Minidsp Flex Review (Audio DSP)

[MCH]

They're a lot more expensive than the Flex and Dirac is not optional.

I see the flex as the entry level 2x4 HD with much improved functionality and a better dac for a bit more. I believe it sits pricewise midway between the 2x4 and the SHD. For many people this is exactly what they want and need.
If you want the features of a SHD (that btw is a family of 3 products with different functionalities to choose from)... well you will have to pay for it.
I find minidsp's range fair and adequate, just imagine this company wouldn't exist!
But nowhere you get top of the line features for entry level price....

 

[vicenzo_del_paris]

Trading hi-Res audio for Dirac isn't the worse trade off but it's one I would rather not have to make.

You must have a graal environment (e.g. perfect room dimensions and passive treatment, perfect speakers, perfect electronics) and golden ears to make such statements.

You're lucky.

I am way less lucky than you.

I must rather have poor hearing and bad setup to not being able to detect noticeable/differenciative/enjoyable improvements with hi-res music content while I detect (and enjoy) important enhancement with a DSP processing such a Dirac, using regular lossless 44.1/CD content.

Everyone focuses on different matters

 

[mike70]

You must have a graal environment (e.g. perfect room dimensions and passive treatment, perfect speakers, perfect electronics) and golden ears to make such statements.

You're lucky.

I am way less lucky than you.

I must rather have poor hearing and bad setup to not being able to detect noticeable/differenciative/enjoyable improvements with hi-res music content while I detect (and enjoy) important enhancement with a DSP processing such a Dirac, using regular lossless 44.1/CD content.

Everyone focuses on different matters

MQA, hi-res, ... marketing to sell blockbuster recordings again and again.
Nyquist / Shannon finded what you need to recreate audible frequencies since decades ago.

 

[sebna]

I am currently using MiniDSP 2x HD to EQ two of my SUBs for HT duties (without DIRAC).

Would you say balanced FLEX would be an improvement and worth it? (I have 10m+ cable runs to Subs and they have balanced inputs)?

Let me know guys what are your thoughts if you can.

Am I right that it would be compatible with BEQ as 2x4 HD is?

 

[antcollinet]

If sending to remote speakers (active or subs) I would always choose balanced if that is an option.

 

[diablo]

I am currently using MiniDSP 2x HD to EQ two of my SUBs for HT duties (without DIRAC).

Would you say balanced FLEX would be an improvement and worth it? (I have 10m+ cable runs to Subs and they have balanced inputs)?

Let me know guys what are your thoughts if you can.

Am I right that it would be compatible with BEQ as 2x4 HD is?

I have recently replaced my DDRC24 (2x4 HD with Dirac added) and it seems an improvement, though hard to say as I had to set it up again - and I tend to get better at these things. I use them to EQ the mains and subs.

My old DDRC24 is now in use for the subs only in my cinema room. It works fine for that and I don't think another Flex would improve anything.

The Flex, in non-Dirac mode works exactly the same as the 2x4 HD.

Oh yes, one of the subs in my lounge is on an unbalanced 11 metre cable. I get no pickup of noise on it.

 

[Multicore]

Has anyone got a "smart" switched power strip that allows you to turn off other gear when you put the Flex in standby?

It seems the Flex draws too much current in standby for my current power strip.

Rocketfish - 7-Outlet Surge Protector - Multi

www.rocketfishproducts.com

 

[juliangst]

Are there any EU stores that don't sell the Minidsp for outrageous prices? The balanced Flex costs 750€ on Audiophonics and I haven't seen it anywhere cheaper. I generally don't like importing such expensive equipment from China or USA in this case

 

[MCH]

Are there any EU stores that don't sell the Minidsp for outrageous prices? The balanced Flex costs 750€ on Audiophonics and I haven't seen it anywhere cheaper. I generally don't like importing such expensive equipment from China or USA in this case

Have you calculated how much it would cost you to order from minidsp direct these days? My country -in EU- has a relatively low VAT and it would be ca 700eur after taxes fees etc.
I think audiophonics price is quite good now (you get local support + 2 years warranty instead of one for probably less than 50 eur more...)

