Comparison of Dirac Live Bass Control (DLBC) and Dirac ART for all known AVRs/Processors

[sweetchaos]

Intro:

Spoiler

- Decided to dedicate my own thread to this.
- Taken from my previous post from Thread "Dirac ART is now running on beta FW for Denon Xx800H AVRs!"

Terminology:

Spoiler

Dirac has 3 different room correction technologies, you can purchase, depending on hardware:
- Dirac Live (DL)
- Dirac Live Bass Control (DLBC)
- Dirac Active Room Treatment (ART)

Comparing Dirac's technology (DL vs DLBC vs ART):

Spoiler

YouTube video talks about the differences.
In this video, Storm Audio talks with Dirac Live representative.
Screenshots from 54min and 55min mark.

DLBC (Single Sub License):

Spoiler

Table 1: AVRs only (no Processors)

Manufacturer	Model	Discontinued	Dirac.com link	Prices in USD -No affiliate	Mfg link	Channels	Amir's Review
Arcam	AVR5		Link	1690 audioadvice 1690 crutchfield n/a bhphotovideo 1690 bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	12.1 ch preamp 7 ch amp
Arcam	AVR10	Yes	Link	2200 crutchfield n/a audioadvice n/a bhphotovideo n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	11.2 ch preamp 7 ch amp	Link
Arcam	AVR11		Link	2440 audioadvice 2440 crutchfield n/a bhphotovideo 2440 bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	11.2 ch preamp 7 ch amp

DLBC (Multi Sub License):

Spoiler

Table 1: AVRs only (no Processors)

Manufacturer	Model	Discontinued	Dirac.com Link	Prices in USD -No affiliate	Mfg Link	Channels	Amir's Review
Arcam	AVR20	Yes	Link	4400 audioadvice n/a bhphotovideo n/a crutchfield n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	16.1 ch preamp 7 ch amp
Arcam	AVR21		Link	3760 crutchfield 3760 audioadvice n/a bhphotovideo n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	16.1 ch preamp 7 ch amp
Arcam	AVR30	Yes	Link	n/a bhphotovideo n/a crutchfield n/a audioadvice n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	16.1 ch preamp 7 ch amp
Arcam	AVR31		Link	5520 audioadvice 5520 crutchfield n/a bhphotovideo n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	16.1 ch preamp 7 ch amp
Denon	AVR-A1H		Link	6500 bhphotovideo 6500 audioadvice 6500 crutchfield 6500 bestbuy 6500 adorama	Link	15.4 ch preamp 15 ch amp
Denon	AVR-X3800H		Link	1700 bhphotovideo 1700 crutchfield n/a audioadvice 1700 bestbuy 1700 adorama WAS $900	Link	11.4 ch preamp 9 ch amp	Link
Denon	AVR-X4800H		Link	2500 bhphotovideo 2500 audioadvice 2500 crutchfield 2500 bestbuy 2500 adorama	Link	11.4 ch preamp 9 ch amp	Link
Denon	AVR-X6800H		Link	3500 denon n/a bhphotovideo n/a audioadvice n/a crutchfield n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	11.4 ch preamp 11 ch amp
Focal	Astral 16		Link	20k bhphotovideo n/a audioadvice n/a crutchfield n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	16 ch processing 12 ch amp 4 ch preamp via xlr
Integra	DRX-8.4		Link	3200 audioadvice 3200 crutchfield n/a bhphotovideo n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	11.4 ch preamp 11 ch amp
Marantz	Cinema 40		Link	3500 audioadvice 3500 crutchfield 3500 bhphotovideo 3500 bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	11.4 ch preamp 9 ch amp	Link
Marantz	Cinema 50		Link	2500 audioadvice 2500 crutchfield 2500 bhphotovideo 2500 bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	11.4 ch preamp 9 ch amp
Onkyo	TX-RZ70		Link	2800 audioadvice 2800 crutchfield 2800 bhphotovideo n/a bestbuy 2800 adorama	Link	11.2 ch preamp 11 ch amp
Pioneer	VSA-LX805		Link	n/a audioadvice n/a crutchfield n/a bhphotovideo n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	11.4 ch preamp 11 ch amp
Pioneer / Elite	VSX-LX805		Link	3000 bhphotovideo n/a audioadvice n/a crutchfield 3000 bestbuy 3000 adorama	Link	11.4 ch preamp 11 ch amp

