THD specs and DAC specs

[ThomasL]

When comparing receivers, how much importance do people give to THD ratings. I noticed that, for example, Pioneer's D811S is rated as follows:

Continuous average power output of 100 watts*

per channel, min., at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to

20,000 Hz with no more than 0.2 %** total

harmonic distortion (front).

while the Marantz SR5200 is rated as follows:

Continuous Power Output (8 ohms / 20 Hz - 20 kHz)

Front.................... 90 W

Center................... 90 W

Surround................. 90 W

THD Front (20 Hz - 20 kHz) ............ 8 ohms 0.05 %

and finally the Onkyo 600 is rated as follows:

Continuous average power output (FTC)

All channels: 80 W per channel min. RMS at 8 ohms ., 2

channels driven from 20 Hz to 20

kHz with no more than 0.08% total

harmonic distortion.

It seems all 3 are only telling us what the THD is with 2 channels driven, but the Pioneer seems to have a higher THD. If one listens at lower volumes and never comes close to pushing the limits of the receiver, does this rating matter?

Also, what overall difference does different rated DACs have? For example, the new Onkyo 600 says that it has a state of the art 192Khz/24 bit DAC for PCM sources yet Marantz SR5200 says it has a 96Khz/24 bit DAC. Is Onkyo's going to be much better?

How much do people weigh the various differences in these specs when choosing a receiver?

thanks,

--tom

 

[ThomasL]

oops, looks like I'm too tired or I need to pay more attention to where Netscape takes me. Can a kind administrator move this to the Receiver forum where it was meant to be posted.
thanks!