THX Certified

cnh

I agree. There are, in fact, a lot more AVRs that can and do meet THX requirements which are not so labeled, by fine manufacturers. So it may be a bit of an anxiety producing item for some members who may have 1100 plus dollar AVRs that could be certified THX (at least Select2 or with the more powerful units Ultra2) but aren't, for whatever reasons...including 'cost' cutting.

I'd hate to see someone sell a perfectly good AVR just to have one with 'THX' certification.



cnh

dorokusai

Dan's obligated to be a supporter of THX certification.

messiah

I believe that in receivers, thx certification represents the ability to accurately replay the source material the way that the THX sound engineers meant for it to be heard in the theater. I think that this would only apply to films that bear the THX logo. The main difference between Ultra and select, is that Ultra is certified to perform at reference levels in large rooms, where select is certified to perform at reference levels in small to medium rooms. As far as speakers, I really don't understand the need for the certification. I guess that the speakers in question have to perform at certain levels based on test tones, but what sounds good to one person may not sound good to another. A lot seem to depend on the environment in which the speakers are placed, and the ears listening to them. That said, I've had numerous reputable audio dealers (no, not bb or cc lol) tell me that the certification process is bs, and that although there may only be x# of thx certified products, many others would pass the test if they wanted to pay Lucas for the rights to use his logo. Personally I feel that while it certainally cant hurt to have a receiver with THX abilities, I wont be looking for any THX rated speakers, cables, etc any time soon.

ViperZ

messiah wrote: »

I wont be looking for any THX rated speakers, cables, etc any time soon.

Got to definitely agree with on you on your points. I wouldn't buy 'THX certified' speakers, cables, etc.

And also agree on the point that some manufacturer's receiver specs do meet and/or exceed THX certification, but they just don't bother paying money to Lucas for the label.

The point that I tried to make is that THX certification of receivers and amplifiers has evolved very much since 1983, and is in no way obsolete 'just a label' thing.

Kex

ViperZ wrote: »

... For example, THX Ultra2 Plus has very tight tolerances on the audio tests, and only a handful of receivers (9) are certified. On the other side THX Select, which is much lower standard, has 100 receivers that passed that requirement. ...

The question I would ask is: how many receivers could be THX Ultra2 Plus certified, but don't chose to be (as has been pointed out by others, albeit in different terms, while I was typing this)? Since you have to pay to say that you can pass the test, the test seems largely worthless as a measure of quality for consumers, since so many quality products do not chose to pay for the use of the logo. Like the World Wide Web (http), and bluetooth (for the purpose of example), THX would probably have had a much greater influence without the payment requirement IMO.

mantis

Again so now my new question is this.

Why would you not want THX certified speakers if you where building a dedicated theater room? So these speakers are out of the question?
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/hidden/inwall/lcirts105/

So I got another question for theater buffs, do you know what a THX certified speaker has to be able to do and only do? Learn about dispersion patterns and find some useful in room tools.

Again I'm in no way saying anyone needs anything THX but why not explore there certified products to see if any of them works for your system. I would never say THX is a waste or I would not buy THX speakers. I Installed the above complete System from polk all THX 7.1 system and it was incredible. The focus on the way the speakers perform really helped me tune the room.

On a side note I personally don't own THX speakers but If I was to spec a room, I would not over look the in wall polks or there in ceilings for that matter.

Dan

Dan

Kex

mantis wrote: »

Again so now my new question is this.

Why would you not want THX certified speakers if you where building a dedicated theater room? So these speakers are out of the question?
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/hidden/inwall/lcirts105/ ...

Before I answer that question, concerning my setup, I must specify that I only have one room for serious viewing and listening, so it has to be dual purpose, as well as your everyday living room for guests that might come by to empty my cellar.

I actually steered away from those exact speakers since the lower 3dB limit is at a mere 80Hz. Although this is perfectly logical for THX, if you've followed any of my recent equipment experiments, you'll have noticed that I tuned my crossover with my NAD receiver to 40Hz, rather than 60 or 80, and even with a sealed Rythmik subwoofer (reputedly "tighter", in general), because I just love the tighter, controlled bass it seems to be able to pump from the speakers. This is something I had not been able to achieve before the NAD, and the setup also seems to blend completely seamlessly with the subwoofer, which is an added bonus that I will not easily (if at all) forsake in the future.

For these reasons, my planned ceiling speaker setup will be all LCi, but not the RTS variety, since the LC80i have a lower 3db limit of 45Hz. For in-wall, for those that might prefer that, the LC265i have a similar lower 3dB limit of 43Hz. Both of these might allow me to maintain that 40Hz crossover point with the NAD, which I seem to have a strong preference for (or at least 60Hz) whereas the THX certified LCi-RTS100 would require a much higher 80Hz. The price difference is also quite significant.

