Colinear Acoustics - new 8 channel DSP preamplifier

[Multiway]

I'm still on the fence with regard to getting a Colinear DSP-8C.

Useability and a certain level of maturity are of paramount importance to me.

Sounds like it's getting there.

Experience of how to use REW is great to see.

Are they helpful if you ask questions / need help doing the way?

 

[Halbknapp]

I'm still on the fence with regard to getting a Colinear DSP-8C.

Useability and a certain level of maturity are of paramount importance to me.

Sounds like it's getting there.

Experience of how to use REW is great to see.

Are they helpful if you ask questions / need help doing the way?

The did not answer me when I sent them a question (maybe the wrong Adress and maybe busy?)

But on the other hand I rather prefer them working on new and improved firmware and interface.

As a years long minidsp user there is not much left to wish for other then some quality of life fixes in the interface. Hardware does what it should and ease of use is already very good.

So the colinear is certainly on the easier side to use already.

 

[Multiway]

I've drawn up a list of questions for them, and requested a phone chat to cover the ground quicker than emails back and forth..

 

[Kaameelis]

They answer if you are customer and have real problems with DSP-8C.
But they have difficulties to believe what you write and had measured.

 

[Halbknapp]

They answer if you are customer and have real problems with DSP-8C.
But they have difficulties to believe what you write and had measured.

I understand that to some degree. In audio and measurement there is a lot of potential for user error.

I General I would love to have them active here on the forum so The could answer questions in bulk and take feedback. Others would benefit if they find the questions already answered.

 

[Halbknapp]

Just in general - I have tried measuring the colinear DSP-8C XLR out with my topping E2x2otg interface. The topping interface has a better adc then dac and the colinear is well below the noise floor of the E2x2otg input (around 0.0001 to 0.00015%) with all settings tried. That's expected but still nice to see confirmed.

 

[Kaameelis]

Yes, DSP-8C DAC is decent, mute relays and OPA1612 amps.

 

[Kaameelis]

it currently offers limited settings (2000, 1000, 800, 500, and 200mV).

The Pro Plus offers 192MHz input sampling and 2V vs the Pros lower spec ~1V and 48KHz.

I start to look in details and find 2000, 1000, 800, 500, and 200mV levels are line out levels not line in levels for Wiim pro plus. Is this correct and how line in level is adjustable on Wiim pro plus?

 

[Multiway]

I start to look in details and find 2000, 1000, 800, 500, and 200mV levels are line out levels not line in levels for Wiim pro plus. Is this correct and how line in level is adjustable on Wiim pro plus?

I've got one here now, will have a play.

I'm going to play my Technics SP-10 into it.
The arm is Fidelity Research FR64s, cartridge Ortofon SPU Royal N with Lundahl SUTs and Icon Audio phono stage.
I do have variable gain output from the Icon Audio.

My current analogue in is max 1V, before clipping would occur.

I'll see if the Pro Plus can take more..

 

[Multiway]

Connected all up.

No idea what VRMS is going into the Wiim Pro Plus but unlike the analogue input to my 4 in, 8 out DSP XO Pre the Pro Plus can take the gain turned right up on the Icon Audio phono stage.. no clipping.

I'm then using optical into the DSP Pre.
I can use the existing analogue input but it is max 1V and i can get it to clip around 80 to 90% gain on the phono stage.
Haven't compared the sound quality of the two routes in.
But it sounds pretty good how I remembered it, and vinyly comparing to the Sonore UltraRendu streamer I usually use.

You can adjust the input pre gain on the Wiim Pro Plus like this..

If / when I get a DSP-8C, this would be the method I'd play analogue in for Turntable and er Kareoke mixer, at least for the time being.

Forgotten how healthy it is to jump up and change LPs every 22 or so mins

 

[Kaameelis]

I understand analog input is 1V max and can be adjusted -10 to +10 dB from this 1V? Is it made on digital domain?

 

[Multiway]

I don't know. I wouldn't touch that dial..

The other alternative is the miniDSP ADC.
Not sure which might sound best or they might sound the same?

 

[Halbknapp]

I understand analog input is 1V max and can be adjusted -10 to +10 dB from this 1V? Is it made on digital domain?

If you mean the Wiim pro plus it is spec of 2v input at the rca. The +/- 10db is for sure digital gain applied that is useful to make various sources the approximate same volume (for example a laptop connected that can only put out 0,6V would need some gain to drive the Amp behind the Wiim to full scale

 

[JohnnyNG]

I'm still on the fence with regard to getting a Colinear DSP-8C.

Useability and a certain level of maturity are of paramount importance to me.

Same - not interested in DSP as a hobby unto itself. Hope it gets to a miniDSP level of usability. Dirac would be nice.

 

[ghemink]

Same - not interested in DSP as a hobby unto itself. Hope it gets to a miniDSP level of usability. Dirac would be nice.

I think anyone who can work with a minidsp has no problem working with this one, I came from a minDSP flex 2 in 4 out, I wanted 2 in 8 out and could have gone for miniDSP but this thing has better DSP specs and 8channels out with XLR/balanced out. OK, will this company still be around in 2 years, no idea, but for now I have a great DSP that can do everything I need, even if the software development would stop at this point, it has enough functionality for me for the coming years and much longer FIR filters than miniDSP can offer right now,

 

[Halbknapp]

I think anyone who can work with a minidsp has no problem working with this one, I came from a minDSP flex 2 in 4 out, I wanted 2 in 8 out and could have gone for miniDSP but this thing has better DSP specs and 8channels out with XLR/balanced out. OK, will this company still be around in 2 years, no idea, but for now I have a great DSP that can do everything I need, even if the software development would stop at this point, it has enough functionality for me for the coming years and much longer FIR filters than miniDSP can offer right now,

Can confirm, Software is really easy and already very usable as is, some things are even better handled. Sales will probably skyrocket as soon as there are reviews out and that will help with driving development.

 

[Multiway]

I had a good chat with Oliver (founding Director).
All the details of that can be found on DIYaudio.
I plan to soon be joining the ranks of DSP-8C owners.

 

[Halbknapp]

I had a good chat with Oliver (founding Director).
All the details of that can be found on DIYaudio.
I plan to soon be joining the ranks of DSP-8C owners.

Thanks for pointing to this thread, I was not aware of the discussion there and learned a thing or two

 

[Lucerne]

Anyone had recent contact with Colinear? I was on the cusp of purchasing a unit but “out of stock” and now the founders discount is finishing on the 31st. I’ve emailed but no response.

 

[ghemink]

Anyone had recent contact with Colinear? I was on the cusp of purchasing a unit but “out of stock” and now the founders discount is finishing on the 31st. I’ve emailed but no response.

Looks like they have a holiday break, from their website: Christmas closure.

Christmas Closure

Our last day of shipping is Monday, 22nd December 2025.

Shipping will resume on Monday, 5th January 2026.