MINIDSP 2x4 HD vs Dayton Audio DSP-408

[Trollhammerx]

I've installed 2 MINIDSP 2x4 HDs in my home (dual subs in family room and basement theater). I'm currently wiring dual subs in my office bedroom and went to the minidsp site and I'm shocked at the price increase. When you go to check out they add significant fees for tariff and import plus shipping. Where it claims the device is $225, they add $79 for tariffs and another $30 for shipping! Total is $334 to check out. That's crazy more than I expected.

Looking around, the only basic alternative seems to be the Dayton Audio DSP-408 for $199 (free shipping). It seems like there are reviews stating potential noise issues. I'm used to the MINIDSP software (it's pretty nice), but is the minidsp really worth the premium? Once I get it dialed in, it just sits there hidden.

Any strong recommendations that the MINIDSP is worth $134 more than the Dayton? Do filters from REW import similarly? Anyone with experience or thoughts on this choice.... advice is appreciated.

 

[Joffy1780]

'They add $79 for tarriffs'...... No they don't, Donald Trump does!!

I've installed 2 MINIDSP 2x4 HDs in my home (dual subs in family room and basement theater). I'm currently wiring dual subs in my office bedroom and went to the minidsp site and I'm shocked at the price increase. When you go to check out they add significant fees for tariff and import plus shipping. Where it claims the device is $225, they add $79 for tariffs and another $30 for shipping! Total is $334 to check out. That's crazy more than I expected.

Looking around, the only basic alternative seems to be the Dayton Audio DSP-408 for $199 (free shipping). It seems like there are reviews stating potential noise issues. I'm used to the MINIDSP software (it's pretty nice), but is the minidsp really worth the premium? Once I get it dialed in, it just sits there hidden.

Any strong recommendations that the MINIDSP is worth $134 more than the Dayton? Do filters from REW import similarly? Anyone with experience or thoughts on this choice.... advice is appreciated.

 

[aedagnino]

Trumpnomics explained in one post!

 

[monkeyboy]

Yes, Dayton Audio is out of OH, hence no tariff, that's sort of the point, making domestic items more attractive. If Dayton is not performant, post the measurements here and contact them asking why they can't produce a comparable product....

 

[Flaesh]

A global government could distribute eight-channel audio processors with a full complement of inputs, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and, say, 333,333 FIR taps per channel all over the world. For $333, say. But for now, even AC voltage and outlets vary from country to country.
More to the point. Local prices, all-inclusive, with delivery in a few days:
$316.09 for Dayton Audio DSP-408.
$322.17 for 2x4 HD.
In the summer I bought myself a Flex8 for $824.29((. For my stereo system with three-band, two-way speakers and two subwoofer channels. Not all the reasons for this decision are immaculate, but it's the way it's done. The source is a computer, so the single USB input is suitable. Worse, the outputs are only unbalanced, which limits the free use of different amplifiers.

 

[Everett T]

I'm guessing the Dayton has tariffs also, just included in the price. I can't see them manufacturing this product here.

 

[SuicideSquid]

I've installed 2 MINIDSP 2x4 HDs in my home (dual subs in family room and basement theater). I'm currently wiring dual subs in my office bedroom and went to the minidsp site and I'm shocked at the price increase. When you go to check out they add significant fees for tariff and import plus shipping. Where it claims the device is $225, they add $79 for tariffs and another $30 for shipping! Total is $334 to check out. That's crazy more than I expected.

Looking around, the only basic alternative seems to be the Dayton Audio DSP-408 for $199 (free shipping). It seems like there are reviews stating potential noise issues. I'm used to the MINIDSP software (it's pretty nice), but is the minidsp really worth the premium? Once I get it dialed in, it just sits there hidden.

Any strong recommendations that the MINIDSP is worth $134 more than the Dayton? Do filters from REW import similarly? Anyone with experience or thoughts on this choice.... advice is appreciated.

I use a Dayton Audio DSP-408 in my system as an active crossover from my front mains and centre channel. It's easy to set up and works great. I only have two issues:
1. If I leave the USB cable connected to my PC there's an audible hum from the USB connection. This isn't a big deal, you only need the USB connected when you're changing settings, so when I'm done setting up I just unplug the USB cable and it's months or years before I need to plug it in again.

2. The noise floor is high; however, from my normal listening position it is never audible over the general background noise of my home. Your mileage may vary if you've got a very quiet/soundproof listening space or are sitting very close to your speakers, but I think in most environments as long as you're more than a couple feet away from the speakers, it won't be a problem. For subs it'll be a complete non-issue.

 

[SuicideSquid]

Yes, Dayton Audio is out of OH, hence no tariff, that's sort of the point, making domestic items more attractive. If Dayton is not performant, post the measurements here and contact them asking why they can't produce a comparable product....

Dayton imports most of the material they use to build their products (or imports the finished products and put their name on it). Their prices will be impacted by tariffs as well, there's just a bit more of a lag in seeing the impact on the purchaser, between the implementation of the tariffs on inputs and tariffs on consumer goods.