Table 2: Processors only (no AVRs)

Manufacturer	Model	Discontinued	Dirac.com Link	Prices in USD -No affiliate	Mfg Link	Channels	Amir's Review
Arcam	AV40	Yes	Link	4950 audioadvice n/a bhphotovideo n/a crutchfield n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	16 ch preamp Receiver allows up to 4 subs to be connected to the 'SUB' or 'Ch13/14/15/16' outputs.	Link
Arcam	AV41		Link	4200 audioadvice 4200 crutchfield n/a bhphotovideo n/a bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	16 ch preamp Receiver allows up to 4 subs to be connected to the 'SUB' or 'Ch13/14/15/16' outputs.
Bryston	SP4		Link	13k	Link	16 ch preamp
Marantz	AV10		Link	7000 audioadvice 7000 crutchfield 7000 bhphotovideo 7000 bestbuy n/a adorama	Link	15.4 ch preamp	Link
Monoprice	HTP-1		Link	4000 monoprice	Link	16 ch preamp Up to 9 main level channels, 6 upper/height channels, and up to 5 subs.	Link

Table 3: Streaming DAC-preamplifier

Manufacturer	Model	Info	Discontinued	Dirac.com Link	Prices in USD -No affiliate	Mfg Link	Channels	Amir's Review
NAD	M66	-Announced May 2023 -Should be shipping since Nov 2023		N/a since the license is already activated by default	5500 crutchfield n/a audioadvice n/a bhphotovideo n/a adorama n/a bestbuy 5500 listenup	Link	2 channel 4 sub out (via balanced or unbalanced)

ART:

Spoiler

Manufacturer	Model	Discontinued	Dirac.com Link	Prices in USD -No affiliate	Mfg link	Channels	Amir's Review
StormAudio	ISP Core 16		Link	25k-35k	Link	-audio outputs = 16ch analog (XLR) -audio inputs = 4x RCA analog (7.1 or stereo) -decoding = 16 decoding/upmixing channels -processing = Up to 16ch
StormAudio	ISP Elite MK1	Yes	Link	n/a	Link	-audio ouputs = 16ch, 24ch or 32ch analog (XLR) - optional -audio inputs = 16ch digital (AES/EBU) - optional -decoding = 24 decoding/upmixing channels -processing = Up to 32ch
StormAudio	ISP Elite MK2	Yes	Link	n/a	Link	-audio outputs = 16ch, 20ch or 32ch analog (XLR) - optional -audio inputs = 16ch digital (AES/EBU) - optional -decoding = 16 decoding/upmixing channels -processing = Up to 32ch	Link
StormAudio	ISP Elite MK3		Link	18k	Link	-audio outputs = 16ch, 24ch or 32ch analog (XLR) - optional -audio inputs = 16ch digital (AES/EBU) - optional -decoding = 24 decoding/upmixing channels -processing = Up to 32ch
StormAudio	ISP Master	I think so	Link	n/a	Couldnt find	Couldnt find
StormAudio	I.ISP 16.12	I think so	Link	n/a	Couldnt find	Couldnt find
StormAudio	ISR Fusion 20 -announced Sep 2023		n/a since it includes DL licenses already	32k	Link	-audio outputs = 16ch, analog amplified (5-way binding posts) -audio inputs = 4x RCA analog (7.1 or stereo) -decoding = 20 decoding / upmixing channels -processing = Up to 20ch

Coming Soon (Rumors and Confirmed):

