First Go at Digital

[KEM]

I am a very analog guy. I want to take my first step into room correction and I would like some opinions.

I have a reasonable amount of room traps. I have used the GEQ (graphics equalizer) and REW to tame room modes somewhat. But there's a few vexing frequencies. I've tried a PEQ, but found adjustment much too confusing. I have moved the spkrs and sub to the best spots I could find, given the usual constraints. I consider myself a fairly experienced user of REW and in setting up a room for audio. I am not afraid of technical discussions. I have an MS Physics and have developed many optical systems.

I still cling to analog despite what my background might suggest (digital?). This is partially from my familiarity with analog, my distaste for poorly mastered CDs and digital streaming, and an emotional sense that music is analog by nature. Digitizing somehow corrupts the beauty of analog.
I did say emotional!

I'd still like to try digital for room optimization ans sub integration.

My system sounds great. I like the flexibility. But I wonder if it could sound better.
The miniDSP products I'm considering do not support multiple analog sources. This is a big problem for me as I enjoy all my sources.

I do not stream and will never consider it.

What I have now:
- Sources: Reel to Reel, Tuner, Oppo BDP-105 digital (to Bryston BDA-3 DAC), turntable ( sometimes I have 3 tables connected).
- Electronics: ML no 38s (preamp), dBx Graphic EQ, Sublime Xover, Bryston amp (2.5b cubed).
- Speakers: Revel F208, HSU 15" powered sub (800W).

I am considering both the minidsp SHD and Flex Balanced (must have balanced analog I).

There are a few different ways to go:

1. Sources=>no 38s => SHD (or Flex)) => spkrs and sub. Will use the 38s for switching sources, gain control, muting, channel selection.
2. Sources (all analog) => switch box => Flex (or SHD) => spkrs and sub
3. Same as 1 or 2 but with digital input from the Oppo directly to the FLEX or SHD.

4. Other????


I really enjoy the sound and user features of the 38s. Tough to give it up.

I do not want to add anything else to my system except the miniDSP product. I am very pleased with the performance of every component.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you have.
I

 

[boxerfan88]

Checkout Accuphase DG-68.
It can be placed between your preamp & power amp. I am quite impressed with its performance at a friend’s place.
It’s quite costly though..

 

[alex-z]

I still cling to analog despite what my background might suggest (digital?). This is partially from my familiarity with analog, my distaste for poorly mastered CDs and digital streaming, and an emotional sense that music is analog by nature. Digitizing somehow corrupts the beauty of analog.
I did say emotional!

1. Sources=>no 38s => SHD (or Flex)) => spkrs and sub. Will use the 38s for switching sources, gain control, muting, channel selection.
2. Sources (all analog) => switch box => Flex (or SHD) => spkrs and sub
3. Same as 1 or 2 but with digital input from the Oppo directly to the FLEX or SHD.

4. Other????

These days it is normal for the entire recording, mixing, and mastering process to be digital. Analogue copies of music are often the digital version with a high-pass/rumble filter added.

Option 3 is the best, use your pre-amp for the analogue sources, digital from the sources that support it.

Best way to improve sound quality would be a second identical subwoofer. When properly placed you can reduce the number of audible room modes, most bass traps are not large enough to eliminate your length and width axial modes.

For developing PEQ filters I would recommend Room EQ Wizard. You can give it a target curve then it will auto-generate filters for you to apply or adjust manually. You can do a fully custom curve via text file if the built-in slopes aren't enough for you.

 

[KEM]

These days it is normal for the entire recording, mixing, and mastering process to be digital. Analogue copies of music are often the digital version with a high-pass/rumble filter added.

Option 3 is the best, use your pre-amp for the analogue sources, digital from the sources that support it.

Best way to improve sound quality would be a second identical subwoofer. When properly placed you can reduce the number of audible room modes, most bass traps are not large enough to eliminate your length and width axial modes.

For developing PEQ filters I would recommend Room EQ Wizard. You can give it a target curve then it will auto-generate filters for you to apply or adjust manually. You can do a fully custom curve via text file if the built-in slopes aren't enough for you.

Thanks for the suggestions. A second sub is a great idea. I've played around using measurements I've made with REW. That is an option.

Should I go with the Flex or SHD? Does it matter?

 

[MAB]

Thanks for the suggestions. A second sub is a great idea. I've played around using measurements I've made with REW. That is an option.

Should I go with the Flex or SHD? Does it matter?

Flex Balanced vs. SHD doesn't matter for performance. Both units have transparent DAC, with enough DSP for most users. Features may matter though.
These are both awesome, I no longer use analog crossovers.

 

[kemmler3D]

Agree that option 3 seems sensible, second sub is very likely to improve stuff, and REW is an easy way to get a pretty darn good result from a MiniDSP unit.

For the Flex vs. SHD it doesn't matter except in terms of features you may or may not want... the sound quality is basically the same.

And, I know you said you didn't want anything other than the MiniDSP - but it is possible to get a Lenovo (or other brand) mini-PC for cheaper, plus an interface like MOTU 2 for ADC, and run DSP that way if you're keen to save some bucks on this experiment.

 

[alex-z]

Should I go with the Flex or SHD? Does it matter?

Personally I would pick the Flex. Even with Dirac Live + balanced IO it is $500 cheaper, I don't think networking streaming is worth $500 when I could use an $80 Raspberry Pi 4 to achieve the same function.