THX Questions from a Polk product developer
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Hi, I'm Al Baron, product line manager for some of the cool stuff we make. I'd like to ask your opinions about THX
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
How do you like it?
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
Do you think it adds value to a product?
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
Let me know what you think. I'd love to know. Thanks
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
How do you like it?
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
Do you think it adds value to a product?
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
Let me know what you think. I'd love to know. Thanks
Post edited by [Deleted User] on
Comments
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Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment? No
How do you like it? I have heard some, cant tell the difference..
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't? No
Do you think it adds value to a product? No
Do you think it adds resale value to that product? To the general public maybe, but to someone that knows about audio, no
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't? Nope...I would buy a 1980's vintage before I do that
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification? Nope...- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
Hi Al,
Myself, I could care less whether a piece of gear is THX cert or not. I certainly wouldn't pay more for it and dont think any less of gear that isn't THX cert. My 2 cents.Graham -
THX-schmeeHX.
I'm SURE that there is some benefit, however, I could really care less.
To build on that, lemme first just say that I think the audio/video industry as a whole does a LOUSY job at explaining the merits of what it has to offer and how to use the available technology. How many of us have been into someones HT and they are listening to thier DVD's in pro-logic because they can't figure out the settings? I've known a couple of people who have done this for a couple YEARS.
In some cases, ignorance is bliss, however audio/video-dom isn't one of them. I think THX does an EXCEPTIONALLY lousy job of this. I couldn't tell you what the in's and out's of THX is, and I consider myself a pretty well informed consumer. That may be part of thier plan though. Keep the reality obscured while reaping as much profit as possible.
Now, as far as Polk goes, I can see the rationale though. If you've got a guy at Circuit City looking to buy some gear for a modest rig (and I'm not knocking this guy because in other retail realms, this is me, ie power tools) THX, whoa, that's GOTTA be good, right? I think it's a bit disingenuous but it would just depend on how much green mail Polk would have to pay to the merry band of altruists at THX.
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
Please....PLEASE do NOT** let this be an indication Polk wants to stamp THX - BLAH BLAH certified on their speakers. PLEASE tell me that isnt going to happen...
- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
--> No I do not..
How do you like it?
--> can't say that I can tell the difference.
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
--> overall no. If it is THX certified, i know that a certian level has been met, but I am cery aware that there are a ton of AV stuff out there that are just as good if not better and don't have the THX cert..
Do you think it adds value to a product?
--> Not really, a little, but to anyone into audio....they should know that there are plenty of great products that are not THC certified. To a layman yes, i think it adds value....to most of the users on this forum...no it does not add value..
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
--> see above....in short, to the average joe, a little bit, to the forum users..no
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
--> not unless it sounded better than the speaker that isn't. Sound comes first.....
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
--> no......
Is polk looking at doing a THX system?Polk LSi 15 Fronts
Polk LSi C center
Polk LSiFX Surrounds
Outlaw Audio 990 Pre/Pro
Outlaw Audio 755 amp
Paradigm PDR-12 Sub
Outlaw Audio Cables
BetterCables Cables -
no, no and no.
THX = *yawn*"she had the body of Venus, with arms." -
Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
Please....PLEASE do NOT** let this be an indication Polk wants to stamp THX - BLAH BLAH certified on their speakers. PLEASE tell me that isnt going to happen...
Settle down, Beavis.
Al's just asking questions. :rolleyes:
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
No, not now but that doesn't necessarily mean I won't in the future.
How do you like it?
Don't have anything to like.
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
Not necessarily. A sound system is really only as good as it's weakest component. Strong components, working together in a system, complimenting each other, make the difference, not just a simple stamping.
Do you think it adds value to a product?
Yes, mainly because people see it and associate a high quality with it. On one side that is true because THX certifications means that the equipment has to conform to a certain set of standards. It's like a secondary level of quality control. On the other side, it's not all that great because, if they are willing to reduce the standards to Select, Ultra and Ultra2 then, I don't really think it should add value to the point where it is a selling point that demands a higher price.
