You're correct. For some reason I thought it did accept 4 channel inputs over digital due to the routing matrix showing 4 channels, but it only accepts stereo inputs which can be sent to 4 channel output.
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Minidsp SHD Review Updated (DSP, DAC & Streamer)
- Thread starter amirm
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Daaadou
Member
Thanks for your answer.
I might choose a switcher... I don't want to use the TV each time, especially for the CCA and the BR player is used to play CDs as well.
The 12V trigger is a huge downside, I know it will get obnoxious over time...
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nothingman
Senior Member
Correct on the final point. USB and the entire digital side of the SHD is powered on during standby (you can even start streaming a song from volumio). This is why the USB power trigger idea doesn’t work, and also why the coaxial digital output also won’t work with a product like the BobWire DAT1 which is made to produce a 12v trigger based on whether there’s a DAC clock lock (on the SHD the output clock is always active). The DAT1 also offers an analog signal detection trigger which is less elegant than a true power trigger function, but for people without that feature on their power amps at least it’s an option.
maverik_77
Member
I don't think it is a easy swap. The form factor and pins of nanopi are totally different. They directly attach to the minidsp board through pins to get power and send audio out. I looked at that option and found that the nanopi neo4 is different from the neo2. No idea how nanopi naming works.
The neo3 was released a couple of months back with rockchip processor instead of allwinner, also with USBC power connector on different side. I was expecting an upgrade to allwinner h6 without change of port locations. The USBC power connector has to be removed from the board to fit to mini-dsp case too. Moreover no guarantee that volumio will work on a different chip. I think we are stuck with external RPi or what is within unless friendlyelec releases a compatible replacement.
Had a close look at the Neo2 vs Neo3 boards. Neo2 is 40 X 40mm whereas Neo3 is 48 X 48mm. Also Neo3 does not have audio pin out. So even if we have volumio supporting Neo3, it cannot physically fit in the neo2 location of minidsp or send audio to minidsp (I am assuming minidsp use the audio output pins of neo2.. Please correct me if wrong).
Edit: Added comparison of Neo2 vs Neo2
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Thanks for looking into that. What a drag that its not simply plug in the upgraded nano. Ah well my rpi works perfectly and as noted above, with the USB never turning off the external rpi never loses connection (which mine used to with my old su8 dac). People might prefer it to switch off but I way prefer it stay live. Also I much prefer the moode interface than the version of Volumio that runs in the SHD. Happy with my decision and it just sounds so much better with Dirac. Next stop, subs.
Why won't the LFE information be correct if it is being re-routed to the L/R channels? Yes the SHD will introduce delay, but that shouldn't be too hard to account for in the AVR.
I am actually trying this out with a client of mine, so we'll see if it works out in the end. I'm not sure if something like this has been done before but I honestly don't see why it wouldn't work. And if the LFE channel is really so important than you could just run a 2x4HD parallel to the SHD and feed the 2x4HD with LFE. Or use two SHD's if you've got the money for it.
Actually, not recommended. CCA needs to draw up to 1A, but the I think the USB port can only supply 500mA.
1) All LFE above SHD sub crossover will run through the mains, not the subs as intended. And this LFE will be +10dB hotter and will need extra headroom on the mains (compound that issue if using the SHD Dirac too).
2) LFE important, absolutely if you are aiming for accurate reproduction of a movie. If not, well that's not a very high standard to aim for for paying clients imo.
3) Some AVR's are limited in delay, in this case 26ms PLUS that needed without the SHD in the chain
4) Another miniDSP either HD or SHD is not really helpful, complicated to setup and use, and an unnecessary expense. Now an 2x4 miniDSP setup for proper multisub integration, for use on both the music and the HT sides, is a wonderful thing (that' s how I have mine setup).
A switcher is all it takes to eliminate ALL of the issues created trying to run the AVR through the SHD ADC
. Good luck.For stereo use, the SHD is going to be used with digital inputs, so no need for the AV Processor at all (thank God).1) All LFE above SHD sub crossover will run through the mains, not the subs as intended. And this LFE will be +10dB hotter and will need extra headroom on the mains (compound that issue if using the SHD Dirac too).
2) LFE important, absolutely if you are aiming for accurate reproduction of a movie. If not, well that's not a very high standard to aim for for paying clients imo.
3) Some AVR's are limited in delay, in this case 26ms PLUS that needed without the SHD in the chain
4) Another miniDSP either HD or SHD is not really helpful, complicated to setup and use, and an unnecessary expense. Now an 2x4 miniDSP setup for proper multisub integration, for use on both the music and the HT sides, is a wonderful thing (that' s how I have mine setup).
