Crystal Acoustics THX T-3 system getting rave reviews. Anyone heard of them?

Jeff Adams · 10-04-2006, 02:38 PM

This THX Select speaker system seems to be quite the deal. They look like B & W's. I am in the market for a new set of speakers and have had an eye on these for a few months now. I tried a search for them here but came up empty. I am surprised that nobody has picked up a set yet or commented on them. They look to be quite the speaker and in a recent article in Sound and Vision the person who reviewed them gave them high praise. Here is a link to their website. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
http://www.crystalaudiovideo.com/product.aspx

Jeff Adams · 10-04-2006, 02:45 PM

The other link did not work, I'll try this one. http://www.crystalaudiovideo.com

Jeff Adams · 10-04-2006, 03:57 PM

Anyone?

Arthur S · 10-05-2006, 09:42 AM

Jeff

I took a look at the web site. Clearly the weak link in the system is the subwoofer. That sub can't begin to compare with other subwoofers starting at under $500. The sub is way too small, underpowered, and not competitive with the subs people are using as the foundation of their systems these days. That sub is designed for high output in the 35-100Hz range, and won't do justice to the really deep bass, (10Hz-20Hz), that is becoming more commonplace every day.

Jeff Adams · 10-05-2006, 11:29 AM

Arthur,
I guess I should have mentioned that I could care less about the sub and would not be getting it. I only care about the rest of the system. I will be buying and SVS PB 12-PLUS 2 in the near future so I am pretty sure that I got the low frequencies covered.

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Arthur S · 10-05-2006, 11:38 AM

I'll be right with you Jeff, I have a few things to look up. Thanks for clarifying the sub.

Arthur S · 10-05-2006, 12:00 PM

Jeff

For the money that is probably a good way to go since you like what you have read so much. I do have several caveats.

1) The original THX philosophy called for controlled vertical dispersion by placing the tweeter between 2 mid range speakers. See here:

http://www.atlantictechnology.com/default.asp?NodeId=45

2) Those Crystal mains are not even close to a THX design.

Why even bother with a THX speaker that doesn't come close to THX philosophy?

I would humbly suggest that the Atlantic system is something you should look into.

If you have any questions, please feel free to continue posting them here or you can PM me.

Hope this helps.

JeremyErwin · 10-05-2006, 01:04 PM

A note of caution:

Quote:

Note that the front speakers are all nominally rated at 4 ohms, so the THX 3D-12 system should only be used with receivers that can handle a 4 ohm load.

source

As for THX philosophy-- as long as it passes the certification, the means of doing so is irrelevant. Now, there may be definite advantages to the Atlantic system, but for whatever reason, these were not incorporated into the spec.

THX Select subwoofers are flat down to 35 Hz. THX Ultra subwoofers are flat down to 20. (A hopelessly compromised spec? Perhaps.)

Can you arrange an audition?

Arthur S · 10-05-2006, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremyErwin

A note of caution:
source

As for THX philosophy-- as long as it passes the certification, the means of doing so is irrelevant. Now, there may be definite advantages to the Atlantic system, but for whatever reason, these were not incorporated into the spec.

THX Select subwoofers are flat down to 35 Hz. THX Ultra subwoofers are flat down to 20. (A hopelessly compromised spec? Perhaps.)

Can you arrange an audition?

Jeremy

He is going to get an SVS-PB12 Plus/2 so that is not an issue.

THX has gradually expanded its range of acceptable designs in order to try to stay relevant to anyone. The much watered down designs that are certified sound different than the limited vertical dispersion of the MTM designs.

If you are really serious about understanding a really good implementation of THX speakers, look into the M&K 5000 system. You can still find it on the M&K site.

I own a THX receiver, I have had a hand full of experiences with both lower end and high end THX systems, however, I bow to your superior knowledge of the subject

JeremyErwin · 10-05-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

I own a THX receiver, I have had a hand full of experiences with both lower end and high end THX systems, however, I bow to your superior knowledge of the subject

No need to be sarcastic, Arthur.
But do note that the M&K S150 speakers are also of a "different design". than the Atlantic speakers. And so are the M&K LCR-750.