Minidsp Flex Review (Audio DSP)

[SoySalsaPicante]

SHD has streaming?

Yes, with Volumio.

 

[Mort]

SHD has streaming?

Volumio. Yes

 

[Ultrasonic]

Yes, with Volumio.

Which does work OK although I'll agree it's not as slick as it could be.

For anyone using Spotify or Tidal Connect the Volumio interface becomes irrelevant. If the Qobuz Connect performance can get fixed then the same would apply to this too.

 

[MI55ION]

Hi folks, I'm considering picking up the Flex TRS (V2) with the hardware revision from May 2025 that has the Sabre ES9017. Are we expecting a fresh review of it because it seems they've improved on an already fantastic little gem of a product and am I correct to say that all Flex TRS from MiniDSP.com are being shipped/fulfilled with the V2?

 

[mike70]

Hi folks, I'm considering picking up the Flex TRS (V2) with the hardware revision from May 2025 that has the Sabre ES9017. Are we expecting a fresh review of it because it seems they've improved on an already fantastic little gem of a product and am I correct to say that all Flex TRS from MiniDSP.com are being shipped/fulfilled with the V2?

and why you need the v2? because it have a "better" internal DAC? that's absolutely inaudible

get the v2, it's ok ... but, apples to apples, more inaudible is also inaudible

 

[MI55ION]

and why you need the v2? because it have a "better" internal DAC? that's absolutely inaudible

get the v2, it's ok ... but, apples to apples, more inaudible is also inaudible

Wasn't asking your permission bud but since you asked it'll be replacing ToppingD30 Pro so was hoping it'll be on par - with all the added benefits of DSP.

 

[mike70]

Wasn't asking your permission bud but since you asked it'll be replacing ToppingD30 Pro so was hoping it'll be on par - with all the added benefits of DSP.

well, i thought maybe i'm adding certain value to your question ... it wasn't my intention to be rude at all

maybe is simpler in this way: replace ANY dac you have with the minidsp flex ANY version and you'll have inaudible differences.
in other way, you can enter in the marketing / magic formulas offered by hifi / hiend brands ... it's all up to you (you can have my permission also )

 

[staticV3]

maybe is simpler in this way: replace ANY dac you have with the minidsp flex ANY version and you'll have inaudible differences.

@MI55ION is adding DSP to their system by replacing a "dumb" Topping D30Pro with the Flex.

The primary point of that switch is not which DAC chip is inside.

Good grief.

 

[mike70]

@MI55ION is adding DSP to their system by replacing a "dumb" Topping D30Pro with the Flex.

The primary point of that switch is not which DAC chip is inside.

Good grief.

absolutely, but the mention to the chip Sabre ES9017 ...

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Which does work OK although I'll agree it's not as slick as it could be.

For anyone using Spotify or Tidal Connect the Volumio interface becomes irrelevant. If the Qobuz Connect performance can get fixed then the same would apply to this too.

I agree with this (which also applies to HEOS), but if you have a local/personal library, I have no idea how good the library management is with Volumio as I've never tried a device with it. HEOS is trash for this. WiiM is better. Eversolo is even better. Audirvana beats them all.

No, I haven't tried Roon, so cannot comment on it.

 

[Mort]

absolutely, but the mention to the chip Sabre ES9017 ...

Because that's the version being sold right now. Has nothing to do with SINAD chasing (even if that was a bad thing).

 

[Ultrasonic]

I agree with this (which also applies to HEOS), but if you have a local/personal library, I have no idea how good the library management is with Volumio as I've never tried a device with it. HEOS is trash for this. WiiM is better. Eversolo is even better. Audirvana beats them all.

I've not tried Volumio with a stored music library but would expect it's far from the slickest option for those who have this. For most I'd expect online streaming is the primary concern though, hence my comments.

 

[MI55ION]

Because that's the version being sold right now. Has nothing to do with SINAD chasing (even if that was a bad thing).

Having received a reply from Minidsp, I've had confirmation they are now shipping the revised hardware version of the Flex (balanced/TRS). Happy days!

 

[Dougey_Jones]

Having received a reply from Minidsp, I've had confirmation they are now shipping the revised hardware version of the Flex (balanced/TRS). Happy days!

Not that it matters much, but, what was wrong with the original, which clocked in at -110db SINAD and -107db for the ADC, which is fantastic..

 

[MI55ION]

Not that it matters much, but, what was wrong with the original, which clocked in at -110db SINAD and -107db for the ADC, which is fantastic..

I have no idea what was wrong but it's probably best to ask the techs over at minidsp why they chose to go down this path. From what I understand there have been some changes under the hood:

Resulting in:

The way I had it explained is that the V1 was a world class DSP with a great DAC. The V2 is a high end DAC with a world class DSP. One may argue over it's real worth but it's probably just for emphasis. I suspect it was a way to keep up with some of the top tier standalone DACs on the market from the likes of Topping and SMSL etc. As an unique selling point people have the option to add DSP/Dirac wizardry to the mix and at this price point I think that it makes a very strong case for itself. Hence why I'm taking a leap of faith in the absence of a digital teardown by Amir. Based on the foundations of the V1 however I don't think it's a giant leap!

 

[Keith_W]

Hence why I'm taking a leap of faith in the absence of a digital teardown by Amir. Based on the foundations of the V1 however I don't think it's a giant leap!

Don't worry, that is a well justified leap of faith. A DAC has to be truly horrendous before it's a problem, and the vast majority of modern DAC's aren't. Let alone a company with a history of producing superb equipment like MiniDSP.

 

[Pow1]

Going to the ASR thread in which the change in chip was announced, I thought this comment offered a reasonable explanation (at least to me):


"... DSP can chew through overhead and people (like me) use these as volume control. So it isn’t unheard of the peak signal being down 40 dB vs. digital zero."

 

[AudioJester]

Better if minidsp adopted Dirac ART

Well, looks like they have!
The Tide 16 looks like an awesome device at a great price.

 

[Ultrasonic]

Well, looks like they have!
The Tide 16 looks like an awesome device at a great price.

Link to save anyone hunting for it:

Tide16

miniDSP Tide16, Immersive AV-DSP Processors powered by Quad Core ARM processor, 16ch balanced analog outputs, 3x1 HDMI , USB audio, Bluetooth, Including license for Dirac Live + DLBC + ART suite

www.minidsp.com

 

[CedarX]

Link to save anyone hunting for it:

Tide16

miniDSP Tide16, Immersive AV-DSP Processors powered by Quad Core ARM processor, 16ch balanced analog outputs, 3x1 HDMI , USB audio, Bluetooth, Including license for Dirac Live + DLBC + ART suite

www.minidsp.com

OT, I’m curious to see how they wired the 8x ES9017 DACs, a chip that is itself 8-channels. Certainly a very interesting product!