Minidsp SHD Review Updated (DSP, DAC & Streamer)

[Sonnie]

I feel for you, the Bobwire was $40, then $65, now $88!?!? And you need a spdif to toslink converter just to use it with the SHD!

If MiniDSP came out with a V2 SHD with basic preamp functionality I would sell mine and buy that in a heartbeat.

Yep... and easy $100 for the shameful laziness of technology.

Looks like you got it figured out @Sonnie

for anyone else: there's always the option of using a smart plug and a 12v dc power supply. You can connect the power supply to any components you want to trigger, and use the smart plug to turn on/off the trigger state.

then you can either use your phone, or other 'smart' ways to trigger - e.g. a wall switch state, or a motion sensor that knows when you've entered, or [...]

Seems like they would make an infrared box with a 12-volt trigger and a simple on/off remote. But I suppose only those with the SHD are the only folks that would ever buy it? I'm not sure how many other preamp type products out there that don't have 12-volt trigger... can't be many.

 

[FrankF]

You can always use a Alexa smart plug provided your amp doesn't draw over 15a/1800volts.

 

[CoolHandDuke]

Another aspect I'm confused about regarding the SHD and Dirac, is sub integration. Does Dirac 3 do anything to integrate subs or is that the job of minidsp's software? How does that compare to something like Audyssey? I see Dirac has a bass management program, but I assumed integration of subwoofers was just part of the full Dirac software.

 

[Sonnie]

You can always use a Alexa smart plug provided your amp doesn't draw over 15a/1800volts.

I don't do Alexa... not a fan.

The outlets don't actually power the amps... they power 12-volt power supplies with a 3.5mm connector that turns the amps on. They are 12-volt/2-amp wall-warts.

Everything is so much smoother and easier (so I can be mo lazier) when I do nothing more than press a button on my remote, and the SHD comes on, amps come on and I'm a click or two away from listening to some music.

Another aspect I'm confused about regarding the SHD and Dirac, is sub integration. Does Dirac 3 do anything to integrate subs or is that the job of minidsp's software? How does that compare to something like Audyssey? I see Dirac has a bass management program, but I assumed integration of subwoofers was just part of the full Dirac software.

You set the xover you want in the miniDSP software, then run Dirac. There are only 3 sweeps... left, right, left. It sweeps the subs with the mains. It's not like Dirac in an AVR where it sweeps the subs separate... there are only two channels in the SHD.

 

[CoolHandDuke]

I don't do Alexa... not a fan.

The outlets don't actually power the amps... they power 12-volt power supplies with a 3.5mm connector that turns the amps on. They are 12-volt/2-amp wall-warts.

Everything is so much smoother and easier (so I can be mo lazier) when I do nothing more than press a button on my remote, and the SHD comes on, amps come on and I'm a click or two away from listening to some music.


You set the xover you want in the miniDSP software, then run Dirac. There are only 3 sweeps... left, right, left. It sweeps the subs with the mains. It's not like Dirac in an AVR where it sweeps the subs separate... there are only two channels in the SHD.

Appreciate the clarification. Does this mean it won't automatically adjust timing and dB offset?

 

[Sonnie]

Appreciate the clarification. Does this mean it won't automatically adjust timing and dB offset?

Correct, you'll need to set the levels yourself... and add timing delay to either the mains outputs or sub outputs. You can use REW to set the timing between your subs and mains, which is actually more accurate than Dirac in most cases that I've used it. Dirac has a tendency to use the timing to get a smoother response... or should I say it seems to value response over timing. I've tested it several times.

 

[CoolHandDuke]

Correct, you'll need to set the levels yourself... and add timing delay to either the mains outputs or sub outputs. You can use REW to set the timing between your subs and mains, which is actually more accurate than Dirac in most cases that I've used it. Dirac has a tendency to use the timing to get a smoother response... or should I say it seems to value response over timing. I've tested it several times.

I admittedly hoped it was a bit more "plug and play" in regards to low end response. Something I'll need to consider. SHD costs the same as the Denon 3700. No doubt the SHD is better in many ways. I do want to avoid getting lost in chasing measurements though.

 

[Sonnie]

I admittedly hoped it was a bit more "plug and play" in regards to low end response. Something I'll need to consider. SHD costs the same as the Denon 3700. No doubt the SHD is better in many ways. I do want to avoid getting lost in chasing measurements though.

Whether it's my HTP-1 processor or the SHD... I'm all up in the measurements and setup, always trying to maximize everything to the inth degree. However... I was using REW when John created it and he has hosted it for download on our sites for about 15 years now, and we are the support forum for it at AV NIRVANA, so I am around it, using it, talking about it, all the time. The basics of it are second nature to me.

 

[CoolHandDuke]

Whether it's my HTP-1 processor or the SHD... I'm all up in the measurements and setup, always trying to maximize everything to the inth degree. However... I was using REW when John created it and he has hosted it for download on our sites for about 15 years now, and we are the support forum for it at AV NIRVANA, so I am around it, using it, talking about it, all the time. The basics of it are second nature to me.

It was just a couple months back I received my umik and downloaded REW to find ideal sub and speaker placement. I can take measurements, but that's about the extent of my knowledge.

 

[RichB]

I don't do Alexa... not a fan.

The outlets don't actually power the amps... they power 12-volt power supplies with a 3.5mm connector that turns the amps on. They are 12-volt/2-amp wall-warts.

Everything is so much smoother and easier (so I can be mo lazier) when I do nothing more than press a button on my remote, and the SHD comes on, amps come on and I'm a click or two away from listening to some music.


