HT receivers... how much difference does a few basis points of THD make?

[glenn1]

Considering upgrading my very crappy HT system for myself as a holiday present. Pretty sure I'm going to go with the Fluance HT set for speakers, but am baffled as to what would be an appropriate receiver to hook 'em up to. I noticed on my tour of the B&M stores like Best Buy that certain brands such as Sony and Pioneer seem to have consistently higher THD ratios than the competing Onkyo, etc. brands, typically on the nature of 0.7% to 0.06% or so. Is this something which will even be noticeable if you don't have the hearing of a lower lifeform? Also, any dealbreaker-type of specs I should use to make a decision?

 

[spacejamz]

that depends on whether or not you are using Monster Cable...


i don't think the average person would be able to tell the difference anway...if you are happy with the sound at the volume you plan on listening at, that is all that matters whether you spend $100 or $20K...

(actually what really matters it if the wife is happy if you spend $100 or $20k)...

 

[MikeMike]

i forget but i think anything below 1% is inaudible.

MIKE

 

[Gurck]

0.1% is considered the audible threshold by many people... There are other factors affecting sound quality, and THD is more of a guideline than an absolute... that said, I wouldn't buy something tested at .7% personally. Or .42% for that matter And good call on the fact that those brand names are all advertising and no grit. Sony especially is one of the worst large companies I've ever come across, in terms of price, quality, and customer service. Onkyo is considered an excellent brand.

 

[Falloutboy]

oh great not another HT thread tonight LOL

my opinion would be to find a budget then find the best amp you can afford at that budget. visit avsforum.com to find out whats anygood. but for the most part the quality low end brands (sub 500) are:

Denon
HK
Pioneere
Onkyo
Panny's XR Digital Amplifier line (don't touch any of thier other amps with a ten foot pole, but the XR line can hang with any amp twice its price easily)

 

[yhelothar]

LOL I hope these aren't the same people that said the difference between 128kbps and 192kbps is glaringly obvious on laptop speakers saying they can't hear anything below 1% THD.

THD means jack squat if it doesn't say at what decibel level.
If 0.7% THD @ 110dB is far better than 0.07% THD @ 30dB

 

[apac]

Originally posted by: Falloutboy
oh great not another HT thread tonight LOL

my opinion would be to find a budget then find the best amp you can afford at that budget. visit avsforum.com to find out whats anygood. but for the most part the quality low end brands (sub 500) are:

Denon
HK
Pioneere
Onkyo
Panny's XR Digital Amplifier line (don't touch any of thier other amps with a ten foot pole, but the XR line can hang with any amp twice its price easily)

BOO!! HISS!!!

Yep. Except I disagree about pioneer but I don't feel like arguing for another hour .

 

[Falloutboy]

Originally posted by: apac

Originally posted by: Falloutboy
oh great not another HT thread tonight LOL

my opinion would be to find a budget then find the best amp you can afford at that budget. visit avsforum.com to find out whats anygood. but for the most part the quality low end brands (sub 500) are:

Denon
HK
Pioneere
Onkyo
Panny's XR Digital Amplifier line (don't touch any of thier other amps with a ten foot pole, but the XR line can hang with any amp twice its price easily)

BOO!! HISS!!!

Yep. Except I disagree about pioneer but I don't feel like arguing for another hour .

please I beg you if you want to dis brands do some research the pioneer elite line is every bit as good as the denons and HKs dollar for dollar. go to avsforum and read. but I agree with you i'm sick of arguing HT tonight