Torn between THX and quality: Kenwood vs Denon, etc...

[Yipching]

I have the overwhelming urge to get a new receiver, and I am greatly drawn to the features and the THX stamp on the Kenwood 8070. It's available new on the web for like $330.00. Maybe it's the fact that it seems like such an awesome deal that's making me lean that way...

On the other hand, everyone seems to agree the Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha and H/K are all better quality systems than Kenwood and the like, and the Denon AVR-785 is comparably priced to the Kenwood. Should I push the whole THX certification thing out of my mind and go with Denon?

Thanks.

[JSE]

I have the overwhelming urge to get a new receiver, and I am greatly drawn to the features and the THX stamp on the Kenwood 8070. It's available new on the web for like $330.00. Maybe it's the fact that it seems like such an awesome deal that's making me lean that way...

On the other hand, everyone seems to agree the Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha and H/K are all better quality systems than Kenwood and the like, and the Denon AVR-785 is comparably priced to the Kenwood. Should I push the whole THX certification thing out of my mind and go with Denon?

Thanks.

Yes.

JSE

[Lord Nikon]

Ick, Kenwood.... no comparison to Denon!

[eqm]

the Kenwood is, at best, a polished turd. Denon would beat the living pants off ANYTHING kenwood could come up, including the sovereign lineup. what a pile of k-rap that kenwood shizz is.

[markw]

...times four.

This should show that buying a THX logo to put on their stuff doesn't buy quality. All it buys is a certification of meeting minimum standards which are generally exceeded by comparably priced units.

[nick4433]

the Kenwood is, at best, a polished turd. Denon would beat the living pants off ANYTHING kenwood could come up, including the sovereign lineup. what a pile of k-rap that kenwood shizz is.

Well I cannot dispute with that that kind of logic or wisdom or both. However, I can tell you that the Kenwood you ask about is a very decent performer. It has a SHARC 32 bit processor and Kenwood has always offered very decent amps.
Do yourself a favor and go to Good Guys if you have one closer to your house and buy both as they have a very generous return policy. Hook them up in your own house and try them out and see which one you like better.
Since THX is a factor here, try the THX modes out too. Just because someone says not to do so does not mean you sacrifice your listening pleasure. Maybe you will come to a conclusion that THX is just a badge and is full of crap.
I recommend you do a side by side comparison and only then determine what is best for you.
I am using a Pioneer 2012K as a prepro which has THX but I very rarely or rather never care for THX. For me it's just a logo on my gear but may mean more for you.
Good luck!

[topspeed]

Hehe...man, you guys are harsh!

Yip,
Yes, there is THX decoding, however the vast majority of the time a THX stamp is pure marketing. Companies pay Georgie Boy a handsome fee for the right to use his stamp of approval which, as others have noted, simply means the unit meets certain minimum standards for performance. Big whoop. It's lucrative as Hell for Lucas and a sham for the consumer. Don't get seduced. Like Nick suggested, compare them side by side and buy whichever sounds best to you and/or has the features you want. I'd also do some research to see which is more reliable.

Good luck.