Spoiler

2. Monoprice HTP-1. Monoprice is currently beta testing ART, as of Sep 2023. (link).
4. NAD M66 will soon get ART. Link
5. AudioControl has several units that show DLBC should be available for their units, but I don't know whether the firmware is out, so i'm listing here
Processors:
-MAESTRO X7
-MAESTRO X9
-MAESTRO X7S
-MAESTRO X9S
AVRs:
-CONCERT XR-4
-CONCERT XR-6
-CONCERT XR-8
-CONCERT XR-6S
-CONCERT XR-8S
6. Source
“The ART beta testing phase is completed. ART is fully compatible with AVRs starting from X3800H and up and It's now up to Masimo to decide when to release the FW (It should be sometime this year after April).”
7. NAD T799
With 4 sub out and with ART.
Source

Current Promo:

Spoiler

Promo 1:
As of today, December 14, 2023, there is a Denon/Marantz deal for Dirac live Bass Control. See my links above for Dirac.com
UPDATE: "Launch offer valid until January 15th 2024" as per email confirmation from Dirac of one ASR user.

Limitation of my thread:

Spoiler

My thread is intended to be a quick guide on which AVRs and/or Processors are capable of doing DLBC and ART.
It’s meant to save people time during the research phase, instead of hunting this info themselves.

There’s several good threads diving deeper into Dirac’s technology vs Audyssey vs other room correction systems, and users report their results/finding.
Both here at ASR and on AVSforum.

ASR:
- Active Room Treatment (ART) by Dirac
- Dirac ART is now running on beta FW for Denon Xx800H AVRs!

AVS Forum:
-The "OFFICIAL" 2022-23 MARANTZ AV 10 Flagship DIRAC Processor Owners' Thread

Changelog:

Spoiler

2023-12-05:
-Launched in another thread
2023-12-14:
-Launched its own thread
- Today, Denon/Marantz introduced DLBC for their AVRs/processors, so I updated my table to show the Dirac licenses can be purchased already.
- Included links to Amir's reviews, and upcoming review.
- Added Denon/Marantz firmware for ART, coming April 2024. (source).
- Added links to crutchfield, bhphotovideo, audioadvice, bestbuy
- Added section for 'notes' and 'current promo' and 'terminology'
- Added YouTube video that shows a comparison between Dirac Live vs DLBC vs Dirac ART
- Separated AVRs from Processors for Bass Control (multi sub license) into 2 tables
2023-12-16:
- Added adorama links
2023-12-18:
- Added 'coming soon' section, mentioned Denon AVR-X6800H.
- Combined 'notes' and 'coming soon' into "Coming Soon (Rumors and Confirmed)" section
- Added NAD M66 (featuring DLBC)
- Added 'limitation of my thread' section
2023-12-19:
- Added Marantz Cinema 40 review.
2024-01-06:
-Added notes about ART for Denon/Marantz
2023-01-09:
- Added Denon AVR-X6800H to the table, since it became available to purchase
2024-02-03:
- Added NAD T799 (to upcoming) (with 4 sub out and with ART)

 

[sweetchaos]

Anyone heard of anything about MiniDSP's support for Dirac Live Bass Control?
I see people are requesting it on their MiniDSP forums, but that's about it.
Is there any hope for MiniDSP users?

UPDATE:
Posted on Aug 05, 2023, the moderator of MiniDSP forums said:

MiniDSP can't talk about upcoming products.

Oh well, I thought I would check anyway.

 

[sweetchaos]

Changelog:
2023-12-14:
-Launched its own thread
- Today, Denon/Marantz introduced DLBC for their AVRs/processors, so I updated my table to show the Dirac licenses can be purchased already.
- Included links to Amir's reviews, and upcoming review.
- Added Denon/Marantz firmware for ART, coming April 2024. (source).
- Added links to crutchfield, bhphotovideo, audioadvice, bestbuy
- Added section for 'notes' and 'current promo' and 'terminology'
- Added YouTube video that shows a comparison between Dirac Live vs DLBC vs Dirac ART
- Separated AVRs from Processors for Bass Control (multi sub license) into 2 tables

 

[sweetchaos]

Denon x3800h for US$900 (normally US$1700) or 47% off.

Deal is back:

Denon AVR-X3800H

AVR-X3800H 105W 9.4-Channel 8K Network AV Receiver

www.adorama.com

Use coupon CYBEWE03 at payment stage, where it asks “Do you have a gift or promo code?”. Select that and enter coupon code, apply. The price gets adjusted.