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
Yes because people see it as a mark of a higher standard. While it doesn't necessarily mean that it is a better piece of gear, it does show that it has met a standard. Whether you believe that standard is dubious or not or that companies pay to have that standard associated with gear or not, it still gives a specification that gear is advertised to meet or exceed. So it adds resale value just because there is some documented pedigree associated with it's design and engineering.
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
As compared to what? A THX certified piece of gear is usually a fairly high performing piece of gear. Compare a THX certified Pioneer reciever to a Panasonic HTIB reciever and you'll notice a fairly drastic difference. If I wanted that level of performance then yes, I'd go with the THX certified gear. If it was between two similar pieces and one was THX certified and the other not, it would weigh in on whether on not I considered that piece of gear but ultimately, it'd be the performance and sound of the gear that I chose it for, not the THX. If it was THX certified well, that'd be the butter on the bread or the icing on the cake. Not necessarily needed but it can make it better.
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
Again, this depends on what gear you are comparing it to. If the THX reciever were going up against a comparable unit with certification and you strapped the same set of certified speakers to each one, it'd be the sound that sold me, not the badging. I can find THX certified Infinitys and strap them up to an Onkyo reciever that is THX certified and that same pair to an Adcom receiver lacking certification, I can probably say that the Adcom is going to win out.
THX Certification does not imply greatness. All it really does is ensure repeatability. If you hear a certified system and say "I WANT THAT!", you can be reasonably assured that if you duplicate that choice of equipment, you are going to get that sound. Since the gear varies so much, the best thing to do is gather equipment that can reach a minimum standard. Measure the living hell out of that setup and assemble the measurements into a document and call it a standard. Tell people, if you want, give us your gear, we'll set it up and test it. If it meets or exceeds this "standard" system's minimum reference point, we'll give you rights to use the THX label on your gear. Then people buying gear know that no matter what you are getting, if you have a THX cert, they will get that same impact they experienced even if the noise coming out of the speakers sounds slightly different. To me, that is what THX is about, that theater level impact. It's not a sound quality standard but a performance standard and honestly, every THX certified system I have heard has produced that sonic impact that is found in a modern, THX or even DTS theater.Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you! -
Hello,
THX means nothing to me . When I first heard about it I thought WOW, this must be the seal of approval for the finest equipment available. Since that time I have changed my mind.
......sort of like the "NEW AND IMPROVED" cereal.
...........................................:D .......PatDenon #2900, Denon stereo receiver, Conrad Johnson Sonographe 120 amp, Blue Jeans cables, and Klipsch RF-7's -
Al,
Nice of you to come on here and ask these kinds of questions. Having said that, I have not ever, do not now, nor will I ever own anything that says THX on it. To me it says over-priced, over-hyped POS!
It seems to me that not one piece of 1st class gear has THX stamped on it, so I believe it is used to make people think they are getting something better than they really are.
Now, since I have your attention let's talk about 3 letters that do mean something, SDA. Please bring them back.
JessePolitical Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Originally posted by alNPD
Hi, I'm Al Baron, product line manager for some of the cool stuff we make. I'd like to ask your opinions about THX
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
Let me know what you think. I'd love to know. Thanks
I think i should say yes...
***WAREMTAE*** -
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
I have owned THX gear, but not currently.
How do you like it?
It was just like every other piece, except it had this neat THX logo.
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
No.
Do you think it adds value to a product?
It adds no extra value for me, and I wouldn't pay extra for it used or new. To the uninformed consumer, I'm sure they may perceive an additional value in THX.
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
See Above. Yes. Certain NAD amplifiers for example have went for more after the THX certification than the previous model....same piece of gear, aside from the certification. This is based on a crossreference of Audiogon and Orion BB. I think it's ridiculous, but it exists.
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
See Above. No.
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
No. The THX cert. is based on actual application, and the benefits are on paper....real. I don't think 80%+ of consumers could tell the difference in a blind demo.