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/hidden/inceiling/lci80/
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/hidden/inwall/lci265/

Every system is a compromise in some regard, I suppose, but for my tastes and setup, the THX certification might actually lead to a negative!

robert0507

does thx really make that much of dif?

messiah

Hey Dan... to me THX isn't a major consideration because I have a condo. A really good condo with concrete everywhere so I can crank the hell out of music and movies and no one cares, but still a condo. So no dedicated theater room for me. But because I love good sound, and was intrigued by the whole THX thing I researched it to the best of my ability. Their website used to be more user friendly, and explain the whole principal for people who wanted to know. Their current website I'm sorry to say is nothing like their old site where you could get real answers.

Maybe you can answer something for me though. If a reciever is THX certified, and has some sort of THX processing mode, this is for THX movies only, right? I cant imagine that it would work on movies that thx sound engineers didn't have a part of.

That is why I'm not interested in THX speakers. I'm not sure what percentage of THX movies I watch compared to non THX movies, but I'm sure THX is in the vast minority. That, and my system has to handle music as well, and I haven't seen any THX cd's yet (I'm sure they're out there, just haven't seen them).

It just doesn't seem that THX is very meaningful in most cases, and that is why it really doesn't get my seal of approval on most products.

messiah

robert0507 wrote: »

does thx really make that much of dif?

Nope

messiah

ViperZ wrote: »

Got to definitely agree with on you on your points. I wouldn't buy 'THX certified' speakers, cables, etc.

And also agree on the point that some manufacturer's receiver specs do meet and/or exceed THX certification, but they just don't bother paying money to Lucas for the label.

The point that I tried to make is that THX certification of receivers and amplifiers has evolved very much since 1983, and is in no way obsolete 'just a label' thing.

You are absolutly right. THX has come a long way from its inception, It just never got mainsteam enough
to make a major impact.

mantis

Let me lay down the bottom line on the THX thing.

THX.... when you have certified gear , you now have a better chance of re creating the movie experience in your home. Movies are not recorded for home use. They are recorded for a Cineplex. This environment is designed for the movie experience. The seating and speaker placement is Ideal for 90% of the seating so just about every seat is a good experience. I still find a sweet spot as watching from a side shot, to close like the front row or sitting in the very back doesn't seem to give the same experience. Some theater claim all seats are the sweet spot but I disagree.

So having Processing to help you achieve a goal is like having a useful tool. I'd rather have a tool and not need it then need it and not have it.

Speakers that are THX certified have certain patterns the disperse in. The are designed for movie playback. The focus is well focused.

Wire , cables , room treatments are all apart of the experience. THX looks at these things. While most people clown these things, what they fail to realize is they are all tools to help you achieve a goal.

Of course THX is in business to make money. So is every single business in the world with a few exceptions. But they offer tools. If you realize this, it's always something to consider when purchasing any gear or products for your theater experience.

So when I read posts about how you don't need THX with nothing to prove why or why not shows no experience with setting up theater room or media rooms. Media rooms is more common as most people use there family rooms for there movie experience. This is fine but what you have to consider is the room is not designed for this. Most rooms suck so I'd rather have every single tool to help me make a situation the best I can make it. I would never tell anyone a tool is not useful unless it not for the job.

So I ask all of you who don't know about THX or any tool to help you get that movie experience at home take some time to learn. You will only benefit from it. THX has great guide lines to follow. If you don't know how it is suppose to be, how can you make a Intelligent decision in a room that is not designed for what you are about to do?

Dan

Conradicles

Good explanation mantis. Makes sense.

NJPOLKER

Thanks Dan for your input/insight. Even though I am a two channel guy its nice to learn about all things audio!

nspindel

I just ordered a Parasound A21 for my 2-channel rig. Lots of things factored into the decision, but not the fact that it's THX Ultra II certified. Nice to know that it is, though

WilliamM2

Speakers that are THX certified have certain patterns the disperse in. The are designed for movie playback. The focus is well focused.

Really? See the pic below. These are the only THX certified speakers I've owned. 3" full range drivers, no tweeter, and they sound like crap.

I also have a Marantz MM9000 amp, THX Ultra certified! But it can't handle 4 Ohm speakers. First power amp I have ever had that couldn't.

THX certification is purely marketing.

NJPOLKER

nspindel wrote: »

I just ordered a Parasound A21 for my 2-channel rig. Lots of things factored into the decision, but not the fact that it's THX Ultra II certified. Nice to know that it is, though

Nice amp and good luck with it. Keep us informed on your thoughts.

NJPOLKER

WilliamM2 wrote: »

Really? See the pic below. These are the only THX certified speakers I've owned. 3" full range drivers, no tweeter, and they sound like crap.

I also have a Marantz MM9000 amp, THX Ultra certified! But it can't handle 4 Ohm speakers. First power amp I have ever had that couldn't.

THX certification is purely marketing.

So whats wrong with great marketing ? Most successful companies have great marketing strategies.

WilliamM2

NJPOLKER wrote: »

So whats wrong with great marketing ? Most successful companies have great marketing strategies.