This is one of the cheapest ways to get DLBC.

 

[ban25]

Denon x3800h for US$900 (normally US$1700) or 47% off.

Deal is back:

Denon AVR-X3800H

AVR-X3800H 105W 9.4-Channel 8K Network AV Receiver

www.adorama.com

Use coupon CYBEWE03 at payment stage, where it asks “Do you have a gift or promo code?”. Select that and enter coupon code, apply. The price gets adjusted.

This is one of the cheapest ways to get DLBC.

Supports Dirac Live, DLBC, likely ART in the future. Roon Ready. 11-channels of processing with 4 independent subwoofer outputs. Full 40 Gbps HDMI 2.1 across all 6 inputs. It's no joke, the X3800H is the best value AV pre-processor on the market bar none! Oh, and it comes with pretty good amps if you want them...

 

[sweetchaos]

I know. The value is insane.

 

[sweetchaos]

By the way, Slickdeals shows Denon X4800H was previously:
US$1400 (posted on 2023-10-06)
US$1300 (posted on 2023-11-24)
both from adorama.com with coupon (similar to above deal).
So the $400 difference could be worthwhile to some of you, who are thinking of X4800H.

I've setup email alerts for all Adorama AVRs that have DLBC, just in case.

Looking into it.... Adorama sales are awesome!
x3800: $900 down from $1700 (47% off)
x4800: $1300 down from $2500 (48% off)

 

[FrantzM]

Don't tempt me ..please.. Don't have any clear need for it but for future proofing ... AVR-X3400H still kicking... but at this price ? Damn!

Now .. about theis DIRAC stuff and hoping not be crapping in the thread..

At ASR we pride ourselves on the "Science" aspect of Audio/Sound Reproduction. DIRAC has a lot of goodwill behind it and buzz. People are genuinely interested by what it does but ... to repeat @Sal1950 ... In what way (Scientific/Objective) does Dirac, basic, DLBC or ART are better than Audyssey with the Windows App?? , which by the way they keep on improving regularly .. <Rant start> Come on You!!! Audyssey!!! When you have a quality product, you MARKET it, COME THE HECK ON <end of rant>

I know this thread is about DIRAC but so far there is nothing that proves it to be better in any aspect, even in subjective ways... SO why should one spend the very serious cash outlay any of its version requires as opposed to the (unfortunately not transferable) Audyssey MultEQ-X Windows App?
If my post is inappropriate, Mods by all means remove it ... but the questions needed to be asked, IMHO because the hyperbole is clear. Is it justified?

Happy Holidays!

Peace

 

[sweetchaos]

My thread is intended to be a quick guide on which AVRs and/or Processors are capable of doing DLBC and ART. It’s meant to save people time during the research phase, instead of hunting this info themselves.

There’s several good threads diving deeper into Dirac’s technology vs Audyssey vs other room correction systems. Both here at ASR and on AVSforum.

I really don’t need or want to compete with those threads, since there’s already a place for it.

 

[Vacceo]

Any idea if Primare is (or will) expand Dirac DLCB to their recent AVR? If not, they have really botched a great oportunity with a less than one year old product.

 

[sweetchaos]

Changelog:
2023-12-18:
- Added 'coming soon' section, mentioned Denon AVR-X6800H.
- Combined 'notes' and 'coming soon' into "Coming Soon (Rumors and Confirmed)" section
- Added NAD M66 (featuring DLBC)
- Added 'limitation of my thread' section

 

[pogo]

Add NAD M66 with DLART to coming soon section, source: Link

 

[pogo]

Add this one to ART:

 

[sweetchaos]

Add this one to ART:

Thanks.

I’ve used ChatGPT 3.5 to help me understand this in English.

