MiniDSP (for Dirac) + WiiM Pro Plus + Apollon NCx500 ST = Does this make sense? How to plug?

[mxmzd]

Hi there and greetings from Germany!

I currently own 2 KEF LS50W2 and an Arendal 1723 1S. Unfortunately, I am missing kick-bass, clarity and stronger vocals, especially at high volumes. Plus, I have hefty room modes at roughly 45 Hz (=hence the wish for Dirac).

I am looking at getting a proper system that satisfies me more. The plan is to get the Nubert NuVero 110 (only 84,0 dB at 1W/1M, but also 32 Hz at -3db) which need a beefy amp. Doing lots of reading, I have identified the following setup:
NuVero 110 + Arendal 1723 1S > Apollon NCx500 ST > MiniDSP (open which one, but necessary for Dirac) and the WiiM Pro Plus.

Any thoughts or recommendations at this point? I am also uncertain about how I would plug the devices and which connection types to use. Listening only to Tidal & Spotify. No TV connected.

I definitely want to use Dirac to mitigate shortcomings of the room. So far, I stayed clear of the NAD M10 etc., because I fear they're not beefy enough plus tons of bad voices about NAD in the past. Bummer, because I loved my 316BEE.

Thank you for all recommendations!

 

[staticV3]

Hi @mxmzd! Welcome to ASR.

From what I understand, the WiiM Pro Plus' improved DAC and ADC (only difference vs WiiM Pro) wouldn't serve any purpose in your setup, hence the cheaper WiiM Pro would be the logical choice.

Or even the WiiM Mini, if you don't need Ethernet.

One disadvantage of miniDSP is that you can only get "basic" Dirac Live.
It'll automate room correction, but subwoofer integration you'll have to do manually.

For DLBC (room correction+sub integration) or Dirac ART (room correction+sub integration+room mode cancellation), you'd have to look into other DSP systems.

 

[mxmzd]

Thank you @staticV3! I would only need WiFi in the WiiM.

Sub Integration is actually important, especially if it involves timing/delays. Are there any DSP systems you would recommend?

 

[antcollinet]

For DLBC (room correction+sub integration) or Dirac ART (room correction+sub integration+room mode cancellation), you'd have to look into other DSP systems.

And pay much more for the license. I also believe you need multiple subs for these options to work well - though I could be wrong here, feel free to correct me.

Sub Integration is actually important,

It is actuallly not so hard to do manually. see:

One moment, please...

 

[staticV3]

Are there any DSP systems you would recommend?

Check out this thread for all info regarding DLBC/ART compatible hardware: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...irac-art-for-all-known-avrs-processors.50449/

Rumors are that all DLBC products will eventually support ART, at which point DLBC will be discontinued.

 

[JoetheLion]

Hi there and greetings from Germany!

I currently own 2 KEF LS50W2 and an Arendal 1723 1S. Unfortunately, I am missing kick-bass, clarity and stronger vocals, especially at high volumes. Plus, I have hefty room modes at roughly 45 Hz (=hence the wish for Dirac).

I am looking at getting a proper system that satisfies me more. The plan is to get the Nubert NuVero 110 (only 84,0 dB at 1W/1M, but also 32 Hz at -3db) which need a beefy amp. Doing lots of reading, I have identified the following setup:
NuVero 110 + Arendal 1723 1S > Apollon NCx500 ST > MiniDSP (open which one, but necessary for Dirac) and the WiiM Pro Plus.

Any thoughts or recommendations at this point? I am also uncertain about how I would plug the devices and which connection types to use. Listening only to Tidal & Spotify. No TV connected.

I definitely want to use Dirac to mitigate shortcomings of the room. So far, I stayed clear of the NAD M10 etc., because I fear they're not beefy enough plus tons of bad voices about NAD in the past. Bummer, because I loved my 316BEE.

Thank you for all recommendations!

Cheapest solution: Denon AVC-X3800H (< 1 K EUR), Dirac Live Bundle with Bass Control and Support for unlimited subwoofers: $ 599.

 

[mxmzd]

I think the biggest problem for me is having those huge AVRs in the living room, especially if it's a 2.1 system with no TV. There is a used AVC-X4800H with Dirac Licenses up for sale for 1500 EUR, but I believe/fear an extra Amp would still be recommended.

That is what I liked about the small combination between Amp, MiniDSP and WiiM.

 

[JoetheLion]

I think the biggest problem for me is having those huge AVRs in the living room, especially if it's a 2.1 system with no TV. There is a used AVC-X4800H with Dirac Licenses up for sale for 1500 EUR, but I believe/fear an extra Amp would still be recommended.

That is what I liked about the small combination between Amp, MiniDSP and WiiM.

According to Amir's measurements, the Denons 3800/4800 have enough power so that you don't need an extra amp. The size is indeed a matter of taste and you have to be able to live with not needing seven out of nine amplifiers. In terms of sound, you won't hear any difference to the Minidsp / Wim / any amp . In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage for music used to be the cumbersome integration of Tidal into HEOS, but Tidal Connect has recently become possible. Maybe you can put it in a cupboard? My 4800 doesn't get too warm.