why thx certified?
dizzy wrote:
What I didn't see anyone mention, at least explicitly, is that there's
some real good reasons not to make speakers that comply with the THX
standard. However for a surround processor/reciever/amplifier, I
can't see it ever being a bad thing...
Apparently, there are standards regarding radiation pattern
that enhance clarity, but somewhat constrain the broad-band
radiation pattern. This is not to say that it is as rigidly
constrained as, say, the Dunlavy Cantatas that I use in my
"middle-sized" AV system. The Cantatas stress clarity and
focus over spacious, reverberant sound. However, it is
certainly narrower than the ultra-wide dispersion exhibited
by the Allison IC-20 systems I have in my bigger AV system.
Dispersion that wide can make large-scale musical recordings
deliver an enveloping effect that enhances realism. However,
it would tend to overdo things with some movie soundtracks.
Of course, both of my systems employ a center speaker (built
by me to dovetail with the spectral and dispersion
characteristics of the left and right mains), and so I get
focus from the center channel when I employ a derived and
steered center with two-channel recordings - thanks to the
on-board decoding of my surround processors. I also employ
front "effects" speakers (yes, the processors are Yamaha
built) to add spaciousness to both installations. This works
very well, indeed, with the Dunlavy mains.
There are also bass rolloff requirements with the satellites
that allow them to dovetail properly with the electronic
crossover network found in THX certified surround processors
and receivers.
Howard Ferstler
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