Minidsp SHD Review Updated (DSP, DAC & Streamer)

[Aventador_SVJ]

It would have to be a Roon/miniDSP compatibility issue due to the "latest" hardware/software updates, because I use the same Roon on my other SHD with no popping. I swapped them out yesterday, same config... back to back... one pops, the other does not.

Regards,
Sonnie

I think it is very likely that they can fix this with a firmware update, so fingers crossed this will be part of their February 2021 release.

 

[RichB]

Looks like you've answered the question about the new firmware that will come out in 2 weeks, as I expect they will simply go back to FW 1.21 from a 'power use' perspective, which will result in no buzzing/whining and low power usage in standby, as you are now experiencing

The features that are enabled on my SHD are the same in all of my power tests (i.e. Dirac on in every case), so the increase in power usage is down to the power supply change.

Did you notice that the power supply board was a completely different colour and had different components?

It's hard to miss:

The new supply is installed and the old is on the table to the left. The are similarly sized

 

[Aventador_SVJ]

It's hard to miss:

View attachment 111340

The new supply is installed and the old is on the table to the left. The are similarly sized

Mine looks exactly the same (original and new power supplies).

 

[RichB]

It would have to be a Roon/miniDSP compatibility issue due to the "latest" hardware/software updates, because I use the same Roon on my other SHD with no popping. I swapped them out yesterday, same config... back to back... one pops, the other does not.

Regards,
Sonnie

Are you using 1.073 on the old hardware?

I think it is very likely that they can fix this with a firmware update, so fingers crossed this will be part of their February 2021 release.

Fingers are crossed.

Here is what I think we know thus far:

- The new hardware is required though it could be related to different software versions
- It occurs only with 24 bit or high bit-rate (>44.1 kHz) tracks streamed by Roon via LAN
- It occurs with the Volumio 1.073 Roon Bridge or Roon Ready interfaces
- The same tracks played via the Volumio Qobuz app do not clock or pop

Reports form user with older hardware and newer Volumio 1.076 have no pops and clicks.

- Rich

 

[RichB]

Mine looks exactly the same (original and new power supplies).

Which one does it look like, the left (old) or right (new)?

- Rich

 

[Aventador_SVJ]

Which one does it look like, the left (old) or right (new)?

- Rich

My original power supply looks like your left picture and the new one looks like the right picture.

 

[RichB]

My original power supply looks like your left picture and the new one looks like the right picture.

The new and old connectors look the same, the rest, not so much
Now, we just have to get @Sonnie to crack his open and see what he's got.

- Rich

 

[Sonnie]

Are you using 1.073 on the old hardware?

- Rich

It is still the previous version... 1.062 I believe. The new unit is 1.073.

The new and old connectors look the same, the rest, not so much
Now, we just have to get @Sonnie to crack his open and see what he's got.

- Rich

I suspect I can do that... the new one is easily accessible right now.

 

[RichB]

For the USB Trigger, I constructed a 3.5MM mono to USB female cable. I liked this configuration because there was no need to terminate the data lines and the female connector allows me to use standard USB-A to A cables get the right length.

Amazon.com: Maxmoral 10pcs USB 2.0 Connector Type A Female Port Socket with Black Plastic Cover DIY Connector: Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: Fancasee (10 Pack) Replacement 3.5mm Male Plug to Bare Wire Open End TS 2 Pole Mono 1/8" 3.5mm Plug Jack Connector Audio Cable Repair: Industrial & Scientific

After soldering the connections, UV glue was added to the end for stress relief. The SHD USB host properly triggers the AHB2 amp. x

- Rich

 

[Sonnie]

Here is the one in my new unit... so it's the updated version.

Regards,
Sonnie

 

[whitfc]

Here is the one in my new unit... so it's the updated version.

View attachment 111476

What’s behind the update? How does the old and new compare? Similar presumably. I wonder if the latest measurements were taken on a model with the new power supply.

 

[Sonnie]

What’s behind the update? How does the old and new compare? Similar presumably. I wonder if the latest measurements were taken on a model with the new power supply.

No audible differences that I can tell, but both measurements were tested with inaudible noise anyway, so I'm not sure anyone would be able to differentiate anything. The second unit tested was my first unit ordered in December, which has the previous power supply, hardware and software. The new unit has not been tested. I would say wait a few months, let them get the bugs worked out of the new software, get it Roon Ready, then have Amir test another unit.

Regards,
Sonnie

 

[portlandsounds]

SHD firmware update came out today.

 

[nothingman]

The moment of truth! Please let us know about power draw and the ethernet issue. Does the unit stay connected to the network in standby, or does it need 15-30sec to reestablish like it does when coming out of full power off? I assume Volumio is shut down and inaccessible in standby, unlike the older hardware where you can always connect and start playing a track. Thanks for all the info so far too, folks!

 

[Sonnie]

Hmmm... don't think it would affect me.

Rev 1.15 / FW 1.27 / 09 Feb 2021 (minor)

1. Standby mode re-instated for new hardware version.

 

[nothingman]

Did your “new” unit with the new power supply already installed also show up with v1.27?

 

[RichB]

Hmmm... don't think it would affect me.

Where can I find the update?

Thanks,

Rich

 

[nothingman]

https://www.minidsp.com/userdownloads/shd-series

You’ll need to login. The firmware update software isn’t super intuitive.

 

[Sonnie]

Did your “new” unit with the new power supply already installed also show up with v1.27?

Mine has 1.25 on it right now.

Actually it may affect me if the standby power is higher than it should be, I have not tested it.

 

[Aventador_SVJ]

The moment of truth! Please let us know about power draw and the ethernet issue. Does the unit stay connected to the network in standby, or does it need 15-30sec to reestablish like it does when coming out of full power off? I assume Volumio is shut down and inaccessible in standby, unlike the older hardware where you can always connect and start playing a track. Thanks for all the info so far too, folks!

New FW = 1.27.

Power 'standby' = 1.6w, Power 'on' = 15w [Test passed]

Buzzing = no buzzing apparent [Test passed]

Power on, then standby, back on. Ethernet connects - tried this a couple of times [Test passed]

Well done MiniDSP