Dirac Live standalone for PC and Mac

[peng]

I just ordered the Flex HT.

 

[Jakub]

I just ordered the Flex HT.

Awesome! Peng, remind me, are you using Windows or Mac?

 

[peng]

Awesome! Peng, remind me, are you using Windows or Mac?

I used both in the past but since about a year ago, Dirac limits the license use on two devices only. I used my desktop PC (windows) daily, sort of fix in that case, and so on the laptop I have to choose between using my Macbook Pro or my windows 11 laptop. As it is now I will be using the windows 11 laptop.

If I want to try using the Macbook pro, I would have to ask Dirac to reset my license, done it before a couple time, not really worth the time trying. There's really no advantage using Mac in my case. If you use windows, you will need to install the driver as @kifeep mentioned in post#340, but that's a one time thing, no big deal.

In my opinion Dirac's policy is too rigid, whether they allow it to work on 1, 2, or 3 devices, most people will only listen to one system at a time anyway so it would seem more fair if they allow it to work on more devices, but would allow only one to be in use.

 

[peng]

Got it today, easy to use straight out of the box, no driver no nothing, just plug it in and it works like a multichannel dac as expected. I think because I used a 2x4 HD before so the drivers and other software were already installed prior. Very expensive for use with 2 channel stereo but I have no better option.

Wish it has balanced output but then cost would have to go up if they include that feature.

 

[staticV3]

Got it today, easy to use straight out of the box, no driver no nothing, just plug it in and it works like a multichannel dac as expected. I think because I used a 2x4 HD before so the drivers and other software were already installed prior. Very expensive for use with 2 channel stereo but I have no better option.

Wish it has balanced output but then cost would have to go up if they include that feature.

You can get quasi-balanced output with the right cables:


Same noise immunity as proper XLR Line out.

 

[peng]

You can get quasi-balanced output with the right cables:
View attachment 406244

Same noise immunity as proper XLR Line out.

I am already using those, no noise concerns, just prefer 4 V for my Hypex amp that has only 25 dB gain. 2 V is enough for me, it is more a psychological thing.

 

[PeterNL]

You can get quasi-balanced output with the right cables:
View attachment 406244

Same noise immunity as proper XLR Line out.

Will I get any benefits changing Cordial RCA to XLR cable (no issues) to Monoprice cable (ordered this morning) ?
Preamp is Schiit Saga S in passive mode, connected to audiophonics hpa-s250nc (xlr and RCA connections, based on a duo of Hypex NCore NC250MP modules).
While I'am using preamp in passive mode (variable output resistance) does it make any sense to add resistor in RCA ? Or should I switch to active mode and add 180 Ohm resistor to get it done better ?

 

[peng]

So far so good, but those who need higher than 2 Vrms output (2*square root 2 for Vpeak) may need something else. I don't know why miniDSP still won't do better than this, but then I guess very few people need more than 2 V as most power amps in the past (even now except many class D amps) do have gain >28 dB. Can't really tell it sounds better than the minidsp 2X4 HD, but just knowing the much lower THD+N, I can anticipate and imagine that everything sounds better even if not using the BC.

 

[staticV3]

Will I get any benefits changing Cordial RCA to XLR cable (no issues) to Monoprice cable (ordered this morning) ?

Nope.

While I'am using preamp in passive mode (variable output resistance) does it make any sense to add resistor in RCA ? Or should I switch to active mode and add 180 Ohm resistor to get it done better ?

If you have no issues currently, don't bother.

 

[staticV3]

I don't know why miniDSP still won't do better than this

Wdym? There is the Flex HTx for those that need it.

 

[peng]

Wdym? There is the Flex HTx for those that need it.

I mean nowadays even a low cost AVRs preouts can do 4 V max on the unbalanced outputs, at a little lower SINAD, say around 60-70 dB would be my guess. The mini can do 2 V at better than 110 dB, if it can have the max at say, 3 V, at even 75 dB SINAD then it would be great. Anyway, I am not complaining, irs npt something I absolutely need.

I don't think I am the only one who would not pay $500 more just to get 4 V, but for those who need the other additioning features the x offers, than yes the option is there.

 

[Jakub]

Got it today, easy to use straight out of the box, no driver no nothing, just plug it in and it works like a multichannel dac as expected. I think because I used a 2x4 HD before so the drivers and other software were already installed prior. Very expensive for use with 2 channel stereo but I have no better option.

Wish it has balanced output but then cost would have to go up if they include that feature.

Thanks, going to order mine now.

 

[Jakub]

I mean nowadays even a low cost AVRs preouts can do 4 V max on the unbalanced outputs, at a little lower SINAD, say around 60-70 dB would be my guess. The mini can do 2 V at better than 110 dB, if it can have the max at say, 3 V, at even 75 dB SINAD then it would be great. Anyway, I am not complaining, irs npt something I absolutely need.

I don't think I am the only one who would not pay $500 more just to get 4 V, but for those who need the other additioning features the x offers, than yes the option is there.

Any issues with setting up DLBC when you connected it? Did you use “custom config” or the 2.1?

 

[peng]

Any issues with setting up DLBC when you connected it? Did you use “custom config” or the 2.1?

I use custom stereo and just add 2 subwoofers, there wasn't any issues at all.

Here are the comparisons for using the miniDSP 2X4HD to set crossovers for left, right and DL to EQ/RC the left, right, sub1, sub2 as just 2.0, versus using DLBC but not clicking the calculate button so bass control is not used, versus using DLBC:

All 3 graphs are untweaked, just do run DLBC and the results are without any manual adjustments, yet... Only the graphs for L+R+Sub1+Sub2 are shown just to see how well the 4 interacts.

 

[Jakub]

Should be coming in soon!!

 

[peng]

Should be coming in soon!!

Congrat, the x is a great choice imo, if you do use the 8 channel analog inputs.

 

[Jakub]

Congrat, the x is a great choice imo, if you do use the 8 channel analog inputs.

I wanted the combination of both balanced and unbalanced outputs. For $349 more I can always repurpose it down the line.

 

[Mort]

I just ordered the Flex HT.

Ooohhh me too. Very psyched to make sense of my crazy system with one box.

I only need 6 out. Is there any reason I can't use the last two analog outs for a headphone amp and use the HT for PEQ?

 

[peng]

Ooohhh me too. Very psyched to make sense of my crazy system with one box.

I only need 6 out. Is there any reason I can't use the last two analog outs for a headphone amp and use the HT for PEQ?

I am not quite sure what you really mean. Regardless, I think it would depend on how you are going to connect it with your headphone amp. How about a wiring diagram, and if you don't get a definitive response here you can contact minidsp (include your diagram though). They seem to typically response within one day, may be 2 days max.

 

[Mort]

Thanks. I did connect with them and it's possible to use RCA #7 and #8 for a headphone amp.

1-2 Philharmonic Audio Ceramic Minis
3-4 Philharmonic Audio BMR Monitors
5-6 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofers
7-8 Headphones via A70pro amp