HiFi advice needed: THX or not?

[Maetryx]

Maetryx here, 😎

I'm seriously looking into upgrading my A/V receiver. I favor Kenwood products, out of familiarity. I'm looking at the VR-509 and VR-510. The VR-507 is out of the running because it does not feature a digical optical out, and I'm a MiniDisc kind of guy. (That's D-I-S-C disc). Anyway, there are two major improvements in the more expensive VR-510 model:
1) THX certification
2) component video i/o

Now, I don't have a single use for component video i/o at the moment, but I'm wondering if THX certification is worth of the price difference. Or, if TXH certification AND future component video compatibility is worth the difference. On ebay, the difference in the going price for the two units is about $150. The VR-509 is around $280 and the VR-510 is around $430.

So what say ye? $150 for component video i/o and THX?

TIA

 

[Sugadaddy]

Not worth it if those are the only differences. Component Video switching isn't very useful because besides DVD players, not many other things use it, and the price difference probably serves to pay the THX certification... 🙂

 

[bcterps]

The VR509 still has component video capabilities so you're fine, it definitely aint worth the extra for THX certification unless you wanna get THX certification for the rest your system and speakers and then you can sound really 1337 and say that your home theater system is THX certified.

--Ben

 

[Maetryx]

Maetryx here, 😎

Right on, AnandTech saves me money again. You guys are awesome for helping me out. I'll pass on the VR-510 and zero in on the VR-509.

I'll use the $150 toward a new MiniDisc deck. Of course the one I want is twice that :Q

 

[RichieZ]

I've got the THX Ultra certified speakers but not the reviever.

 

[Viperoni]

Why would you run the signal into the receiver and ruin it?
I ALWAYS run the video signal right into the TV (svideo) and bypass the receiver, even though it is a bit more troublesome, it'll pay itself off in better video quality.

To determine THX usuability, what kinda speakers do you have?

 

[Dhruv]

personally, i think thx is a bunch of crap. they've had thx receivers out for years.

component video switching IS important for many people. DVD player, HDTV, etc. it makes it nice 'n easy to control from one remote.

few receivers offer this for under 1k.

Get a receiver with DTS and 5.1/6.1 sound and you're good to go. A lot of people don't realize that what we are restricted by is NOT receiver technology, but rather, how DVD technology. How was the disc encoded?

just my .02.

 

[Maetryx]

<< To determine THX usuability, what kinda speakers do you have? >>



Hmmmm. Kinda cheap ones. I got them at *cough*Radio Shack*cough* for like $50 a pair. Bought two sets. I think they're called Optimus. I use them for F/L F/R R/L and R/R. They hang from my ceiling from hardware that cost as much as the speakers did. I have a decent F/C speaker that is magnetically shielded, and a $250 subwoofer, again I don't know the brand. I put the stuff together as I could afford it.

 

[Platypus]

<< personally, i think thx is a bunch of crap. they've had thx receivers out for years.

>>




Yup.

 

[Viperoni]

<<

<< To determine THX usuability, what kinda speakers do you have? >>



Hmmmm. Kinda cheap ones. I got them at *cough*Radio Shack*cough* for like $50 a pair. Bought two sets. I think they're called Optimus. I use them for F/L F/R R/L and R/R. They hang from my ceiling from hardware that cost as much as the speakers did. I have a decent F/C speaker that is magnetically shielded, and a $250 subwoofer, again I don't know the brand. I put the stuff together as I could afford it. >>



Then, IMO, I wouldn't bother wasting money on THX.
Definetely look for the DTS ES (6.1) instead.
I know your hooked on Kenwood receivers, but I saw a Pioneer for ~$500 CAD that did 6.1.....I believe it had a built in fan too 🙂
You're not the only one that does stuff piece by piece, I mean, HT's can get costly, even if you do DIY 😉