Minidsp SHD Review Updated (DSP, DAC & Streamer)

[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.

 

[Stoutblock]

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.

Here is the newsletter:

https://lurh.trk.elasticemail.com/view?msgid=11jPqPMzMuKGwmdHmD623A2

 

[nothingman]

Two questions regarding the SHD, taking a look at the changelog.

1) Does the new firmware fix the red status LED on the front panel? I don’t see it mentioned in the changelog, and that’s somethign they mentioned when they fixed it for Flex series in Rev. 1.1.16 in January 2024, e.g. “Changed LED behaviour: LED On when device is On, LED Off when device is Standby / Off”

2) When they say “Display settings (Brightness, Timeout) is combined to a single dialog” — does that mean they have they added back control of the brightness and timeout that they took away when Device Console was first launched? A screenshot or description of those controls would be most appreciated. Thanks.

 

[tw99]

Two questions regarding the SHD, taking a look at the changelog.

1) Does the new firmware fix the red status LED on the front panel? I don’t see it mentioned in the changelog, and that’s somethign they mentioned when they fixed it for Flex series in Rev. 1.1.16 in January 2024, e.g. “Changed LED behaviour: LED On when device is On, LED Off when device is Standby / Off”

2) When they say “Display settings (Brightness, Timeout) is combined to a single dialog” — does that mean they have they added back control of the brightness and timeout that they took away when Device Console was first launched? A screenshot or description of those controls would be most appreciated. Thanks.

@Dave_Reite has tried the Beta, so may know...

 

[ebslo]

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.

View attachment 408744

Nice. I never had an issue with inter-sample overs, but this is a great feature to have just to compensate for different levels on different inputs. My older pre-amp had this feature and I missed it.

 

[_Bernardo]

Hi All, hoping to gain some guidance regarding the MiniDSP SHD studio.

Currently my setup is a WiiM streamer > DAC > integrated Amp>speakers. Generally I'm pretty happy with it however I live in an apartment and I am pretty limited with respect to speaker positioning and room optimisation. I am interested in the Minidsp purely for the Dirac live capability however don't really want to change end point as the Wiim has a great interface and is flexible with digital inputs (i.e. I have it also connected to my TV). Further to this, I like how I can independently change/upgrade dacs hence why I would prefer for a stand alone dac to remain in the chain rather than being tied to the Minidsp one.

I am intending to put the miniDSP in the chain after the streamer but before the DAC (WiiM streamer >MiniDSP> DAC > integrated Amp>speakers) but it feels a little bit weird with the amount of processing the digital signal is going to go though with the extra step in the chain. Obviously this comment is made without any sort of scientific research or depth of knowledge.

My question do you think this would introduce any sort of problem or degradation with the end result or am I being paranoid? Apologies for my ignorance, historically I have come from a very simple system.

Thank you, appreciate any help, Cheers

 

[nick-v]

Hi All, hoping to gain some guidance regarding the MiniDSP SHD studio.

Currently my setup is a WiiM streamer > DAC > integrated Amp>speakers. Generally I'm pretty happy with it however I live in an apartment and I am pretty limited with respect to speaker positioning and room optimisation. I am interested in the Minidsp purely for the Dirac live capability however don't really want to change end point as the Wiim has a great interface and is flexible with digital inputs (i.e. I have it also connected to my TV). Further to this, I like how I can independently change/upgrade dacs hence why I would prefer for a stand alone dac to remain in the chain rather than being tied to the Minidsp one.

I am intending to put the miniDSP in the chain after the streamer but before the DAC (WiiM streamer >MiniDSP> DAC > integrated Amp>speakers) but it feels a little bit weird with the amount of processing the digital signal is going to go though with the extra step in the chain. Obviously this comment is made without any sort of scientific research or depth of knowledge.

My question do you think this would introduce any sort of problem or degradation with the end result or am I being paranoid? Apologies for my ignorance, historically I have come from a very simple system.

Thank you, appreciate any help, Cheers

I think the product you're after is the miniDSP Flex with Dirac?

 

[_Bernardo]

I think the product you're after is the miniDSP Flex with Dirac?

Ah right you are. There's like a million different models.... Thank you for the clarification

In this instance the above question remains the same but the Flex is doing exactly what it is supposed to do in the chain. There's just a lot going on haha

If I were to add a sub to the system would it be better to connect it to the miniDSP (but it would bypass the DAC which seems silly) or is it better to use the sub output on the amp?

 

[nick-v]

The Flex is an excellent DAC. You'd want to pull your DAC out of the chain IMO.

And you'd definitely want to run the subwoofer through the Flex (and use the high and low pass crossover in the Flex).

 

[JustJones]

Hi All, hoping to gain some guidance regarding the MiniDSP SHD studio.

