Colinear Acoustics - new 8 channel DSP preamplifier

[J_S]

Just seen this advertised - the day after I ordered an Okto Dac 8 pro to replace my miniDSP flex8. Looks promising and possibly simpler to use. Not quite sure how the measurements stack up - the website is a bit vague.

THD + N -127 dB 0.000045% unweighted
DNR 131 dB unweighted

Colinear Acoustics

 

[kemmler3D]

8 channel DSP with XLR for $1k looks competitive... Will definitely be interested to see measurements.

edit: nevermind, see below

 

[bachatero]

Still way too expensive!

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Just seen this advertised - the day after I ordered an Okto Dac 8 pro to replace my miniDSP flex8. Looks promising and possibly simpler to use. Not quite sure how the measurements stack up - the website is a bit vague.

In the interest of clarity, it should be called a stereo-to-8 channel DSP preamplifier.​

 

[J_S]

Didn't realise it was a stereo only input (although that's what I wanted) so not suitable for multi channel/surround sound.

 

[kemmler3D]

Hmm, so really only useful for DIY 4-way speakers or something? Agree not that interesting with only 2ch input, I missed that.

 

[DWPress]

Even worse, it's just an ugly Minidsp:

A 1 GHz SHARC+ processor with inbuilt IIR and FIR accelerators delivers high-speed, low-latency digital signal processing. The internal DSP sampling rate can be set to either 96 kHz or 192 kHz, allowing up to 300 IIR biquads and over 50,000 combined FIR taps for detailed crossover design, correction, and time alignment across all channels.

 

[fatoldgit]

In the interest of clarity, it should be called a stereo-to-8 channel DSP preamplifier.​

Indeed so is squarely a [cheap] competitor to DEQX for example.

No user guide (coming soon despite a launch date in three weeks) so that's not encouraging. How can a potential punter have any idea of features/functions without a user guide...not very professional nor the basis for a decent product launch from a startup.

Also reading the company profile there is no touting of one or more industry veterans so no clue what DAC/DSP "chops" they have.

If the founders had some pedigree they would be using that as a hook on the website. Could be a group of snotty nosed kids for all we know.

Well colour me stupid..... instead of placing the founders background under "about us" (as you would!!!) it's under "news"... who would have thought!!! (but no surnames provided and no detailed industry names/background provided...so could still be snotty nosed kids):

Michael brings analytical precision from his medical background, now fully focused on embedded firmware development and digital signal processing. His expertise in microcontroller programming and GUI development ensures the DSP-8C delivers both powerful functionality and intuitive operation. His methodical approach to software architecture guarantees reliable, professional-grade performance.


Oliver contributes years of dedicated audio engineering experience and a deep understanding of acoustics. His knowledge of component selection, signal pathways, and system optimization has shaped every aspect of the DSP-8C's hardware design. His focus on real-world audio performance ensures the technical specifications translate into exceptional listening experiences.

So Michael was a GP but now fancies himself as an embedded controller software developer?...rather imprecise language.

Oliver has years of experience... like two?... again rather imprecise language...and a bit of bet hedging (i.e. it's not decades)

Let's hope their development skills are better than the logic/look and feel of their website.

Cynical old man yells at clouds and all that

Recognizing of course that young people can be brilliant at what they do and old farts can be too stuck in their ways to innovate so hopefully a happy balance between youngish ideas and old skool experience/attention to detail.

Peter