miniDSP SHD only does 2 channels of Dirac. I want 2 subs. Options?

[bluefuzz]

If the C658 had a digital out, it would be the answer to my prayers.

Why do you need digital out?

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

Already got a DAC + amp I like. Anyone know of other devices

I already have a 2 channel HiFi Integrated amp.

Can you maybe explain your proposed setup a bit more? It sounds like you are after a Dirac device that performs room correction and outputs 4 channels of digital.
How do these connect to your (2 channel) integrated amp and subs? Where is the DA conversion done and where do you control the volume?

 

[mps]

Can you maybe explain your proposed setup a bit more? It sounds like you are after a Dirac device that performs room correction and outputs 4 channels of digital.
How do these connect to your (2 channel) integrated amp and subs? Where is the DA conversion done and where do you control the volume?

I'm not the OP but in the same situation. It seems like I would want a preamp with 4 channels (not 13), a stereo power amp, and 2 powered subwoofers. Is there such a 4 channel preamp that supports DLBC? AFAICT, that is what people using a stereo system with two subs would want, but I don't see one on the DLBC compatibility list

 

[MarkS]

Onkyo Icon P-80, but it has issues:

Onkyo Icon P‑80 + M‑80 World First Unboxing and Preview

No time to measure yet. Two new subs, not connected . When I have time, I probably can answer this. Edit: I will take a measurement today. A fast one, just to see what it is doing with the subs. This week my NOS Technics SL1200mk4 turntable arrives, bought at a Technics specialist here. We...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[mps]

Thanks, @MarkS . So close but so far!

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

I'm not the OP but in the same situation. It seems like I would want a preamp with 4 channels (not 13), a stereo power amp, and 2 powered subwoofers. Is there such a 4 channel preamp that supports DLBC? AFAICT, that is what people using a stereo system with two subs would want, but I don't see one on the DLBC compatibility list

But the OP has a 2 channel integrated amp and a dac (presumably separate from their integrated amp but we don’t yet know) both of which they want to keep in their system. They also don’t want this “4 channel preamp that supports DBLC” to output analog.

So I’m still trying to work out the signal path here.

 

[Sokel]

I'm not the OP but in the same situation. It seems like I would want a preamp with 4 channels (not 13), a stereo power amp, and 2 powered subwoofers. Is there such a 4 channel preamp that supports DLBC? AFAICT, that is what people using a stereo system with two subs would want, but I don't see one on the DLBC compatibility list

If I got that right, you're looking to create a 3-way speaker out of a 2-way and sub?
If that so, it's not gonna happen unless subs and mains are co-located, subs are special meaning they can go to 500Hz straight AND you have the means to do full spins if you plan for an x-over over 100Hz, TOPS 120Hz.

DIRAC can't do that for you.

If they are co-located, like using this special sub (as of a W371A fashion) as a stand for mains you could get-away with a pro digital x-over or if you know EXACTLY want you want even go with an analog one which can be super cheap as well.

 

[mps]

Hi Sokel,
I'm not sure I understand what you are recommending. I have two passive speakers and two active subwoofers (subs and mains are not colocated). I'm interested in using DLBC as my understanding is that it has the potential to tame bass modes. Like the OP, I have a miniDSP that won't do the job. It sounds like the Onkyo 18P would except that people are having bad experiences with it. Based on that goal, can you please clarify your recommendation?

Thanks, mps

 

[Sokel]

Hi Sokel,
I'm not sure I understand what you are recommending. I have two passive speakers and two active subwoofers (subs and mains are not colocated). I'm interested in using DLBC as my understanding is that it has the potential to tame bass modes. Like the OP, I have a miniDSP that won't do the job. It sounds like the Onkyo 18P would except that people are having bad experiences with it. Based on that goal, can you please clarify your recommendation?

Thanks, mps

That's different than what I thought then and totally legitimate.
It's the 2.2 OP original goal that confused me as that is what people trying to do for what I described above.

Other than that and if your goal is just taming room modes and your not asking for stereo bass through subs looking for AE, subs can run in mono, far easier as I read all around here.

 

[kharan]

I already have a 2 channel HiFi Integrated amp. Why would I want a multichannel AVR if I am juat playing stereo?

From your initial description of your desires, essentially, what you want is bass management and the convenience of not doing it manually.

I think some proprietary systems like Neumann MA1 and Genelec GLM do proper multi sub management, but aside from those only AVR have proper bass management and convenience.

 

[janbth]

I'm not the OP but in the same situation. It seems like I would want a preamp with 4 channels (not 13), a stereo power amp, and 2 powered subwoofers. Is there such a 4 channel preamp that supports DLBC? AFAICT, that is what people using a stereo system with two subs would want, but I don't see one on the DLBC compatibility list

NAD claims on their website that the M10 v3, M33 v2, and M66 has DLBC, but strangely enough Dirac doesn’t list these as supported. Hmm! One of them must be wrong…

 

[marked sound]

From your initial description of your desires, essentially, what you want is bass management and the convenience of not doing it manually.

I think some proprietary systems like Neumann MA1 and Genelec GLM do proper multi sub management, but aside from those only AVR have proper bass management and convenience.

The problem with these solutions is that they require active speakers aka powered monitors. I do not have those.

 

[Mort]

The problem with these solutions is that they require active speakers aka powered monitors. I do not have those.

Which is why they added "you'll need an AVR,"

 

[marked sound]

Which is why they added "you'll need an AVR,"

Ok but why would I want a 13 channel AVR for HiFi audio? That would be like buying a machine gun to go dear hunting. There has to be better solutions.

 

[Mort]

There has to be better solutions.

You've eliminated them all.

 

[marked sound]

You've eliminated them all.

All I am asking for is automatic room correction that also does subs, and allows me to use my existing DAC / amp. Why are you making it sound like I am asking for the moon and stars?

 

[Mort]

All I am asking for is automatic room correction that also does subs, and allows me to use my existing DAC / amp. Why are you making it sound like I am asking for the moon and stars?

You've gotten your answer, you just didn't like it. You obstinately insist we provide a better one. That sounds like 'asking for the moon and stars " a little yeah. (Your words not mine.)

 

[kharan]

All I am asking for is automatic room correction that also does subs, and allows me to use my existing DAC / amp. Why are you making it sound like I am asking for the moon and stars?

Because you are, a product that does bass management properly, that is built for stereo, and doesn't require much manual input doesn't exist.

Sort of.

If you are willing to spend gobs of money, you can buy a Trinnov Amethyst. But I didn't mention that for good reason, gobs of money. Honestly, the best bet is still some funky manipulation with MiniDSP's products.

 

[kharan]

Also, it's my impression that Dirac is very strict with regards to licensing and the implementation of their software in various end products. There's probably an aspect of that in MiniDSP's lack of implementation of DLBC.

And further more, if you are just implementing two virtual full range speakers with stereo subs. I think this could be achieved with the current MiniDSP solutions even if the procedure is a little funky.

 

[Mort]

And further more, if you are just implementing two virtual full range speakers with stereo subs. I think this could be achieved with the current MiniDSP solutions even if the procedure is a little funky.

I thought stereo subs was DLBC only? The Dirac in minidsp is stereo with mono subs.