A switcher is all it takes to eliminate ALL of the issues created trying to run the AVR through the SHD ADC
To your first point, L/R + redirected LFE will go into the L/R inputs on the SHD. Now the SHD will be used as the crossover between the mains and the subs. The mains in this case are plenty stout and could play down to 30Hz if needed, but they will be high passed. The subs will be low passed. The LFE information will be going to the subs and the mains but with the crossover this shouldn't be an issue. And with independent gains, equalization and a DIRAC target curve, even if the LFE comes in hot, that can be completely accounted for and dialed in.
For your second point, bass is important, and given the room and placement constraints, I need all the tools available to dial in the bass. The SHD gives me those tools, while the AVR ties my hands behind my back. I've already ran measurements and the response is far from perfect. A MiniDSP 2x4 gives you control over the subs, but I want that same level of control over the mains as well.
Third point, well the receiver has enough enough delay to account for the 26ms of the SHD plus how the speakers are configured in the room. A 2x4 would introduce delay as well, so that is not an issue unique to the SHD.
The points you bring up I'll definitely keep my eye on, but I still think this approach will provide better bass (LFE) to the user at the end of the day. And better sound from the mains, thanks to DIRAC. I've already measured inside this particular room and it has its fair share of issues.
Now I still have the option of regulating the SHD purely for bass management on the LFE channel when use in HT just as you do with the 2x4. While also retaining a stereo 2.2 setup using only the SHD for digital inputs. SHD is an extremely flexible product so I have options.
Oh my...way more than enough for a whole 'nother HT setup thread elsewhere. Better to move back to solo SHD discussion here.
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Is Okto planning to support OpenDrc? That would be somethingPlus customs handling fees and the time and bother...saving penies and too much trouble in the end maybe..Still envious of much cheaper it is in the US.
I know Dirac is sort of the whole point, but wish they made this with an OpenDrc platform, and three channels so you could roll your own, and cheaper too, no Dirac licensing..Waiting for Okto to rock their boat
I agree, but someone did ask if they could use an SHD in HT.
And I was able to successfully integrate the SHD with an AVR over the weekend. For stereo use the SHD does it's magic with DIRAC, and in HT I was able to time align all the channels using an acoustic timing reference, accounting for the added delay of the SHD. The AVR's room correction is working just fine with all the channels properly level matched.
So an SHD can be used in HT with incredible results. Having the SHD is very important as the independent delays and crossovers are much better than what is found on the AVR. This is necessary to get the best bass possible between the mains and multiple subs.
The best solution is buying a Datasat RS20i. That has all the functionality of an SHD and then some for proper HT. But that costs $20,000.
For any owners or owners to be.. one thing I would highly recommend is a programmable universal remote. The included remote works but I don't care for it. I have the version 1 of the remote which has
-a source button that cycles through all of the inputs (no discrete buttons to directly select a source)
-4 presets
-Dirac on/off
-volume up/down
-mute
The version 2 remote remote has a different layout and adds power on/off and skip forward/back but is still lacking discrete inputs. I hate scrolling inputs. One thing I was surprised is the skip forward/back and play/pause work while using roon.
A while back they provided remote codes to program your own remote. To my surprise they provided ir codes for discrete inputs. Programming a universal remote with discrete codes with meaningful names such as listen to music, watch tv etc makes it much more family friendly to use. There IR codes are in the same location as the firmware updates.
For those that need long hex codes (for example I use URC/Universal Remote Control) you may need a different format than Minidsp provides. I have attached these here a member on Remote Central kindly converted for me. In case it helps anyone.
-a source button that cycles through all of the inputs (no discrete buttons to directly select a source)
-4 presets
-Dirac on/off
-volume up/down
-mute
The version 2 remote remote has a different layout and adds power on/off and skip forward/back but is still lacking discrete inputs. I hate scrolling inputs. One thing I was surprised is the skip forward/back and play/pause work while using roon.
A while back they provided remote codes to program your own remote. To my surprise they provided ir codes for discrete inputs. Programming a universal remote with discrete codes with meaningful names such as listen to music, watch tv etc makes it much more family friendly to use. There IR codes are in the same location as the firmware updates.
For those that need long hex codes (for example I use URC/Universal Remote Control) you may need a different format than Minidsp provides. I have attached these here a member on Remote Central kindly converted for me. In case it helps anyone.
Studio does not have a dac or analog inputs
And Studio adds AES out:
https://www.minidsp.com/products/streaming-hd-series/shd-series (scroll down to features comparison table)
Steve Dallas
Major Contributor
This is what I use via Toslink. Works great. I think Topping makes something similar for less $$.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07F6ZP...olid=2L3MIGY0JVAWE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
maxxevv
Major Contributor
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The Fiio BTA30 is probably worth a look too.
https://smile.amazon.com/FiiO-Wirel...iio+bta30&qid=1610036673&s=electronics&sr=1-1
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