The
High Fidelity Design
If you do not concede to THX/IMAX assumptions,
limitations or solutions, and will not acquiesce to a custom
design that sacrifices sonic performance, then a High Fidelity
design is your choice. High Fidelity does not accept THX
or custom solutions. For instance:
- HiFi maintains that it is the responsibility of the video
producer, broadcaster, streaming service to create a HiFi
sound mix for home theater playback. They generally
do. In contrast, THX assumes that movie soundtracks are
mixed too bright and employs 'ReEq' and 'Timbre Match'.
Though many HiFi processors include these THX features, they
also include an off switch.
- HiFi applies acoustical absorption at the floor, walls, and
ceiling to manage acoustical reflections. Conversely,
THX alters/compromises the vertical dispersion of the front
speaker system, to minimize acoustical reflections.
In-wall custom designs distort both vertical and horizontal
dispersion.
- HiFi dictates speaker and listener placement at points well
away from room boundaries that evade acoustical room mode peak
and nulls. This curbs room mode distortion. If
distorting room modes persist, HiFi prescribes the use of bass
traps at the room boundary behind each speaker.
Therefore, HiFi does not need to impose THX room boundary
compensation or limit a speaker's low-frequency response.
- HiFi employs larger full-range speakers that can reproduce
the wide-dynamics of movie soundtracks and music in all but
the subwoofer low-frequency effects channel. THX and
Custom designs do not.
- HiFi defines the placement of larger in-phase rear speakers
that provide superior dynamics and better imaging than THX or
Custom designs.
High Fidelity is at odds with the compromises of THX and
Custom designs. Therefore, High Fidelity is the choice
if an un-distorted recreation of the artist's intent is your
goal.
The Verdict
There are many proponents of home theater designs.
Custom, THX, IMAX, and High Fidelity are the fundamental sound
options. Choose the design that copes with your
acoustical and aesthetic priorities.