Nothing wrong with marketing at all. But I was responding to claims that THX certification actually means something regarding the performance of the speakers or amps. It doesn't.

THX has a whole list of specs that an amp must supposedly pass to be certified. The Marantz does not meet those specs, and is certified anyways. Apparently as long as you pay the licensing fee, you can put the logo on your product. What a shocker.

jwhitakr

mantis wrote: »

Let me lay down the bottom line on the THX thing.

THX.... when you have certified gear , you now have a better chance of re creating the movie experience in your home. Movies are not recorded for home use. They are recorded for a Cineplex. This environment is designed for the movie experience. The seating and speaker placement is Ideal for 90% of the seating so just about every seat is a good experience. I still find a sweet spot as watching from a side shot, to close like the front row or sitting in the very back doesn't seem to give the same experience. Some theater claim all seats are the sweet spot but I disagree.

So having Processing to help you achieve a goal is like having a useful tool. I'd rather have a tool and not need it then need it and not have it.

Speakers that are THX certified have certain patterns the disperse in. The are designed for movie playback. The focus is well focused.

Wire , cables , room treatments are all apart of the experience. THX looks at these things. While most people clown these things, what they fail to realize is they are all tools to help you achieve a goal.

Of course THX is in business to make money. So is every single business in the world with a few exceptions. But they offer tools. If you realize this, it's always something to consider when purchasing any gear or products for your theater experience.

So when I read posts about how you don't need THX with nothing to prove why or why not shows no experience with setting up theater room or media rooms. Media rooms is more common as most people use there family rooms for there movie experience. This is fine but what you have to consider is the room is not designed for this. Most rooms suck so I'd rather have every single tool to help me make a situation the best I can make it. I would never tell anyone a tool is not useful unless it not for the job.

So I ask all of you who don't know about THX or any tool to help you get that movie experience at home take some time to learn. You will only benefit from it. THX has great guide lines to follow. If you don't know how it is suppose to be, how can you make a Intelligent decision in a room that is not designed for what you are about to do?

Dan

Dan, do you either work for THX, provide THX training / services or have some sort of affiliation with THX?

mantis

jwhitakr wrote: »

Dan, do you either work for THX, provide THX training / services or have some sort of affiliation with THX?

I'm a custom in home Audio Video Installer/programmer. I respect THX and everything they have done for our business. I plan on going to THX training one day.
I did however train with a bad **** cat from THX in Room acoustics. His name is John Doal. He is a bad man.

Dan

CaligulaPolk

mantis wrote: »

I'm a custom in home Audio Video Installer/programmer. I respect THX and everything they have done for our business. I plan on going to THX training one day.
I did however train with a bad **** cat from THX in Room acoustics. His name is John Doal. He is a bad man.

Dan

is john from doylestown?

jwhitakr

jwhitakr wrote: »

Dan, do you either work for THX, provide THX training / services or have some sort of affiliation with THX?

mantis wrote: »

I'm a custom in home Audio Video Installer/programmer. I respect THX and everything they have done for our business. I plan on going to THX training one day.
I did however train with a bad **** cat from THX in Room acoustics. His name is John Doal. He is a bad man.

Dan

Well, I respect your opinion of THX meaning something in the home theater world today ... but I have to disagree based on all of the points mentioned in this thread.

There may have been a time when having THX certified components meant something, and when it was a useful criteria for evaluating home theater components, but that day is long gone. THX is used for marketing only nowadays and doesn't mean squat when it comes to actual performance of speakers, amps, etc.

If you go to the official THX site, you'll see that almost everything listed on the site is about how THX is a powerful "brand" and how valuable it will be for your company's sales to achieve THX certification.

No thanks, I'm not buying it.

WilliamM2

THX is used for marketing only nowadays and doesn't mean squat when it comes to actual performance of speakers, amps, etc.

It's always been that way. Look at the two items I posted above. The speaker was bought in 2000, the amp is even older than that.

danz1906

I have an Anthem AVM30 THX Ultra2 processor and Klipsch THX Ultra2 subwoofers.
Both of these products do an excellent job on home theater.

jwhitakr

WilliamM2 wrote: »

It's always been that way. Look at the two items I posted above. The speaker was bought in 2000, the amp is even older than that.

That's even further back than I thought. Will be interested to hear if anyone has a reply to your posts above.

jwhitakr

danz1906 wrote: »

I have an Anthem AVM30 THX Ultra2 processor and Klipsch THX Ultra2 subwoofers.
Both of these products do an excellent job on home theater.

I have no doubt that both that processor and set of subs sound awesome in your home theater. I just hope you didn't overpay for 'em.

danz1906

jwhitakr wrote: »

I have no doubt that both that processor and set of subs sound awesome in your home theater. I just hope you didn't overpay for 'em.

Great deals on both:D

F1nut

I'm THX certified.

ckphoto

After following this thread I went and did some more reading on the net for anyone who is interested in learning a little more about THX Certified this article should help
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_13_1/feature-article-thx-1-2006-part-1.html