THX certified surround system questions.

dheim96

I asked a question in a previous post about the klipsch F-3 series but really didn’t get any feedback. Upon doing a little more research I learned that there are some better options like the reference series from klipsch. But my question is would a THX certified system sound a lot better than the reference series by klipsch? If so does anyone have any recommendations on a good THX certified system? I mainly watch movies and listen to music so I need a good all around system I am looking in the $2000 range for speakers that does not include the receiver. I am looking at around $800 for the receiver so a total of around $3000 for the whole system. Thanks in advance.

m_vanmeter

I am a confirmed cynic when it comes to "THX certification"...while the equipment does have to pass some "certification criteria", I think it has more to do with paying the licensing fees to use the THX trademark. There are fabulous speakers, manufactured by excellent firms, that don't give a damn about THX certification. The quality of their offerings is well known and respected already.

When you read the "double speak" about their testing program for speakers http://www.thx.com/products/home/speakers.html , it kind of reminds me of all the hoopla about ISO 9000 certification in the manufacturering world.....you can design and build the very best total piece of crap, but it meets ISO certifications because all the paperwork is right.

tcarcio

Thx is really a seal of approval kinda like the good housekeeping seal. In order to have a complete THX system you would need everything certified and that includes room treatments and the whole nine yards which is very expensive. THX has standards that any piece of equipment must meet in order to get their seal of approval. That doesn't mean that it is better then equipment that isn't THX just that it follows different guidlines. You can build a system that isn't THX that will sound every bit as good as systems that are. IMO.

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Pioneer Elite Vsx 81txv as pre amp
Behringer EP 2500 for 15'' TC 2000 sonotube
Mackie FR2500 for mains
Crown XLS 402d for center
2 Crown CTs 600's for surrounds
2 B52 MX1515's for l+R speakers
Boston Acoustics VR-12 center
Cambridge Soundworks S-300 surrounds x 4
Samsung bd-p1500 BD player
Toshiba HD XA2 HD dvd player
Optoma HD-72 720p PJ for movies
Benq PE-7800 PJ for TV, 106'' screen

JMS

The lack of feedback you see is not because members here are not being generous with their time. It's just that very general open-ended questions such as yours are very difficult to answer in a short period of time. The possible choices and combinations are nearly endless. You need to narrow it down a bit by doing some research and by as much actual auditioning as you can.

I will say that your budget is entirely reasonable, assuming an average size room. It is almost exactly what I have in my HT system, which is used evenly for movies and music. I am very happy with it. I could tell you what it is, but it really doesn't matter -- what you like should be the most important factor. I have friends who wouldn't take my speakers for free, but I'm a happy camper (and none of my stuff is THX certified).

I agree with the previous posters on THX. Yes it means something, but the lack of it doesn't mean low quality. So don't get hung up on what is a marketing tool -- the THX logo looks very cool on the front of those faceplates, but the cost of that license is passed right on to the consumer.

The most important thing to remember concerning equipment selection -- especially speakers -- is the certification you give it. The only thing I can say is that given your budget, you'll not end up with junk as long as you stick with name brands.

dheim96

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to listen to the Klipsch reference series today so see how I like them and as far as the THX certification you guys make a very good point. Thanks again.

Loves2Watch

Just remember that there are many other great brands in the same price range. Do some comparative listening as you just might find some others that you like as well or better...

__________________
Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.
Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's.

dheim96

So I went and listened to a pair of Definitive Technology BP7002 floor standing speakers and man do they sound good. Watching a clip from transformers 2 never sounded so nice. The martian logan and Vienna acoustics that I heard also were amazing while listening to music but were lacking when trying to watch a movie clip. They just did not put off the same sound as the BP7002 and not to mention that if you moved over one seat the sound was totally different than the last seat. The BP7002 did not have that issue as they fill the whole room with sound all three speakers were powered via a Denon AVR4310CI receiver. I still have to go and listen to the Klipsch reference series before I make any decisions on what to buy but man did the BP7002 sound great!!

JMS

The biggest advantage of the DefTech 7002 is that you don't need a subwoofer. Each of those towers have a 12" long-throw woofer, two 12" passive radiators, and a 300 watt internal amp. In most rooms they will positively overwhelm you with bass, unless you have the bass level set conservatively on each speaker. They do need some room, however. They should be out from the wall at least 18 inches, better 2 feet or more if possible. They're fantastic for movies and competent for music. Some audiophiles claim not to like their imaging and blame their bipolar design, but I think it's a strength.

Klipsch have their own sound, as you'll soon find. Their biggest strength is their extreme effeciency. Even a relatively inexpensive mid-range receiver can drive them without working too hard. If I were starting over, the Klipsch RF-52 speaker set would be on my short list.

dheim96

My only issue with DefTech is that I would have to double my budget in order to get a completed system.

Loves2Watch

My vote would be for the Definitive Technology BP7002 vs. the Klipsch. You might also want to consider Paradigm...

__________________
Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.
Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's.

JMS

I have the 7004 system. I bought it on sale from a local home theater specialist mom & pop store for $2000. I still don't need a sub in my room even though they're the 10" woofer towers.

http://www.definitivetech.com/Produc...ngSystems.aspx

dheim96

I was looking at the Pioneer Elite VSX-23THX receiver but If I got two BP7002 and the receiver that would take up my whole budget. I will take a look at Paradigm also. This is getting harder and harder.

JMS

All part of the fun.

dheim96

I wish I could find one store that has all the top brands and not have to travel all around to hear them.