Minidsp Flex Review (Audio DSP)

[Calypso1]

Agree with this advice. This is how I use my minidsp flex, except it’s in the pre-out-main-in loop of my integrated. One other word of caution is I recommend placing a high quality analog pot between the flex and amplifier to protect your speakers. My flex has output max volume when making some changes in Dirac live which is problematic when fed directly into a power amp. Something like a Schiit Sys, JDS Labs OL switcher, or even a Nobsound switcher are all good choices for the application. I use the JDS Labs at 12 o’clock.

Could this also work?

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Controller-Control-attenuator-RC11/dp/B08TBMP54X/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=Volume+Control+for+Speakers&qid=1704662738&sr=8-8

 

[Calypso1]

Hi

It will work fine as drawn.

The only thing you could consider - if you are not using the preamp for phone pre (ie if your phono pre is separate sending line level to your preamp), then you could dispense with the preamp, and put all three sources into the Mini DSP flex (as long as you have different interface options for CD and Streamer), then using the MiniDSP for volume.

Personally I run the MiniDSP at -3dB just to eliminate any risk of interasmple overs. But this is probably un-necessary.


EDIT - I see the preamp has a phono input that I guess you are using, so you can ignore this suggestion.

Quick question. Moving the MiniDSP before the preamplifier would alleviate any risk on damaging peaks ever being released to the amplifier. Thoughts? No need for a volume control box.

 

[antcollinet]

Quick question. Moving the MiniDSP before the preamplifier would alleviate any risk on damaging peaks ever being released to the amplifier. Thoughts? No need for a volume control box.

With the disadvantage that you'd no longer correct your turntable (unless you also invested in a phono pre.


Plus even with the analogue pot (your preamp) before the flex you are still protected. The Flex (unless you program positive gain on the inputs) won't output more than your pre-amp inputs.

 

[dom_st]

Anyone has the impression the minidsp flex is getting quite hot? I measured it with a infrared device and the hottest spot on the top of device is around 41°C and on the bottom, even warmer with around 48°C (hottest spot in the last third of the device). After maybe 1-2h runtime, standing freely not covered. I think this is borderline ok, but feels wrong. I have now disconnected the output cables to see if that could have a influence. The device itself is basically in standby, not configuring it, not playing music through it.

 

[Robocop]

Anyone has the impression the minidsp flex is getting quite hot? I measured it with a infrared device and the hottest spot on the top of device is around 41°C and on the bottom, even warmer with around 48°C (hottest spot in the last third of the device). After maybe 1-2h runtime, standing freely not covered. I think this is borderline ok, but feels wrong. I have now disconnected the output cables to see if that could have a influence. The device itself is basically in standby, not configuring it, not playing music through it.

Hi I just checked mine(Flex balanced) on the top and its 29C with ambient air temperature inside room at 24C at midday and midsummer in New Zealand. It did seem to run hot when I first received it but has settled at this temp. I run all balanced connections to 2 subs and monitors. I do have a separate earth wire attached from Flex cabinet to house ground. I also leave it permanently on. Also have latest software update onboard.

Perhaps check all connections first on cables. Don't forget to turn amps off before disconnecting any plugs. Update software if you haven't done this. Turn off and remove power to Flex wait for 5 mins or so and reconnect. This reboots it. Others may have further suggestions otherwise Minidsp support.

Robert

 

[TheBatsEar]

Anyone has the impression the minidsp flex is getting quite hot?

I think mine is a bit warmer than expected as well, it feels warmer than any other device i have running. I always wondered why they didn't put a few holes into the case on top and the bottom.

 

[vicenzo_del_paris]

I think mine is a bit warmer than expected as well, it feels warmer than any other device i have running. I always wondered why they didn't put a few holes into the case on top and the bottom.

2x4hd/ddrc24 unit i had in the past was quite warm.
But The flex i had previously was never warm at all.
My current Flex HT does not at all when using stereo sources. It might warm a little bit when using hdmi, but still very reasonable.

