater.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3_HHZFi0As

nguyendot

It's mainly can it attain a certain quality, and sound level (105db reference) in a certain space (cubic feet, generally 2000 for Select, 4000+ for Ultra)

Maybe they just didn't want to pay for the Ultra cert on the 35. It makes the 37 look more appealing because of the badge.

Ron Temple

As stated above, as far as amps go in AVRs, the U2 rating allows reference level in a larger space, also, IIRC there is something going on with the 4 ohm operation (could be wrong on that).

larry777

Thats great...thanks for the comments. It seems like this THX Certification is nothing to be concerned about and that the SC-35 will be fine with the THX Select Plus.

Glowrdr

Just don't come crying back to us when you're sitting in the middle of your 4000 sq ft living room and things aren't whirring like they should.

Actually, come to think of it.... if you've got a 4000 sq. ft. living room, just don't talk to me at all.

nguyendot

Glowrdr wrote: »

Just don't come crying back to us when you're sitting in the middle of your 4000 sq ft living room and things aren't whirring like they should.

Actually, come to think of it.... if you've got a 4000 sq. ft. living room, just don't talk to me at all.

Cubic feet.

My living room (#2) is 25x25 x 8 ft... for 4000 cu ft.

Glowrdr

:redface: - that makes a slight difference

larry777

Yes,I did understand that cu ft comes into play with a decision to go Ultra or Select. My room is aprox 2600 sq feet. And my longer term plan was to add a power amp to power at least the front 3. based on this extra info, I should be ok with the SC-35 and THX Select then ?

cnh

If I remember correctly THX select will deal with a room smaller than yours and Ultra is geared toward a 3000 cubic foot space. So probably Ultra in your case. You can probably google this, as suggested above.

cnh

cnh

dorokusai wrote: »

THX doesn't mean anything that you should lose sleep over but it's a cool logo.

I often sit in front of my Onkyo staring at the THX ULTRA logo and chanting AUM!

Nothing has happened....yet?

cnh

nguyendot

cnh wrote: »

If I remember correctly THX select will deal with a room smaller than yours and Ultra is geared toward a 3000 cubic foot space. So probably Ultra in your case. You can probably google this, as suggested above.

cnh

Select/2 is for 2000 cubic feet and smaller. Ultra/2 is for 4000 cubic feet and smaller.

Your room is 2600 sq ft? What is it a warehouse? For one that large you're looking at a real Bona Fide THX (as in have lucasfilm come down and certify your room) certification.

At that level you'd need THX speakers, cables, receiver, amps, etc to reach the 105db required by the standard.

cnh

I'm pretty sure the OP means 2600 cu. ft. because, as you say 2600 sq. feet is over 50' x 50'...one hell of a ROOM!

Which THX Certification Is Right For You?
THX Ultra2

THX Ultra2 Certified products bring the cinematic experience to larger home theaters, 3,000 cubic feet in size, with a viewing distance of 12 feet or greater from the screen.

THX Select2

THX Select2 Certified products are for medium sized rooms, up to 2,000 cubic feet in size, with a 10-12 foot viewing distance from the screen.

THX I/S Plus Systems

Certified Systems (AV Receiver + Speaker Bundle) have the power to fill a small home theater or dorm room where the viewing distance from the screen is 6-8 feet.

THX Certified Multimedia Products

THX Certified Multimedia Products are designed and engineered for PC gaming and multimedia on the desktop.


cnh

larry777

Sorry guys that should have read CU Feet and not SQ Feet. I remeasured, and the room is 2400 Sq Ft and not 2600. After considering other family members, the maximum volume will be about -15 and possibly down to -10 and in most cases above -15. thats why I was thinking the THX Select option of the SC-35 would be suitable for my room size. And as pointed out I will likely add an AMP for at least the front 3 later on if that matters. I also understand when playing below Reference Level that the THX Loudness Plus option will give you the same sound as recorded on the original soundtrack,but at a lower volume.