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I replaced my AVR with a Flex HT, but don't recommend it.

They use non reference class DAC ICs that are similar to those used in AVRs such as the X6800H, C30, RZ70 and higher model AVRs, but they evidently implemented them better, using differential schemes and might have use better OPAs than those used in the AVRs mentioned. Still, measurements do show them in >110 dB SINAD rangge, that the likes of the much raved Anthem AVM90, Marantz AV10, Lyngdorf, Arcam etc. AVPs could not achieve on on the test bench so far, not even close in fact. So, there is still potential/possibility that in the future (might be distant futre), that minidsp might come up with something that could compete, but not replace, for various reasons with the high price AVPs for certain HT applications such as the low channel count applications.
Did any of the testing explore replacing the commodity external power supply, and or directly grounding it since it's floating?
 
I recently swapped my old AVR for a Flex HTx.
I have it connected to the eARC of my LG 77C2 screen. An Apple4k TV is connected to a 'normal' HDMI input.
Setting it up so the A4TV is in PCM only with the LG passing it to the Flex HTx was simple.
Getting the CEC volume/mute commands from the A4TV was fiddly. I actually have no idea why it started working, it just did.

I am looking at getting a small USB streamer so I can listen to TIDAL or Airstream without needing the TV on.

And you are getting 8 channel uncompressed LPCM into the Flex?

Without a splitter because the LG is doing it?
 
Curious about this. Last year i switched my family room AVR to stereo and have been enjoying it this way.
I watch & listen to such a variety of channels/sources that it became annoying hearing it click(onkyo) from format to format. Also sometimes auto didnt select my desired format so i would be paranoid about that and always be getting out of my seat to verify what setting it was on.
My room & main's are setup allowing a large soundstage/image that does not leave me missing the multi. Ditching the center speaker and AVR that both rest on a wide "tv" cabinet could allow me to trade all three for a small/shallow shelf to hold the MiniDSP & a ClassD amp. Then i could tune with more precision like i do in the 2.X music room.


Minidsp Flex HT cannot and will not replace an AVR.
It is not meant for that.
I would think that the Flex HT/HTx will never replace AVRs for the obvious reasons.
How about for those who are using an AVR with a 2.X setup that dont require all the multichannel encoding ?

Why would you do that? The Denon x4800h is not so bad and can achieve great sound if calibrated correctly,
For some users with multiple subwoofers it is very beneficial to be able to independantly control the delay of each relative to the mains.
Watch the videos linked here for more info:
But sure, AVR's arnt so bad if you have one or no sub.

SINAD chasing.
No.
 
For some users with multiple subwoofers it is very beneficial to be able to independantly control the delay of each relative to the mains.
Watch the videos linked here for more info:
But sure, AVR's arnt so bad if you have one or no sub.
3800H and above have 4 independently correctable sub outs. And if desired, DLBC will do a great job lining everything up. HT Flex won't have 4 individual outs left over for Subs in a 5.4 setup (or 7.4 setup). Seems like a step backwards in that regard? And while I'm no ATMOS lover, AVR's will offer that as part and parcel.

I love gear (see my sig lol), but no offense - this seems like a SINAD/tweaker exercise more than a practicality thing - Including having to add a PC just to tune. OP even admits he doesn't recommend it (appreciate the honesty!). I'm moving in the other direction - less components/more streamlined. 2 sources into AVR/TV; and speakers+subs. The $1K AVR market makes this too easy, too convenient, and WAY too cheap - and I'm totally fine with the SINAD.
 
How about for those who are using an AVR with a 2.X setup that dont require all the multichannel encoding ?
Yes, then obviously they have the option to use AVR or not. It is not a "requirement" in that case, but a preference. I have been using AVRs for one of my stereo music, so it is sort of 2.0,2.1,now 2.2 but not really as it is technically just 2.0 but use 2 subs with DLBC for better bass response. Only recently I switched from an AVR to the minidsp Flex HT and HTx. To me, that does not mean my minidsp device is a replacement for an AVR, it isn't as a device in general/overall, but it is for certain applications.

I do like it better this way do sometimes missed the AVR, there are just features that AVRs have that I found useful, and they are cheap.
 
I agree with all your points Randy.
Wow, didn't realize AVR had that capability. I havnt followed em for the past 10 years as my enthusiasm has been in 2.X Music of which is prob too off-topic for this thread.