 

[vicenzo_del_paris]

For balanced Flex + 20% VAT + DHL fees, at current dollar/euro exchange rate, it would make around 725 euros all included.
Audiophonics got their reseller discount since the Flex was released and now proposes at about 765 euros with shipping.
As @MarcosCh says, it now makes sense to order at Audiophonics (while few months ago, ordering it directly at minidsp was 250 euros cheaper).

 

[juliangst]

For balanced Flex + 20% VAT + DHL fees, at current dollar/euro exchange rate, it would make around 725 euros all included.
Audiophonics got their reseller discount since the Flex was released and now proposes at about 765 euros with shipping.
As @MarcosCh says, it now makes sense to order at Audiophonics (while few months ago, ordering it directly at minidsp was 250 euros cheaper).

Their price seems okay but other people here said that they didn’t have to pay customs. So I’m not sure if it’s worth to order from audiophonics or directly from minidsp

 

[vicenzo_del_paris]

Their price seems okay but other people here said that they didn’t have to pay customs. So I’m not sure if it’s worth to order from audiophonics or directly from minidsp

There is no customs fees to import device such as minidsp ones in Europe.
There is only VAT to pay and DHL processing fees (about 15€).

 

[juliangst]

There is no customs fees to import device such as minidsp ones in Europe.
There is only VAT to pay and DHL processing fees (about 15€).

Then the audiophonics price seems about right. It’s still a lot of money but there really are not any alternatives.
I would get the digital version to save some money but on all websites that import the minidsp it is even more expensive than the balanced version

 

[thenamelessone7]

Shipping from MINIDSP is 40 USD and you also need to pay VAT on top of that.

So the difference really is just 30-40 eur but you get a full 2y warranty period and it would be way cheaper to handle a potential RMA with a European retailer.

 

[archerious]

Any advantages of the SHD over Flex? Debating on which, I do like the appearance of the SHD more. Returned my SA30 and going for AHB2 + something for Dirac Live as it's incredible how much better the SA30 sounded with Dirac Live compared to stock.
EDIT: It seems the SHD is using AKM, that might be a plus as my LG TV has issues with high jitter causing dropouts on optical with ESS DACs like Gustard X18. The only ESS DACs that played well with my TV was SA30 so far.

 

[Rednaxela]

Just think of the SHD as the real Flex.

Hope this helps!

 

[Rednaxela]

Found it. All joking aside @archerious, this post may be of interest.

 

[dwkdnvr]

MiniDSP Flex 8 just announced. 8 channel version of the Flex. I predict it will be very popular.

miniDSP Flex Eight

miniDSP Flex Eight, 400MHz Sharc DSP audio processor, toolbox for subwoofer or multiway speaker tuning, Optional Dirac Live license for room correction, Bluetooth LDAC/APTX/AAC streaming.

www.minidsp.com

 

[juliangst]

MiniDSP Flex 8 just announced. 8 channel version of the Flex. I predict it will be very popular.

miniDSP Flex Eight

miniDSP Flex Eight, 400MHz Sharc DSP audio processor, toolbox for subwoofer or multiway speaker tuning, Optional Dirac Live license for room correction, Bluetooth LDAC/APTX/AAC streaming.

www.minidsp.com

Looks really nice. I watched some videos on DIY speakers yesterday and thought what the best dsp for a tweeter&woofer + sub integration would be.
I think flex 8 is the answer

 

[dwkdnvr]

Looks really nice. I watched some videos on DIY speakers yesterday and thought what the best dsp for a tweeter&woofer + sub integration would be.
I think flex 8 is the answer

Yeah, it's pretty much the ideal "active multi-way speaker development' tool.