Today, the HT-S9100THX system was announced and it has its sights set on HD theater buffs across the country. The 7.1-channel system (130W/channel) includes THX’s Loudnes Plus technology and comes with four HDMI v1.3a ports. The more HDMI ports, the better, I say.
Audyssey and Faroudja handle onboard audio and video processing. Faroudja’s DCDi Edge technology bumps all component, composite, and S-video sources up to 1080i while Audyssey’s 2EQ automatically calibrates acoustical output for maximum eardrum popping. Moreover, Audyssey’s Dynamic EQ “algorithm adds moment-by-moment refinement of the receiver’s frequency response and surround levels in order to compensate for volume-dependent deteriorations in the listening experience, particularly at low volume levels.” Can anyone translate this into layman’s terms?
Additional info on the system can be found after the jump. The HT-S9100THX is available now for $1,099.
It features seven two-way speakers that are tonally matched to each other for optimal localization and seamless surround transitions. The front and center channel speakers each include a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter and dual 5-inch woofers constructed from Onkyo’s acclaimed A-OMF (Onkyo Micro Fiber) cones. The front and center channels are also magnetically shielded to prevent interference with video reproduction when placed near a TV. Side and rear surround speakers all feature 5-1/8 inch a-OMF woofers and the same tweeter found in the front channels to deliver a seamless 360-degree soundstage. Deep bass reproduction is handled by a powerful 12-inch subwoofer with an integrated 290-Watt amplifier.
“algorithm adds moment-by-moment refinement of the receiver’s frequency response and surround levels in order to compensate for volume-dependent deteriorations in the listening experience, particularly at low volume levels.”
I could be entirely off, but here’s my guess: When you place audio equipment in a room other than their testing environment, the room’s characteristics will modify the sound. It might absorb certain frequencies, amplify others, etc. This is due to things like the dimensions of your room, what objects you have in your room and where, etc.
They’re probably going to run a test tone through the speakers and figure out what has changed from the factory specs and then equalize it to what it “should” be.
If you ask me, even if I’m wrong about what I said, their mumbo jumbo is just technical stuff to try and confuse people who are in the market for new audio equipment and make them think it has to be really great. Selling speakers is very emotional, and just remember that most brands will have 50% margins or even more on higher end speakers. No matter what you buy when you get into higher prices, you are bending over. You need to decide for yourself if it’s worth it.
My 3 cents for buying audio equipment:
1. Do blind testing with someone you trust, not the salesman. Chances are, you won’t notice too much difference between most of them, besides the bass. Don’t let the salesman adjust volumes between speakers.
2. Get what you enjoy – most people are most impressed by lots of bass. Don’t try to be an audiophile, just get what you enjoy.
3. If you’ve survived the first two points, don’t give up here. Expensive cables are NOT worth it! Salesmen will tell you that some cable was developed originally for IBM servers that needed to transfer “unparalleled” amounts of data, but it’s just a load of crock shit. Go to a hardware store, pick up some 12 gauge wire, and finish things there. Most Monster Cable wiring at Best Buy selling for above $70 or $80 (including HDMI cables) is bought at cost for $5 or something stupid.