Is $1K an exaggeration though?
Quick google search says: x3800h is 1,275 + DIRAC for 700 = $1,975
So call it $2K?
 
I agree with all your points Randy.
Wow, didn't realize AVR had that capability. I havnt followed em for the past 10 years as my enthusiasm has been in 2.X Music of which is prob too off-topic for this thread.

Is $1K an exaggeration though?
Quick google search says: x3800h is 1,275 + DIRAC for 700 = $1,975
So call it $2K?

But if one only needs 2.1 for music and use existing PC, I bought my AVR-X1800H for about USD550, tax in. DLBC license, if purchased when on sale, would cost as low as USD 400, so total just under $1,000.:)
 
I agree with all your points Randy.
Wow, didn't realize AVR had that capability. I havnt followed em for the past 10 years as my enthusiasm has been in 2.X Music of which is prob too off-topic for this thread.

Is $1K an exaggeration though?
Quick google search says: x3800h is 1,275 + DIRAC for 700 = $1,975
So call it $2K?
The 3800 was available at <$1k the last 2 years during the BF/holiday season. At a similar time, Dirac had their annual sale at 20% off licenses (prior years were 30% off!).

In late 2024, paying for the Denon with Dirac investment would've run you $1300 to just a bit over $1500 whether it was Dirac Live Full Bandwidth or all the way to DLBC!
This level of home theater competency wasn't available until about a year ago (2021 PAC receivers still can't do DLBM/DLBC properly even with the latest firmware)!
 
But if one only needs 2.1 for music and use existing PC, I bought my AVR-X1800H for about USD550, tax in. DLBC license, if purchased when on sale, would cost as low as USD 400, so total just under $1,000.:)
X1800H is not capable of Dirac however, nor the full version of Audyssey. Both require the fully featured DSP chip in the 3800H and above.
 
I made the same switch from a Denon AVR to miniDSP Flex HT last summer, and I love it. I don't actively recommend it to others, but not because of any shortcomings, just a recognition that my priorities are maybe different than other people's.

In my case, I was frustrated with the black-box and one-size-fits-all nature of automated room correction. Even OCA's excellent work with Audyssey Evo/Neuron can be seen as a convoluted effort to entice Audyssey to provide a better result, and is still meant as a one-click solution. I was glad that miniDSP offers Dirac integration because I wanted a safety net in case I couldn't achieve good results by hand with MSO and REW, but I needn't have worried.

A friend asked me about my experience with the miniDSP and I compared it buying a car with fewer features because you want to work on the engine. The mucking around with settings, and more importantly the learning that goes with it, is the best feature in my eyes.

My only disappointment is that there's no way to access additional processing if you don't use Dirac. Some other miniDSP products offer a choice between Dirac and additional input PEQs.

I already had an appleTV and eARC-capable TV, so the only other equipment needed was a multichannel power amp. After selling my old AVR, the net cost was only a couple hundred dollars.

Couldn't be happier.

@Mort, as a side note, I was surprised how similar our systems are!:
 

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X1800H is not capable of Dirac however, nor the full version of Audyssey. Both require the fully featured DSP chip in the 3800H and above.
That's why I said use "PC" that is capable of Dirac/DLBC, even costed the license (when 30% sale) for you.:D

Here's AVR-X1800H, using DLBC, DIY Philharmonic BMR+one 8" Energy subwoofer:

1736008552258.jpeg


Versus the same set up but using minidsp Flex HT, also DLBC and two subwoofers:

1736008854211.jpeg



Not the best, but all without manual tweaks, if anyone has prettier curves please share.:)
 
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I'm in the same boat, but I never had a full AVR cause I have very limited cabinet space and I use active speakers anyway. Getting MSO and Dirac in one small device is pretty cool and the only thing I have to worry about in terms of audio is whether my surround mixing matches what's intended. I don't understand the fuss about remotes, both the ATV 4K and the Flex HT work fine through CEC with my LG TV remote. I don't use the Flex HT presets or input options, though.

I find it also a bit funny to see several people chime in along the lines of "I wouldn't recommend it, but it works great". I would definitely recommend it, but obviously not to my grandmother. I probably wouldn't recommend an AVR to her either. IMO, traditional AVRs are the real niche devices that exist between soundbars and devices like this - although bitstream decoding would sure be nice to have.
 