Currently my setup is a WiiM streamer > DAC > integrated Amp>speakers. Generally I'm pretty happy with it however I live in an apartment and I am pretty limited with respect to speaker positioning and room optimisation. I am interested in the Minidsp purely for the Dirac live capability however don't really want to change end point as the Wiim has a great interface and is flexible with digital inputs (i.e. I have it also connected to my TV). Further to this, I like how I can independently change/upgrade dacs hence why I would prefer for a stand alone dac to remain in the chain rather than being tied to the Minidsp one.

I am intending to put the miniDSP in the chain after the streamer but before the DAC (WiiM streamer >MiniDSP> DAC > integrated Amp>speakers) but it feels a little bit weird with the amount of processing the digital signal is going to go though with the extra step in the chain. Obviously this comment is made without any sort of scientific research or depth of knowledge.

My question do you think this would introduce any sort of problem or degradation with the end result or am I being paranoid? Apologies for my ignorance, historically I have come from a very simple system.

Thank you, appreciate any help, Cheers

Have you tried WiiM’s room correction? Something to start with and might be all you need.

Optimizing Your Audio Experience: The Power of Room Correction & How to Use in the WiiM Home App (Updated - Available now for both Android and iOS users)

Enhance your sound system with room correction: adjust audio to your room's acoustics for clearer, accurate, and immersive listening.

www.blog.wiimhome.com

 

[_Bernardo]

The Flex is an excellent DAC. You'd want to pull your DAC out of the chain IMO.

And you'd definitely want to run the subwoofer through the Flex (and use the high and low pass crossover in the Flex).

Understand the logic and it makes a lot of sense however I really like my dac and would prefer to use it. I will definitely test both and go with what I prefer.

This might be a silly question but, Is the flex capable of digital out and analogue with a low pass filter for the sub at the same time?

 

[_Bernardo]

Have you tried WiiM’s room correction? Something to start with and might be all you need.

Optimizing Your Audio Experience: The Power of Room Correction & How to Use in the WiiM Home App (Updated - Available now for both Android and iOS users)

Enhance your sound system with room correction: adjust audio to your room's acoustics for clearer, accurate, and immersive listening.

www.blog.wiimhome.com

I have but it's not great. Probably because you need to use the mic on your phone

 

[JustJones]

This might be a silly question but, Is the flex capable of digital out and analogue with a low pass filter for the sub at the same time?

I don't think any of the 3 Flex versions output digital and analog at the same time.
Two analog versions only output analog, one unbalanced the other balanced the digital version only outputs digital.

 

[Stoutblock]

This might be a silly question but, Is the flex capable of digital out and analogue with a low pass filter for the sub at the same time?

The SHD has four channels of digital outputs (2 x SPDIF) and four channels of analog outputs. All can be used at the same time but each of the four channels are the same output for both digital and analog.

 

[Rednaxela]

Two questions regarding the SHD, taking a look at the changelog.

1) Does the new firmware fix the red status LED on the front panel? I don’t see it mentioned in the changelog, and that’s somethign they mentioned when they fixed it for Flex series in Rev. 1.1.16 in January 2024, e.g. “Changed LED behaviour: LED On when device is On, LED Off when device is Standby / Off”

2) When they say “Display settings (Brightness, Timeout) is combined to a single dialog” — does that mean they have they added back control of the brightness and timeout that they took away when Device Console was first launched? A screenshot or description of those controls would be most appreciated. Thanks.

The status LED behavior is mentioned too in the latest firmware change log.

Does this solve your issue?

 

[Old_School_Brad]

I have but it's not great. Probably because you need to use the mic on your phone

It’s only useful if it’s your only option -if you don’t have a proper microphone or don’t want to use REW.
Additionally, it only performs a single-point measurement, which provides limited information and carries a high risk of applying incorrect EQ settings.

The effectiveness of room EQ depends entirely on the accuracy and thoroughness of the measurements.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

I just updated my SHD this morning. My worst track for intersample over caused clipping is JEM - Finally Woken - 24. That is a very hot track! Using this track I adjusted the USB input until I got a max of 0db output and all is fine. A little slow on the final fix but thanks miniDSP!

Not sure if it’s my imagination but I can’t help but sense a change in audio output. I wonder if I need to do another RTA in Dirac Live? Anyone else have thoughts on this? Guess I will do a new RTA in REW and compare it to the last one.

I always use test tones at 0 dB to check both the software meters and the output voltage with a DMM.

For music, I have a curated list of dynamic tracks that are particularly helpful for fine-tuning gain settings.
Here are two examples:

The first track gets straight to the point -it hits hard right from the start. I use it to verify that my initial settings, tested and measured using test tones and a DMM, are correct.

This track is also quite intense, starting around the 30-second mark. What makes it unique is that her voice remains clear and audible while a powerful bassline and electronic kick drum play simultaneously. When the bass hits its peak, any distortion in the signal chain becomes immediately noticeable in her voice. Few tracks combine vocals and bass at such high levels, making this one stand out for testing purposes.