I will never lose sleep over THX, regardless of the mantra chanting Lucasites burning Dolby logos in my frony yard.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
Yes.
How do you like it?
Very much so.
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
No.
Do you think it adds value to a product?
Value? No, but possibly credibility.
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
Yes, at least to some degree.
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
No, not simply for the certification. But if the THX certified speaker was in fact better, yes.
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
No. THX certification does not mean I will like the speaker/reciever-amp, or that they will sound good together. Also, THX certification does not mean a THX certified product will outperform one that is not.
For me, THX certification is nothing more than a guarantee of at least acceptable performance. I would also say I would feel more comfortable buying a product unseen or unheard that was THX certified. Buying blind is something I rarely, if ever, do. But, if I were to do so, I would know the product is at least satisfactory for HT duties by meeting THX requirements. If I were able to audition the product, the THX certification would carry little or no weight in my decision on which to purchase.Go BIG or go home! -
I've listened to a few THX certified speakers and honestly I wasn't that impressed. Okay for movies (not as good as my Lsi's) and simply awful for music.
THX electronics has its place but the lack of a certification doesn't mean much to me anymore. I used to be under the misguided impression that THX meant better equipment, and maybe it did at some point. I've learned that although there are somethings that THX gears does rather well, it doesn't mean that non-THX sounds any worse. It's all in the ear of the listener. -
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
Yes. Rotel, Parasound Halo, and B&K amplifiers.
How do you like it?
I like the equipment very much, but independent evaluation and research on the merits of the products led me to purchase rather than the THX certification. I actually just had to look at the Parasound amp to see if it had the THX stamp on it.
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
I don't know of any THX certified speakers generally used for home theater systems. Haven't paid much attention to new speakers lately.
Do you think it adds value to a product?
Value no; marginal extra cost to the consumer, maybe.
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
In the mass market yes. THX certified amplifiers seem to hold value very well. Not sure if THX certification has anything to do that, but it doesn't seem to hurt.
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
No, I wouldn't pay more for the stamp. I'm not buying new speakers until Polk starts making SDAs again. An inconspicuous THX stamp on newly designed SDAs may persuade me to buy them though.
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
No. I trust Polk to design and build great speakers for their price point without having to buy an outside stamp of approval. -
1) No I do not own any THX certified equipment (I don't think).
3->7) Until THX publicly states what the requirements/specifications of the certification are. I put THX certification in the same category as most "Certified" used cars.Win7 Media Center -> Onkyo TXSR702 -> Polk Rti70 -
Do i own a piece of THX certified equipment?
i have a thx certified amp. However i do not use the thx surround mode. IMO it seems a waste having speakers that go below 80hz if its going to crossover to the sub at that point.
my 0.02 -
i will not pay for a name. if i get sothig out of it cool but thx the olny things that benefit from it is amps they get a few good eq and sound feilds. everything else is a waste of money. i had a chance to get a thx cert pre amp but chose the non thx pre. i got more for less and better buld quaility.
i bult my own cables,sub,screen,and soon to buld speakers. my sub will give any store bought a run for its money that is under 20 k. i bet i could get it thx cert ultra 2 but y waste the money -
Ok, I'll input my opinions coming from someone who is on the sale floor selling Polk among other companies every day.
Do I own anything THX? No. Will I ever? Possibly but not because it's THX, because it's quality and has what I want.
Does it add value, not to me.
But again, as someone who is in the industry talking to all the customers and seeing what they want/like/dislike/etc, I think THX probably would be a good thing to put on a midline/upper line speaker line if I was in charge of a manufacturer. Reason is, people see THX everywhere. Hell, most of the people who even know the call letters think it's a processing, not a certification. "I gotta have a THX receiver to play THX dvd's right?" So I honestly feel if you bring out a THX speaker at a moderate price point, you will definitely increase sales just by having that logo on them. 90+% of the people on this site are TRUE enthusiasts who want to know every nut and bolt of their equipment and how it's working. 95% of the people buying your speakers are NOT this way. Again, the mass market walking into a CC or some other audio shop think anything with the THX logo is "Top Of The Line" whether it's $500 or $50,000.
