|   THX speakers and Pre/Pro | Rip Van Winkle
Nov 28, 2001 4:46 PM | | I have an old HT, approximately 1990 vintage, one of the original THX certified in my area. Snell's first THX certified speakers, matched fronts, center, 2 subs and dipole sides, Lexicon CP3-a processor THX & Prologic 1. It's time to upgrade the pre/pro. I have not kept up with the advances in technology. I don't want to change my speakers which are all built into the room.
Do I need a THX certified PRE/PRO to match with my speakers?
Will these speakers be OK with the newer 5.1 processing options? I'm especially trying to figure out the role of dipole sides in the new mellenium.
Thanks for your opinions and time educating me! |
| thx cert. not needed. | Kam
Nov 29, 2001 9:02 AM | | had a long answer but it got lost somehow. basically, thx = system requirements, not actual processing in the manner of dolby digital or dts. so your speakers will be fine with dd and dts receiver, the thx is prett meaningless as most receivers and speakers can outperform those specifications (including components that have the logo on it) as it is only a minimum requirement of capabilities. i.e. receiver must be able to push x wattage into x impendence, and speaker must have x range, etc. that is it. the actual processing will be done by dolby or dts, not thx. thx is post processing, not the actual processing itself.
hope that helps, or if i am wrong, i'm sure someone will correct me.
good luck! |
| Keep in mind though...... | Terrence
Nov 29, 2001 10:49 AM | | Although you do not need a THX certified pre-pro, you do need a pre-pro with adjustable crossover, or a fixed crossover at 80hz at 24db per ocatave roll off. This is the THX specified crossover, and THX speakers are specifically designed to work with these coeffcients. The speaker performance level, and roll off characteristic count on these values. Any other crossover slope, or frequency, is likely to cause THX speakers to exibit audible performance degredation.
Terrence |
| Keep in mind though...... | Rip Van Winkle
Nov 29, 2001 7:11 PM | | Thanks Terrance,
I've been out of touch for about ten years. Back then I purchased the Lexicon CP3 which was allegedly one of the top processors. I went on the Lexicon web site and their newest top line pre/pro (the MC-12 I believe), is way out of my price range. Would you or anyone be able to give me some direction as to which products would be good values to provide the performance and crossovers you mentioned that would be a good match in my dated HT? |
| What is your budget??? (nt) | Terrence
Nov 29, 2001 8:44 PM | | |
| I'm not sure yet | Rip Van Winkle
Nov 29, 2001 10:08 PM | | With 2 kids away in private colleges not as much expendable income as past years but no absolute number. I wasn't even thinking about upgrading till a receiver died in my family room. As I researched the AVR market got a bit of upgraditis. I imagine once I set up my new Denon 3802 at Xmas I'll see how much I like the new processing technology.
In the past in audio there was usually a sweet spot where you could get the most bang for the buck, and then the expense went up exponentially to improve the sound.
I have around $100K in my dedicated audio system which I would not spend the money again now but I love listening to music in my 2 speaker stereo system.
My HT uses a rear projection Barco projected onto a 6 ft screen. The Lexicon and Snell 500 THX speakers (2F, 1C, 2S, & SW), and 3 old but wonderful essence stereo amps. I would love for the Outlaw 950 to be a killer product but time will tell. I guess I would like to keep it under $2K, but if I figure the sweet spot is $3K or more for the do all end all pre/pro I'll find a way to pony up.
I will try to become educated on the entire market, what the variables and options are, then make my own decision based on price and features. I guess I'm just looking for a starting point to begin my research. It's like I just woke up after sleeping 10 years with so many new products and companies on the market. Building a state of the art HT 10 years ago was much easier with many fewer choices.
For example the Denon 3802 was my choice after 1 week of research it seemed the best value for my family room where we mainly just watch a little TV. I suspect the pre/pro in the home theater will be in the thousands instead of the hundred of dollars.
Sorry for the long verbose answer for a very simple question. It's probably why I get so few answers to my posts. |
| I'm not sure yet | Kam
Nov 30, 2001 7:27 AM | | a lot of members here highly recommend the denon lines (1801/2, 2801/2, 3801/2). You can check on their website if they have the cross over frequencies Terrence mentioned, or i'm sure someone knows this offhand here and could post as well.
best case is if you have a dealer in your area that will let you audition it in home. just let 'em know you are going to be buying between a few choices, just don't know what yet and audition audition audition and let your ears do the spending.
good luck! |
| I'm not sure yet | Rip Van Winkle
Nov 30, 2001 1:22 PM | | Kam
I'm really looking for a component preamp processor unit, and not a receiver. thanks |
| ahh... ok... hmmm..... | Kam
Nov 30, 2001 7:06 PM | | well, i haven't done much research on separates, but the last i've looked, for separates, you can try and check out:
Parasound (they have some amazing power amps as well)
Adcom
Rotel
I think adcom and rotel would be in your price range, but that's a starting point for you at least.
good luck! |
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