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Looking for an analog first preamp and an active crossover solution

Just got off a call with the owner of the dspNexus. I am leaning that way**.

Already ordered: Nord One NCx500 4CH 4 Channel Power Amplifier

Whether or not I replace some of my front end components is up for debate.

** again, I am very opposed to having a computer in my living room. That is my zen space, I work on computers/programming in my day job. I don't want to think about that when I am listening to music. My current DAC streams from my NAS (in another room)/Spotify via ethernet. I might consider other solutions in the future, but for now, this I think solves my problem.
 
The t.racks DSP I don't think is powerful enough.
The OktoDac8 only does digital input
The Xillica seems to be outdated and pro audio focused, not sure it will be a good solution.
MiniDSP is only 96k and not sure how powerful it really is. Fine for short term, but feels like the Ikea furniture of audio.

The dspNexus does things at 192khz. It does the volume control (remote for VC and input switching was confirmed). It also does RIAA in the digital domain skipping phono for carts down as low as the Denon 103 (.25mv; an example I own and he owns; need a 400R resistor from hot to cold in the cable). I might experiment with that versus my tube based LCR phono stage. Does remote volume and input switching. It is much more expensive, but comes with an expert in helping you set up the software for your active speakers.
 
What about a custom HiFiBerry or CamillaDSP setup? Although those technically use "computers" it shouldn't matter because they act just like miniDSP and the others in practice.
 
The other thing I like about the dspNexus is that I use to run a fully active horn system. I was a diy tube amp builder enthusiast. I am not going to comment on the "audiophilia" but it was a fun hobby. Not doing that lately, but if I ever want to resurrect that again, the dspNexus is still the tool for the job.
 
What about a custom HiFiBerry or CamillaDSP setup? Although those technically use "computers" it shouldn't matter because they act just like miniDSP and the others in practice.
not familiar, but I really want a set and forget solution. My experience previously with computers in my hifi system left a bad taste. I have a stupidly expensive TT setup as well (might downgrade in the future) so analog input is a requirement, not a throw in (after thought).

Edit: language
 
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There is one more option if you're willing to wait, and it's one that I'm building as like a better miniDSP. I have the thread tracking progress here:
 
cool. I am willing to evaluate, but likely proceeding with the dspNexus. I have more applications that this serves.

Is it a set and forget solution? Meaning I don't have to have a computer in my LR?
 
Is it a set and forget solution? Meaning I don't have to have a computer in my LR?
It would be set and forget as everything will happen through a web panel that saves and restores everything automatically
 
The Nexus looks good on paper, but i never saw measurement data of it. Using the right AKM dac chips is good, if they are implemented right and they use the same DSP chip as the MiniDSP. And reports from experienced users is also good. It may be a good shot, but it's still a gamble i think. But it's a device that i keep following, as it is promising. It's also not availeble outside the US i hear, so for us in the EU no option at the end, but it's good that devices like that are there. It's also still partly in development. But it's a modular device where you can easely change dac and dsp modules. The actual ones are very high rated already.

But if it's better than a MiniDSP Flex i doubt actually, as those are very similar build internally. The bland black box of the MiniDSP may not be interesting visually, but it's actually well build and feels reliable.
 
not familiar, but I really want a set and forget solution. My experience previously with computers in my hifi system left a bad taste. I have a stupidly expensive TT setup as well (might downgrade in the future) so analog input is a requirement, not a throw in (after thought).

Edit: language
The dspNexus 2/8 should be the ideal device for your requirements.

May I ask what bad experiences you have had with computers in your system and which ones?
 
I've had many computers die on me over the years, for various different reasons. If it is dedicated it likely would be reliable, but I still don't want to play with a computer when I get home from my 10-12 hour days working on a computer. I want to turn on the hi-fi and not think about that at all.

Every time I've tried to setup some kind of streaming computer something happens and it was a PITA to try to fix. I'd rather have a dedicated box (I'm aware that you have to set it up once via measuring and computer, and I'm ok with that). I do realize you can do a dedicated computer box, but I am really reluctant to go down that route.

I've done a few solutions and they always end up with headaches. Squeezebox server (dedicated), J.Rivers, MediaMonkey (mostly used for organization and ripping, but tried the player portion as well). My current PS Audio DirectStream with the Bridge is immensely more convenient and easy to use, whether streaming from my NAS or from sources like Spotify. I use Lumin on my tablet and phone or I can control from my office on my computer (yes I do and can use one) or even my TV. Its a DLNA endpoint I think. That interface has won me over.

Will the dspNexus outperform the miniDSP? Might not and I'm ok with that, but it also feels like a solid piece of equipment whereas the miniDSP feels cheap. (I've owned and own a few other miniDSP versions I used for setting up 4x subs). I realize how easy it is to get XLR to TRS connectors, but I just want real XLR connectors. [the miniDSP also lacks other features I want]


I ordered the version with AK4499EX DACs. Everything is at 192khz, the miniDSP is at 96khz. Helps if you have FIR filters down lower.

I had a one hour conversation with the designer. He knows many of my heroes like Floyd Toole (I've read his book), Earl Geddes (I've been to his house and worked on a math problem with him), he knows Bruno Putzey, etc. I own the JBL M2s mostly because of those guys. I also hopped off the audiophile merry-go-round when acquiring them. They are better than my ears.
 
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The Nexus looks good on paper, but i never saw measurement data of it. Using the right AKM dac chips is good, if they are implemented right and they use the same DSP chip as the MiniDSP. And reports from experienced users is also good. It may be a good shot, but it's still a gamble i think. But it's a device that i keep following, as it is promising. It's also not availeble outside the US i hear, so for us in the EU no option at the end, but it's good that devices like that are there. It's also still partly in development. But it's a modular device where you can easely change dac and dsp modules. The actual ones are very high rated already.

But if it's better than a MiniDSP Flex i doubt actually, as those are very similar build internally. The bland black box of the MiniDSP may not be interesting visually, but it's actually well build and feels reliable.
I do want to make a few factual corrections:

The DSP used in the dspNexus is a SHARC ADSP-21569. This is a fifth generation SHARC and much faster than the fourth generation used in the MiniDSP. The DSP module was upgraded for free to early adopters

We have been shipping units for quite some time and it is working well. Since its introduction we have released AK4499EX based DACs as an option. The dspNexus is built in the US in our own facility and ships internationally.
We are not a new company - This summer we will mark our 27th year.

As Waxx mentioned, the dspNexus is modular so in some ways it is always partly in development.

I am available via video call

Al Clark
Danville Signal
 
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