Now for all the enthusiasts that will criticize your line for having the logo and who won't give them a shot because of that are flat out ignorant. What's it fricken matter if the logo is there if you know what you're talking about? It's speakers. Listen to them, if you like 'em, BUY THEM! If anything, your friends and family who don't know what they're talking about will come over and say "OMG, he has a THX system... What'd this run ya?" It'll give you a few extra bragging rights than you have now to the uneducated. So to them, hush it and enjoy your speakers... THX or not.
In closing... I'd LOVE to see a line around the RTi price range or maybe a little more to come out with the THX logo. Every day I get people to drop a few extra hundreds on their receivers just because it has that little logo... even though they don't know why it's there. DO IT POLK! It'd help sales on both ends and make us all VERY happy.
Polk for life.................Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.
Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.
Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener. -
THX is for dickbumps that buy on endorsement, rather than actual sound.
That's effin HILARIOUS, are you sure you really work for Polk?
Cheers,
RussCheck your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service. -
If you're talking to me, never said I work FOR Polk. I said I SELL Polk. I work for a retailer and Polk is one of our lines...Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.
Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.
Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener. -
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
- No
How do you like it?
- I don't know, I don't own any
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
- No
Do you think it adds value to a product?
- No
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
- Doesn't hurt probably
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
- I buy if my ears tell me to
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
- No -
Originally posted by Toxis
If you're talking to me, never said I work FOR Polk. I said I SELL Polk. I work for a retailer and Polk is one of our lines...
Why would I be talking to you? Dial back the paranoia knob a little.
Cheers,
RoosterCheck your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service. -
Somebody enlighten me, name a speaker that has THX stamped on it that's worth a ****. Please, I really want to know.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Originally posted by TroyD
I'm SURE that there is some benefit, however, I could really care less.
To build on that, lemme first just say that I think the audio/video industry as a whole does a LOUSY job at explaining the merits of what it has to offer and how to use the available technology. How many of us have been into someones HT and they are listening to thier DVD's in pro-logic because they can't figure out the settings? I've known a couple of people who have done this for a couple YEARS.
In some cases, ignorance is bliss, however audio/video-dom isn't one of them. I think THX does an EXCEPTIONALLY lousy job of this. I couldn't tell you what the in's and out's of THX is, and I consider myself a pretty well informed consumer. That may be part of thier plan though. Keep the reality obscured while reaping as much profit as possible.
Hi Al,
Welcome to the forum.
I am an avid home theater enthusiast, and yes I have gear that has the THX logo on it, (a collection of Parasound amplifiers, a Lexicon Digital Controller and an Audio Control multi-channel equalizer) BUT I have never gone out of my way to buy a piece of equipment branded THX.
Why? For the reason Troy points out above. THX marketing goes out of its way to BRAND products, but deliberately avoids providing any useful explanation of what that buys the consumer. Its like those infuriating TV perscription drug commerials where the talking head instructs us to ask our doctors whether their purple pill is right for us without telling us absolutely anything about it.
I remember when THX Ultra2 first came out. THX marketing was running full-page ads in all the home theater magazines. All the ads had was a huge THX ultra logo and said something to the effect its THX you've got to have it. PERIOD. It said nothing else about what its latest Ultra2 standard did. I found this advertising approach so objectionable that I felt compelled to write to THX. (Of course I never heard back from them.)
In summary, I think when George Lucas came up with the standard he was rendering a valuable service to the commerical theater industry. However, now its all about branding and marketing and very little to do with value added to the consumer.
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
Yes.
How do you like it?
I've very happy with all my THX branded equipment, but it has nothing to do with the THX features.
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
No.
Do you think it adds value to a product?
No.
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
No.
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
Not willingly. If I liked a speaker that happened to be THX certified I would pay the added royalties embedded in the price in order to buy the speaker.
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
No.