 

[mata7]

hi guys I hope some one can help me out please, my Minidsp 2x4 HD just stop working after 4 or 5 years, so I need to get a new one, now I have 5 subs and I was considered the Minidsp Flex Eight but I'm confuse because I don't see any analog in, I only need it for subs, so how do I make this work like I do on my 2x4hd, thanks

 

[Chagall]

hi guys I hope some one can help me out please, my Minidsp 2x4 HD just stop working after 4 or 5 years, so I need to get a new one, now I have 5 subs and I was considered the Minidsp Flex Eight but I'm confuse because I don't see any analog in, I only need it for subs, so how do I make this work like I do on my 2x4hd, thanks

It's impossible to use Flex Eight like you used 2x4 HD because it doesn't have analog inputs.
I think these are the options for Flex and Flex 8 in your case. If that doesn't work for you, just get 2x4 HD again.

EDIT: 2x4 HD also has only 4 analog outs. So that won't work for 5 subs either.

 

[diablo]

hi guys I hope some one can help me out please, my Minidsp 2x4 HD just stop working after 4 or 5 years, so I need to get a new one, now I have 5 subs and I was considered the Minidsp Flex Eight but I'm confuse because I don't see any analog in, I only need it for subs, so how do I make this work like I do on my 2x4hd, thanks

I sometimes need analogue in to my Flex Eight. I bought a converter to feed into the SPDIF input -

Blustream ADC11AU Analogue to Digital Audio Converter (ADC)

Blustreams ADC11AU is designed to convert left/right analogue stereo audio into either coaxial or optical digital. Product Code - ADC11AU

www.futureshop.co.uk

It seems to work pretty well.

The Flex HTx has eight channels and analogue inputs -

miniDSP Flex HTx

miniDSP Flex HTx, 400MHz Sharc DSP audio processor, toolbox for subwoofer or multiway speaker tuning, USB/HDMI ARC/EARC, Optional Multichannel Dirac Live license for room correction, 8 ch USB DAC, Studio processor

www.minidsp.com

- but that's probably overkill for your needs.

 

[mata7]

thank you diablo, do you use your flex for subs? is there any problem to add delays if i use the adc? thank you, yes the htx is a lot of money and really don't need it

 

[diablo]

thank you diablo, do you use your flex for subs? is there any problem to add delays if i use the adc? thank you, yes the htx is a lot of money and really don't need it

Using the external analogue-digital converter is really no different to using the inbuilt RCA inputs in the 2x4HD - that does the same thing, just inside the one box. So it makes no difference to how you use it.
My lounge setup is around a TV in the corner of the room, so I need EQ on my main speakers as well as the single sub which I use. The SVS sub has a few milliseconds delay due to positioning and the internal DSP it has, so I set that at 0ms delay and adjust the delay of the main speakers to match it.

I mainly use Toslink input from stereo sources, but use the converter with the LR pre-outs from my AVR when I use that. No changes need to be made as it works identically to the normal Flex I was using before - which has direct RCA inputs of course.
Hope this helps.

 

[Monty67]

Hi

Looking for advice on which minidsp product to get. Thinking of adding a sub. Sub doesnt have balanced inputs. But my other gear does. I use Roon.

Current set up
Wiim pro--benchmark dac 3L-benchmark amp-jbl 4367

Soooo replace the benchmark dac 3l with the Minidsp SHD. Go balanced from the SHD to my benchmark amp. Use the unbalanced from the SHD to my subs.

Or is it better to get the minidsp flex unbalanced version?

Or another product that fits my needs better?

Thanks

Sooooo after musing about picking up a minidsp a few months back, i decided to park the issue. Here we are a few months later and i cant seem to get over getting rid of the benchmark dac.

At the moment i have it paired with the Benchmark amp. Oh and i forgot to add i did pick up a sub., In my case a Klipsch RP1400SW.

I have used the sub anytime i watch movies or tv. and once in a while i use it for music. I just run a rca from the output of the Dac 3L. And set the crossover on the sub to 60.
Yes i know this is not the ideal way for sub set up.....but yeah i just feel that the dac3L is good for the next decade easy.........Just works.

Sometimes i think about getting a AVR and making one of the inputs on DAC3L a "HT " input. Since im not interested in more than 2 channels plus a sub, il only really interested in the sub crossover stuff.

But most AVR are awfully big.....

Anyways and the world turns i get it

Cheers

 

[Monty67]

Sooooo after musing about picking up a minidsp a few months back, i decided to park the issue. Here we are a few months later and i cant seem to get over getting rid of the benchmark dac.