Summary:

Certainly! The provided text in German discusses the Fusion 20 audio equipment and its performance in a home cinema setup. The speaker praises the Storm Audio amplifiers, particularly the Class D amplifiers from Pascal Audio. The Fusion 20 is highlighted for its impressive dynamics, clarity, and separation. The speaker mentions testing the system in their cinema room and emphasizes the importance of "detachment" in digital amplifiers.
There is also a mention of the challenges in dismantling the reference system, which includes the Climax speakers. The Fusion 20 is praised for its ability to handle high-quality audio tasks. The speaker shares their experience testing the system in a TV Mini-Studio, exploring features like CEC and eARC functionality.
The discussion extends to testing the Storm audio system's bridged amplifier for a subwoofer, and the speaker expresses enthusiasm for the system's performance, especially after a firmware upgrade to version 4.5. The video creator appreciates the audio quality, dynamic range, and endorses the Fusion 20 for its overall performance in home cinema, with a brief comparison to other audio equipment.
The speaker also mentions the limitations of the Fusion 20, such as being restricted to 20 channels and having fixed XLR outputs. Despite this, the quality of the built-in amplifiers is praised, making the Fusion 20 a compelling choice for home theater enthusiasts, especially when considering the overall package, including HDMI 2.1 support, a 5-year warranty, and potential for future expansions. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to like, comment, and enjoy other videos on the channel.

While not mentioned in this video, I can see that Storm Audio website lists this unit with DL, DLBC and ART included. Will add to my table shortly.

Immersive Sound Receiver - ISR Fusion 20

The ISR Fusion 20 is an Immersive Sound Receiver from StormAudio. This is a 20 channels processor integrating 16 channels of amplification.

www.stormaudio.com

 

[abdo123]

Anyone heard of anything about MiniDSP's support for Dirac Live Bass Control?
I see people are requesting it on their MiniDSP forums, but that's about it.
Is there any hope for MiniDSP users?

UPDATE:
Posted on Aug 05, 2023, the moderator of MiniDSP forums said:
View attachment 334363

MiniDSP can't talk about upcoming products.

Oh well, I thought I would check anyway.

@Ultrasonic are you just a mod there or are you part of the team?

 

[sweetchaos]

Denon x3800h for US$900 (normally US$1700) or 47% off.

Deal is back:

Denon AVR-X3800H

AVR-X3800H 105W 9.4-Channel 8K Network AV Receiver

www.adorama.com

Use coupon CYBEWE03 at payment stage, where it asks “Do you have a gift or promo code?”. Select that and enter coupon code, apply. The price gets adjusted.

This is one of the cheapest ways to get DLBC.

Promo expired.

 

[harryb]

Has anybody heard if Dirac Active Room Treatment will ultimately be available for the AudioControl Maestro X7/X9?

 

[Hayabusa]

Today I got the DLBC upgrade to my Marantz AV10.
All the press releases are not very informative over when DLBC adds something for your specific setup.
If I read all the marketing bla-bla DLBC optimises multiple bass channels so that it sounds the best possible in your room
So do you need to have more than 2 full range speakers and subwoofers to get better results than normal Dirac Live?
I assume that with a 5.1 setup where all speakers are 'small', so all bass is redirected to the sub makes no good use of DLBC and its better to use normal Dirac Live?

 

[ban25]

Today I got the DLBC upgrade to my Marantz AV10.
All the press releases are not very informative over when DLBC adds something for your specific setup.
If I read all the marketing bla-bla DLBC optimises multiple bass channels so that it sounds the best possible in your room
So do you need to have more than 2 full range speakers and subwoofers to get better results than normal Dirac Live?
I assume that with a 5.1 setup where all speakers are 'small', so all bass is redirected to the sub makes no good use of DLBC and its better to use normal Dirac Live?

DLBC is specifically for systems with subwoofers and limited band (e.g. small) speakers. The crossover is set in software, to any desired frequency, and is mandatory. It helps particularly to smoothly integrate the crossover region between your subwoofer(s) and the rest of your system. For multi-sub deployments, it also time aligns those subwoofers, assuming your AVR/processor has independent subwoofer outputs (the AV10 has 4!).

Dirac ART will take advantage of full range speakers in a system by using their full-range capabilities for support in the <120 Hz range.

 

[harryb]

When are we going to see ART for AudioControl Maestro X7 and X9....please.