With regard to building and marketing Polk Audio speakers, if Mr. Polk and his technical staff determine that a generic feature (i.e., narrow vertical dispersion) that is part of the THX standard would enhance the performance of a line of Polk speakers, then by all means they should evaluate the cost/performance trade-offs. However, they should never buy the argument that paying for the royalties associated with entire THX standard is going to help sell Polk Audio speakers.
Larry -
From an electronics salesman's point of view, I've yet to have a customer request THX certified anything. People have asked questions about it, but it does not seem to have an impact on their buying decisions, from what I can tell.
Polk does seem to have a high loyalty factor. I'd estimate about half of the people I've sold Polks to, have owned them before. Couple that with the 5-year warranty and me talking about how great Polk customer service is, and xyz certification is not an issue.
From a 'junior audiophile' point of view, I could care less about THX certs.
Regards,
PolkThug -
deleted
-
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment? Yes
How do you like it? I am not quite sure how to answer this, since I don't know what the certification do to the equipment. Regardless of the certification, a good equipment is a good equipment. Slapping the certification logo to it will not tell me anything, listening audition is what really tells me whether it's worthwhile. A JVC THX (just an example) gears will not change my opinion of JVC brand. Conversely, a non-THX Lexicon gears will have the exact effect. Case in point, B&K Reference 50 (which is a THX Ultra 2 certified I have, will be upgraded to Reference 50 S2 which will not be THX certified, and still be on my list to acquire)
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't? If you can explain to me, what exactly the certification means to it, then I might be able to answer it more objectively. For instance, if it requires the speakers to be tested at reference SPL level, and cause no bleeding of frequency response produced by the mid driver, yada yada yada, then I might look into the certification value more closely. A THX-certified Klipsch $170 computer speakers will definitely not going to make me to go ga ga over it.
Do you think it adds value to a product? Again, it depends on what it means. Bose Adaptive technology, at least, has a better explanation then a THX-Ultra 2 explanation. Until then, perceived value of the logo is meaningless.
Do you think it adds resale value to that product? nope, none whatsoever.
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't? Depends on the answer to the earlier question.
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification? Again, depends on the answer to the earlier question. I supposed it's time to be heading to the Skywalker ranch and check out what it feels like to sit in their THX certified auditorium, listening to a Gene Harris trio SACD...I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie. -
THX has about as much worth to audio as cryogenically treated wires and cables... meaning NONE. Its simply a marketing scheme for the boys at THX to make more money. My personal observation is that companies have less and less lines with the THX certification. It adds cost to the product and everyone I've ever talked to about the topic seems to think its a joke.Brian Knauss
ex-Electrical Engineer for Polk -
Put simply, I think THX gives an indication that it has met a certain minimum standard in quality of parts and assembly, but in saying that there are plenty of great gear that has reached or surpassed that without the THX stamp on it. Like many others here I go on the specifications and reputations and I have my favourite brands, warrenty is something that makes me look a bit harder, for ex, if I was having trouble deciding between two products the brand that has the confidence to back its product with a longer warrenty catches my attention a bit more.
All these new THX standards such as ultra and ultra 2, its all a load of **** to try and sell stuff, I mean whats the difference between the ultra and ultra 2? probably nothing of any great importance.
I especially dont like the THX mode that sets a cut off of 80 hz, I would prefer to set things up the way I like it to sound as opposed to some dude that had a sound room and products from years gone by telling me what is the 'optimal'...
In answer to the questions you ask....
Do you own a piece of THX certified equipment?
Yes, but not because they have THX on them.
How do you like it?
Quite a lot, but as above.
Do you think a THX certified speaker is better than one that isn't?
No, it depends on how they sound to me rather than a stamp.
Do you think it adds value to a product?
Not to me.
Do you think it adds resale value to that product?
No.
Would you pay more for a THX certified speaker than one that isn't?
No.
Do you think that matching a THX certified speaker with a THX certified receiver or amp will perform better than a combination that has part of no THX certification?
Not as a general rule.
Theres my 2c
