THX vs. DTS

Thx , when it debuted, was benifitial for it set a higher bar in hardware manufacturers just as the market was being flooded with poor processors and recievers that was giving Home Theatre a bad reputation in the audio world. Since then the doctrines and philosophies of Thx have somewhat fallen out of favor in that dipoles for surrounds are no longer recognized as optimum. Monopole , matching speakers all around have generally been accepted as the correct methodology . The industry in general is better off because of Thomas and his pioneering efforts . Dts was far superior to dolby digital in its inception and caused the DD camp to shape up . The differences are now universally subtle with dts having a smoother midrange , tighter bass and slight dialog intelligibility improvements .

First off,don not buy a receiver! Go for separates. Buy a used pre pro and save a lot of money. Receivers hold their resale like a sieve.

Tim

I agree with Tim, don't waste your time with recivers. They are unrelable, amps and Pre/pro is the way to go.

I have had my amps for 7 years now, when new technology, like DTS, DD, PL2 comes out, I just have to spen money on the preamp.

Much better off in the long run

Personally, THX certified AVR have come down in price substantially. For example, consumers can buy over the Internet a Yamaha RX-V1400, THX certified w/ MSRP $799, for roughly $600. Such unit does video up conversion for ease of use; decodes THX format, Dolby ProLogic IIx, DTS; offers 2-channel stereo, 7-channel stereo, direct bypass; and, functions as pre-amp. Of course, there are non-THX units w/ MSRP of $199, which offers DTS w/ basic S-video switcher and no pre-amp output w/ about 45wpc. On the other hand, there are high-end units costing few grands, which offers lots of bell and whistles, decodes all formats, and still have lots of juice left w/o restraining power. It's true that THX decodes more bass. I could detect the subtle difference when switching back and forth between THX and DTS on AVR, and the movies used for testing were Finding Nemo and Monster Inc. (both THX format). It depends on your budget. If you want to spend $200 for DTS only, go for it. If you want to save the headache and possibly heartache, spend 3X more to get RX-V1400. If you want warmer sound, get a multi-channel amp or THX amp. If you want to your neighbor to knock down your door, get Ultra-THX amp. If you want the entire neighborhood to know your door down, get dual SVS subs.

THX isn't really the issue. The issue is DTS or DD encoding. Anything preceding THX will not use these encoding schemes and if your spending any money on a home theater system you are wasting your time with such a piece of equipment. The sound dynamics on modern DVDs from either of the these encoding schemes is what the medium is all about. Otherwise you might as well concentrate on good two channel equipment and be done with it. Anything with DTS and DD encoding will be THX certified. This was only an issue several years ago with early dolby prologic system that didn't necessarily include THX certification.