You set the xover you want in the miniDSP software, then run Dirac. There are only 3 sweeps... left, right, left. It sweeps the subs with the mains. It's not like Dirac in an AVR where it sweeps the subs separate... there are only two channels in the SHD.

Many of the top rated DACs capable of outputting 4 or more volts on their XLR outs do not have trigger outputs.

I did a quick survey of the ASR reviews.
These are some recommend DACs on ASR that do not have Trigger outputs:

RME ADI DACs (that also includes PEQ)
Topping DACs
Shitt DACs
SMSL DACs
Gustard X26
Denafrips ARES II
Chord Qutest
Aurender A10 (and A100)
Auralic Vega DAC (and G1)
Aune X1S DAC (and X8)
MiniDSP SHD DACs

These DACs have trigger outputs:

Benchmark DACS
Okto Research DACs
Pro-ject Pre Box DS2 DAC
Paradigm PW-Link
Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC
Oppo Sonica DAC
Oppo UDP-205 (Disk player and DAC)


I think it may take some time, but hopefully, trigger outs will be added will be added to future products, especially for Streamer/DACs and products with build-in PEQ/REQ.

- Rich

 

[CoolHandDuke]

@Sonnie

After you've setup the sub crossover and time alignment, does Dirac make corrections to the sub bass frequencies? To clarify, even though Dirac is 2 channel with the SHD, will it be able to make cuts/boosts in the 20-40hz range?

 

[win]

Dirac 2-channel indeed has full bandwidth frequency response correction.

Without individually modifying the subwoofer channels though, the 2-channel solution leaves a lot to be desired. Much better to individually tune each subwoofer with something like multi-sub optimizer.

 

[abdo123]

MiniDSP SHD DACs

I can't see a trigger out on it.

 

[CoolHandDuke]

Dirac 2-channel indeed has full bandwidth frequency response correction.

Without individually modifying the subwoofer channels though, the 2-channel solution leaves a lot to be desired. Much better to individually tune each subwoofer with something like multi-sub optimizer.

I'm only running 1 sub and plan to for the foreseeable future. I had considered moving from an AVR to the SHD. I just want to make sure I can integrate it as well as I can now if I make the switch.

 

[Sonnie]

@Sonnie

After you've setup the sub crossover and time alignment, does Dirac make corrections to the sub bass frequencies? To clarify, even though Dirac is 2 channel with the SHD, will it be able to make cuts/boosts in the 20-40hz range?

I'm only running 1 sub and plan to for the foreseeable future. I had considered moving from an AVR to the SHD. I just want to make sure I can integrate it as well as I can now if I make the switch.

I have 4 subs, but they are all summed and time aligned prior to Dirac, for reasons previously stated.

My post Dirac Live REW measurements look almost identical with running Dirac in the HTP-1 (using Bass Optimization) vs. running Dirac in the SHD (without Bass Optimization). The only benefit I've found for Bass Optimization is that it makes it easier to set the various crossovers when you have a 9.1.4 setup. Otherwise, I can get the same measured results with or without it. It's like I tell some others... if you have an AV processor and multiple sub setup and you are a bit lazy... pay the extra $500 for Bass Control... otherwise save yourself $500. I have it, so I use it. It's not offered on the SHD, but it's not really needed.

 

[CoolHandDuke]

I have 4 subs, but they are all summed and time aligned prior to Dirac, for reasons previously stated.

My post Dirac Live REW measurements look almost identical with running Dirac in the HTP-1 (using Bass Optimization) vs. running Dirac in the SHD (without Bass Optimization). The only benefit I've found for Bass Optimization is that it makes it easier to set the various crossovers when you have a 9.1.4 setup. Otherwise, I can get the same measured results with or without it. It's like I tell some others... if you have an AV processor and multiple sub setup and you are a bit lazy... pay the extra $500 for Bass Control... otherwise save yourself $500. I have it, so I use it. It's not offered on the SHD, but it's not really needed.

How do you time align using REW?

If I set sub gain to match mains prior to running Dirac, when I have the option of setting up a house curve (maybe downward sloping), will SHD be able to change the sub gain setting to accomplish this? Or will it rely solely on boosts and cuts? If my understanding of this is primitive, thanks for your patience.

 

[Sonnie]

I don't wanna get this thread off topic with REW... but if you post a question in the REW Support forum over at avnirvana.com ... we can show you how.

As far as the SHD is concerned... once you set your sub levels and timing, then run your sweeps in Dirac, you can adjust your target curve to whatever you like, with up to 4 varying curves of your choice, saved them to the 4 presets, then switch between the 4 and see what you like best. Or setup a few different curves for different music, etc. The house curve or whatever curve you want is adjusted within the Dirac program.

 

[RichB]

I can't see a trigger out on it.

My error, the post has been corrected.
The SHDs have been moved to the naughty list.

- Rich

 

[RichB]

I don't wanna get this thread off topic with REW... but if you post a question in the REW Support forum over at avnirvana.com ... we can show you how.

As far as the SHD is concerned... once you set your sub levels and timing, then run your sweeps in Dirac, you can adjust your target curve to whatever you like, with up to 4 varying curves of your choice, saved them to the 4 presets, then switch between the 4 and see what you like best. Or setup a few different curves for different music, etc. The house curve or whatever curve you want is adjusted within the Dirac program.

I plan to use the SHD with REW and not Dirac. I read that this is possible. Is this correct?

- Rich

 

[Sonnie]

I plan to use the SHD with REW and not Dirac. I read that this is possible. Is this correct?

- Rich

Yes... you can use REW to create your own filters. I'm a bit lazy on that end... I use Audiolense, although I still check my response and other things with REW.