My only disappointment is that there's no way to access additional processing if you don't use Dirac. Some other miniDSP products offer a choice between Dirac and additional input PEQs.
I can definitely use Dirac and then fine tune it with the mini's PEQ and/or even crossovers, but I am using the PC version. Are you saying that if you use the mini with the regular Dirac then you cannot use PEQ on top?
 
I'm in the same boat, but I never had a full AVR cause I have very limited cabinet space and I use active speakers anyway. Getting MSO and Dirac in one small device is pretty cool and the only thing I have to worry about in terms of audio is whether my surround mixing matches what's intended. I don't understand the fuss about remotes, both the ATV 4K and the Flex HT work fine through CEC with my LG TV remote. I don't use the Flex HT presets or input options, though.

I find it also a bit funny to see several people chime in along the lines of "I wouldn't recommend it, but it works great". I would definitely recommend it, but obviously not to my grandmother. I probably wouldn't recommend an AVR to her either. IMO, traditional AVRs are the real niche devices that exist between soundbars and devices like this - although bitstream decoding would sure be nice to have.
Imo, if D+M upgrade the Cinema 70 and the AVR-X1800H with XT32/sub EQ HT, and from 1 to 2 discrete subouts, I would 100% recommend them. Those two are much simpler to use and weight a lot less, especially the C70 that also save space. If that happens, I might even considering selling my Flex HT, but will likely keep the HTx for the analogs.
 
A friend asked me about my experience with the miniDSP and I compared it buying a car with fewer features because you want to work on the engine. The mucking around with settings, and more importantly the learning that goes with it, is the best feature in my eyes.

My only disappointment is that there's no way to access additional processing if you don't use Dirac. Some other miniDSP products offer a choice between Dirac and additional input PEQs.

I already had an appleTV and eARC-capable TV, so the only other equipment needed was a multichannel power amp. After selling my old AVR, the net cost was only a couple hundred dollars.

Couldn't be happier.

@Mort, as a side note, I was surprised how similar our systems are!:

That's uncanny. Buckeye vs Monolith basically only difference. Plus you have those ass-kicking butt shakers ha ha.

What TV model do you have? You were able to skip the eARC splitter? I hope this becomes standard on TVs like it is on game consoles. LG seems to be the only brand.

My partner joked it's like I "sold the incredibly comfortable 2025 minivan and now drive a self-assembled electric sportscar that's only used to go 40 mph and requires four keys to start." She's not wrong. It's just more interesting to use.

Input PEQs would be nice. I get along with DiracLive. I do about 80% of the work myself and let it finish up to 300hz. My dream is for app that works without the cable or the WI-DG.
 
Are you saying that if you use the mini with the regular Dirac then you cannot use PEQ on top?
The Flex HT has 18 PEQs (10 in the 'PEQ' section and 8 in the 'crossover' section). Dirac does processing in addition to these 18 filters. But if Dirac is not used, that additional processing is not available for other uses. There's another miniDSP model (can't recall which at the moment) that has more available filters when Dirac is off compared to when it is on. Specifically, 8 PEQs are available on the input side when Dirac is off in addition to the 18 on the output side that are available all the time. The Flex HT does not have this option, but should IMHO.
 
I find it also a bit funny to see several people chime in along the lines of "I wouldn't recommend it, but it works great". I would definitely recommend it, but obviously not to my grandmother. I probably wouldn't recommend an AVR to her either. IMO, traditional AVRs are the real niche devices that exist between soundbars and devices like this - although bitstream decoding would sure be nice to have.

Ha, yes. I pulled my punch on the recommendation because this is such an assertive crowd, shall we say? I don't want to have to defend the HT Flex. I just like it.

8 in the 'crossover' section).
I did not know that. Thank you.
 
LG model OLED55B2PUA
Rtings says that supports ...
eARC: LPCM Channels (Bitstream) 7.1
What it is:If the TV (configured in Bitstream, not PCM) can forward all the audio channels of an uncompressed LPCM signal over the eARC HDMI port.
When it matters:When you use a game console or a PC as a source.
Is that the relevant feature?
 
Rtings says that supports ...
eARC: LPCM Channels (Bitstream) 7.1
Yeah exactly, but rtings says that about almost all TVs, and most only do 2 channel. LGs are the occasional exceptions to my knowledge.
 
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