MiniDSP Flex HTx Measurement (FW1.1.17 Update)

[MarcelH]

How does that thing actually sounds as a multichannel DAC, compared to DACs like let's say Okto, or one in good ol' Oppo 205? Has anybody done some listening?

 

[Sam Ash]

@sarieri - Thank you for the detailed review. I have a question. If I use the 8 unbalanced (RCA) inputs and 8 balanced (TRS to XLR) outputs on the HTx - will it work?

 

[sarieri]

@sarieri - Thank you for the detailed review. I have a question. If I use the 8 unbalanced (RCA) inputs and 8 balanced (TRS to XLR) outputs on the HTx - will it work?

It should work

 

[elmura]

Nice suite of measurements.
Only thing I'd like to see is HDMI input D/A results. Is this something you'd be able to do?
Also, how does it sound compared to a high quality DAC?

 

[Sam Ash]

It should work

Are you able to confirm that for me? I'll appreciate it.

Not sure if the signal is corrected or will the sound be attenuates similar to using an RCA to XLR cable which removes the balanced aspect.

I assume that using the balanced output on the HTx will ensure a truly balanced connection.

 

[Sam Ash]

I've realised that I can use unbalanced to balanced converters that provide a true balanced workflow. However, the HTx is a DSP which is a huge benefit. Having access to 10 bands per channel in terms of PEQ is an advantage.

I have a question - Obviously the internal DACs of the AV processor will be engaged. However, when the HTx is being fed by an AV processor via RCA, are the analogue signals affected by the HTx's internal DAC? I'm sure an analogue to digital conversion needs to be done for all the DSP functions after which a digital to analogue conversion is necessary. Is this detrimental in any way?

In the case of a Dirac enabled HTx, are the timing and level calibration process done in the AV processor after a Dirac calibration?

Has anyone tried RCA-ins to XLR-outs on the HTx? - are the end results a true balanced workflow?

 

[concorde1]

Is it possible to use the HTx with Linux?
In the software section I only see Windows and Mac.

I asked MiniDSP about this last year, they said:

"[Regarding] Linux, we don't support it for the control software (device console) but it's typically a step done once. i.e. at setup. Once you've done that on your PC/Mac, you can connect the USB cable to your own linux box and it will be showing as a USB interface for streaming with all the settings recalled/stored from there.

You can create presets and just toggle them with the front panel or IR remote to recall whatever you need."

So I'd say yes you can, provided you have access to Win/Mac for initial configuration.

 

[danstahl]

I compared it to a Topping DX7 Pro+ via balanced connections, connected to a Purifi amp. I switched off all the DSP. The difference was marked. The Topping was a lot better.

Was this level matched? I'd be surprised at s marked audible difference between the two.

 

[somebodyelse]

No. If the difference is small isn't it pointless level matching because it would take someone maybe one minute to switch DACs? The difference was large enough for me to completely confident.

Whether it's pointless level matching depends on what it is you're trying to achieve. If you want to know whether you can really hear a difference then level matching, blinding etc. is absolutely necessary.

 

[Jimbob54]

It's clear what I'm trying to acheive. Surely you're not saying that I can't really hear a difference are you because that's like asking someone to tell the difference between cheddar and cottage cheese, the difference is obvious., and then saying they need to be blind to be able to tell!?

Id not go down this road any further . You will convince nobody here that your claim has any validity unless you apply basic controls. Which means precise level matching and not knowing which unit is playing .

I won't allow another thread to rehash that debate . We have this thread where it's been done a bazillion times. Feel free to contribute there .Thanks

Serious Question: How can DAC's have a SOUND SIGNATURE if they measure as transparent? Are that many confused?

I know there are people out there that think cables affect sound, which is much worse, but there really is no response to something like that, but just to smile and nod. But what about people who talk about DACS as if they were headphone drivers or speakers, and talk about the SOUNDSTAGE...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Jimbob54]

@peaceonearth I think you missed my point and I am deleting your "case in points" , as stated, I dont want another on thread argument about the validity of claims and (lack of ) controls. Please lets not do anymore.

 

[peng]

Has anyone tried RCA-ins to XLR-outs on the HTx? - are the end results a true balanced workflow?

I have not tried that on the HTx, but I could. Don't see any point though because if XLR outs are use, the signal flow to the power amp will be balanced. As far as the "true balance...", I think people over complicate things often not defining what they meant by "true balance".

 

[howard416]

Are you able to confirm that for me? I'll appreciate it.

Not sure if the signal is corrected or will the sound be attenuates similar to using an RCA to XLR cable which removes the balanced aspect.

I assume that using the balanced output on the HTx will ensure a truly balanced connection.

I'm not sure I have ever heard of any piece of equipment that did not output a balanced signal when outputting over the balanced outputs, regardless of how the audio got in in the first place.

 

[somebodyelse]

I'm not sure I have ever heard of any piece of equipment that did not output a balanced signal when outputting over the balanced outputs, regardless of how the audio got in in the first place.

It gets difficult to discuss because people have different ideas about what 'balanced' means, and there are several ways to achieve it that have different properties. Some don't regard an output that has the same impedance on both hot and cold, but only drives one, as being 'proper' despite that doing what's needed for the CMRR benefit of balanced operation. 'The G Word' covers this, and the example preamp uses such an output.

 

[peng]

It gets difficult to discuss because people have different ideas about what 'balanced' means, and there are several ways to achieve it that have different properties. Some don't regard an output that has the same impedance on both hot and cold, but only drives one, as being 'proper' despite that doing what's needed for the CMRR benefit of balanced operation. 'The G Word' covers this, and the example preamp uses such an output.

We are in agreement on this. I do think Gene's use of the term "fully balanced processor from input to output" makes sense though, but not the so called "truly balanced" that's one of the sources of confusion generated on the internet. Who the heck has the authority to declare/define one way is "truly.." while others are then "not truly"? I rest my case...