At the moment i have it paired with the Benchmark amp. Oh and i forgot to add i did pick up a sub., In my case a Klipsch RP1400SW.

I have used the sub anytime i watch movies or tv. and once in a while i use it for music. I just run a rca from the output of the Dac 3L. And set the crossover on the sub to 60.
Yes i know this is not the ideal way for sub set up.....but yeah i just feel that the dac3L is good for the next decade easy.........Just works.

Sometimes i think about getting a AVR and making one of the inputs on DAC3L a "HT " input. Since im not interested in more than 2 channels plus a sub, il only really interested in the sub crossover stuff.

But most AVR are awfully big.....

Anyways and the world turns i get it

Cheers

Hello is there anyone out there?

Hey gang so i put an order in for MINIDSP FLEX BALANCED. Yes i know, i just said what i said in that post.....Im an audiophile or something like that which means im NUTS!

So here is the plan. The FLEX BAL should be here monday. I will remove the dac3L from the system and just go FLEX into ABH2. See how things go.

Back up plan if i still think that i want DAC3L in the system, i will use FLEX like an AVR. I would make one of the inputs on dac3l a home theatre input.
Like i said the DAC 3L just works, 10 years from now it will still work. I try not to get rid of things have a track record of reliability.

Anyways ill come back in a few weeks to air out my thoughts.

 

[Sparkles]

Hello is there anyone out there?

Hey gang so i put an order in for MINIDSP FLEX BALANCED.

I am very interested in your results when you have them.

 

[greyscale]

Dual sub integration using the MiniDSP

Great article for setting up 2x subs with a AVR using a MiniDSP 2X4. Can this same setup be done with a Flex? Have a Marantz sr8012 avr into 2 svs sb1000 subs with 2 KEF LS50 Meta mains.
Question is, which FLEX do I purchase??
Thank You

 

[Ed the Dog]

Can Flex be used with a CD transport? Can I use the DAC in the Flex with the transport and still use Dirac in a 2.1 set up?

I'm using a Peachtree Nova 500 and am running a Bellari EQ coupled with a Schitt Magni in the loop. Can I eliminate the DAC for the Audiolab transport and the Bellari?

More relevant information: The Peachtree has the wood veneer, Bellari is red, and the Schitt, DAC, and Audiolab are black.

Thank you all for considering

 

[Deleted member 58670]

Anyone has the impression the minidsp flex is getting quite hot? I measured it with a infrared device and the hottest spot on the top of device is around 41°C and on the bottom, even warmer with around 48°C (hottest spot in the last third of the device). After maybe 1-2h runtime, standing freely not covered. I think this is borderline ok, but feels wrong. I have now disconnected the output cables to see if that could have an influence. The device itself is basically in standby, not configuring it, not playing music through it.

The power consumption is around 10W for the balanced version, which is turned into heat. It will get warm! I made some custom feet for my Flex so it stands vertically, in an attempt to improve cooling. Still gets quite hot.

 

[staticV3]

Can Flex be used with a CD transport? Can I use the DAC in the Flex with the transport and still use Dirac in a 2.1 set up?

I'm using a Peachtree Nova 500 and am running a Bellari EQ coupled with a Schitt Magni in the loop. Can I eliminate the DAC for the Audiolab transport and the Bellari?

More relevant information: The Peachtree has the wood veneer, Bellari is red, and the Schitt, DAC, and Audiolab are black.

Thank you all for considering

If your CD Transport has Toslink or Coax output, then you can use the Flex's DAC, Crossover, and Dirac room correction with it.

 

[dom_st]

The power consumption is around 10W for the balanced version, which is turned into heat. It will get warm! I made some custom feet for my Flex so it stands vertically, in an attempt to improve cooling. Still gets quite hot.

yes sure, i also contacted their support just to be sure the think everything is ok, so this is part of the response.

"In the Flex series, we're indeed using the enclosure as a "heatsink" i..e chipsets directly connected to enclosure ...
... we've had these tested in lab in very hot temperature and no issues with the design"

so everything should be ok, as long as the surface temperature doesn´t get much hotter.
I mean there are standards for these things out there and as long we are within these limits, all is good!

Was just curious as some people here stated that it doesn't even get warm.