Minidsp SHD Review Updated (DSP, DAC & Streamer)

[beefkabob]

Somebody explain the issue they're running into. What exactly would I have to do to recreate it?

 

[win]

I noticed the lacking support for the SHD as well and did not like the non existing manufacturer feedback in the forum.

This was one of the reasons I finally sold it.

Not weighing an opinion on this statement, but there is literally nothing else like their products on the market. Even the 8 year old DDRC-88d has no competitor. There are not really a lot of digital crossovers out there that don't require a PC and have an FIR based room correction software option.

 

[terryforsythe]

I had good experience from MiniDSP's support regarding my SHD. I had an issue from using too long of a USB extension cable that was not active. They were responsive, and told me what to do to fix it, which was re-flashing the firmware. (Nonetheless, they should have made it clear in big bold letters on the first page of the manual that you need an active USB extension cable if the included 2m extension cable is too short.)

On the other hand, I have a MCHStreamer kit (SPDIF I/O) I use with my raspberry Pi, and I have some issues on the input channels - not working at the highest specified sample rate and having some dropouts in the stream - short duration in the mS range. I reached out and support told me to test it using Windows. I did, then reported back the test results. After that, all I heard was crickets. I even sent a follow up email, for which I received no response. It's not a major issue for me because I am now connecting my WiiM to my Raspberry Pi via USB and only using the output channels of the MCHStreamer kit, and the output appears to be working well. So, I haven't bothered pestering them to try to get the input issues resolved.

 

[markstein]

Not weighing an opinion on this statement, but there is literally nothing else like their products on the market. Even the 8 year old DDRC-88d has no competitor. There are not really a lot of digital crossovers out there that don't require a PC and have an FIR based room correction software option.

That is - unfortunately - true. My current setup certainly is more capable in terms of settings and "doing everything technically right", however, at the cost of quite complicated operation. Only I can operate it, my partner is lost and uses the bluetooth speaker instead...

The Octo Dac8 and the latest firmware which allows implementing filters and delay for output channels might be a candidate for state-of-the-art excellence in a nice package, however, also seems to be very difficult to set up...

Are we - crying for such a device - so little people that development and software maintenance of such a product seems unattractive for suppliers? Maybe this is the case..

 

[win]

That is - unfortunately - true. My current setup certainly is more capable in terms of settings and "doing everything technically right", however, at the cost of quite complicated operation. Only I can operate it, my partner is lost and uses the bluetooth speaker instead...

The Octo Dac8 and the latest firmware which allows implementing filters and delay for output channels might be a candidate for state-of-the-art excellence in a nice package, however, also seems to be very difficult to set up...

Are we - crying for such a device - so little people that development and software maintenance of such a product seems unattractive for suppliers? Maybe this is the case..

Can Okto8 do FIR? I thought it was just PEQ.

 

[markstein]

IIR PEQs / biquads as I understand it. No FIR.

Totally okay for room EQ IMO.

Okto DAC8 update with DSP

This just arrived in my email inbox and looks very promising indeed: Dear audio enthusiasts, it’s a pleasure to reach out again after too long a silence. We at Okto Research have been eagerly developing something special, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our latest innovations with you...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[Stoutblock]

Based on the latest miniDSP newsletter there is finally a new Device Console update coming out on the 25th that will allow the user to attenuate input prior to the ASRC to address intersample overs.

 

[markstein]

Very good news! If it works.
Unfortunately too late for me - sold my Minidsp SHD in the meantime due to no feedback from Minidsp on this issue.

 

[tw99]

Very good news! If it works.
Unfortunately too late for me - sold my Minidsp SHD in the meantime due to no feedback from Minidsp on this issue.

Quite! There's a Beta available, but I'm waiting until some early adopters report success with the final release. Too much history of issues.

 

[nick-v]

Excellent news!

 

[beefkabob]

I am sick of the clipping. I will be happy to use the beta.

 

[markstein]

IMO Minidsp should really change their policy of not announcing any developments at all. With someone like me as customers, this "no-communication" hurts their business. I cannot speak for others of course...

I like WiiMs policy of sharing feature development roadmaps much better.

 

[markstein]

Hi Dave, with "if it works" I refer to the issues an earlier firmware caused, where Minidsp moved the master volume prior to the ASRC which caused very loud static, cracks and pops for some users. Minidsp then pulled back this firmware...

 

[Stoutblock]

Hi Dave, with "if it works" I refer to the issues an earlier firmware caused, where Minidsp moved the master volume prior to the ASRC which caused very loud static, cracks and pops for some users. Minidsp then pulled back this firmware...

Based on their comments in the newsletter they appear to have taken more time on this solution in order not to repeat that problem.

 

[jhaider]

When did the newsletter go out? I haven’t seen it hit my inbox.

 

[Stoutblock]

When did the newsletter go out? I haven’t seen it hit my inbox.

Yesterday. It is the Q4 newsletter.

It is also on the update manual:

One moment, please...

 

[jhaider]

Odd, I haven’t received it. Last one I have is last year. Anything interesting in the newsletter (e.g. DLBC or ART support)? I’ve used miniDSP stuff since the OG 2x4 was a brand new product…but of late find myself underusing expensive AVPs when what I really want is DLBC processor.

 

[Tokyo_John]

I saw this newsletter in my email and welcome the new functionality. But honestly I don't encounter a lot of clipping in my experience, but this will clearly be different depending on what we're listening to, what kind of sources are used, etc.. When I've heard such artifacts I usually chalk it up to bad input, which I guess is partly true if the digital master that is causing this clipping has zero headroom. It will be interesting if these issues go away forever with a -2dB input decrement.

 

[RosalieTheDog]

Haven't had problems with this.

I wish they would re enable IR learning. It is not the reason why I bought the minidsp Flex, but I was certainly impressed when Joe n tell configured the flex to accept an Nvidia remote control, only for them to quietly retire this feature in sept 2023.

 

[Stoutblock]

I had some serious clipping on several of my FLAC files (CD captures). I’ve been using the older firmware on my SHD that allowed adjusting the input volume prior to the ASRC. This has worked fine for me with no problems but I found -2 to -3 db was not nearly enough on several tracks. I was surprised that others had some catastrophic problems with this same version. In my case, I only use the SHD for its DSP, ADC and Dirac Live. I do not use the streamer, DAC or output volume control (always at 0db). I use USB, SPDiF, Toslink and analog input (XLR, RCA). I use SPDIF output to an external DAC. Maybe I have no problems by not using the other functions and with my connections? I look forward to the new firmware in that you can have unique attenuation for each of the different inputs.