miniDSP Tide16 - Holy Grail with 16 Channel Atmos/DTS:X, high SINAD

[Momomo67890]

I think the tariff pre trump was about 8% which is not a huge difference.

 

[airs]

I think the tariff pre trump was about 8% which is not a huge difference.

My SHD order from them had zero tariffs. Now it’s 20% + 5% which is almost $900.

 

[Momomo67890]

They just ripping us off lol

 

[prerich]

I’d love to get a Tide16 but can’t stomach the tariff charge for USA. Guess I’ll wait for it to come down in 2.5 years

There's the less expensive Tonewinner AT-600, but I haven't heard how it test on the bench yet.

 

[prerich]

I don't know why I didn't think of that. I wanted a more permanent upstream solution but this could work if I just switch cables manually. Might work.
Edit: I don't think my laptop sends 5.1 LPCM. Just stereo.


No sir.

What's the model of your laptop - most laptops have at least 5.1 LPCM.

 

[Hko]

There's the less expensive Tonewinner AT-600, but I haven't heard how it test on the bench yet.

Just take a look at the manual of Tonewinner - does not appear too convincing a device to me based on their level of instructions. It can still be decent device though.

 

[Stoutblock]

Right now I have an SHD feeding 2 stereo channels into a 2x4 active analog crossover. Can I use the Tide 16 for two channel stereo input and 2x4 analog output (thus not needing the analog crossover)? I assume so but thought I would ask before spending some serious coin.

 

[jhaider]

There's the less expensive Tonewinner AT-600, but I haven't heard how it test on the bench yet.

Apparently that device only supports 3 subs, which is just strange. Effectively that cripples it to 14 outputs in the standard 7.1.4 channel immersive configuration. MiniDSP cripples to 15, which is also dumb but at least 1 better…

 

[BJL]

Right now I have an SHD feeding 2 stereo channels into a 2x4 active analog crossover. Can I use the Tide 16 for two channel stereo input and 2x4 analog output (thus not needing the analog crossover)? I assume so but thought I would as before spending some serious coin.

Yes of course. You can use the matrix mixer to send whatever inputs to whatever outputs, and the signal flow then goes to the output section which has PEQ, crossover etc. This is explained clearly in the manual. Just click on the link to the manual on their website and search of "matrix mixer."

 

[BJL]

Apparently that device only supports 3 subs, which is just strange. Effectively that cripples it to 14 outputs in the standard 7.1.4 channel immersive configuration. MiniDSP cripples to 15, which is also dumb but at least 1 better…

You have been misinformed. Look at the manual, or even better, download the miniDSP console and look at the actual options (selecting the Tide template). It supports up to four subwoofers.

 

[peng]

You have been misinformed. Look at the manual, or even better, download the miniDSP console and look at the actual options (selecting the Tide template). It supports up to four subwoofers.

He's right in the sense that 4 subs vs 3 subs is "1 better", so running 7.4.4 is running a total of 15 channels. There will be one channel left for something else.

 

[Foggy1956]

You have been misinformed. Look at the manual, or even better, download the miniDSP console and look at the actual options (selecting the Tide template). It supports up to four subwoofers.

I believe the 3 sub reference was for the Tonewinner

 

[jhaider]

You have been misinformed. Look at the manual, or even better, download the miniDSP console and look at the actual options (selecting the Tide template). It supports up to four subwoofers.

Do math.

7+4+4 =15. That leaves one channel unusable.

Now, if it supported Auro (which all of these boxes should) then the currently-crippled channel could be used for center height.

 

[BJL]

Do math.

7+4+4 =15. That leaves one channel unusable.

Well, that is just a question of one's priorities. Do you want four subs? Do you want front wides?

The more interesting question, I think, is whether four subs is ever needed for anyone implementing Dirac ART (which I presume would be anyone purchasing the Tide, as it was designed for ART.)

 

[Stoutblock]

Yes of course. You can use the matrix mixer to send whatever inputs to whatever outputs, and the signal flow then goes to the output section which has PEQ, crossover etc. This is explained clearly in the manual. Just click on the link to the manual on their website and search of "matrix mixer."

Thanks! Sorry for the dumb question.

 

[jhaider]

Well, that is just a question of one's priorities. Do you want four subs? Do you want front wides?

The standard immersive configuration is 7.1.4.

The more interesting question, I think, is whether four subs is ever needed for anyone implementing Dirac ART (which I presume would be anyone purchasing the Tide, as it was designed for ART.)

“Needed” is a loaded word. Are multiple subs helpful for ART? Undoubtedly yes. Personally we are using 4 (corners of the front wall) with ART, and that leads to superb bass quality and consistency through the room, in this room. (HTP-1 correctly allows for 5 subs in the standard immersive configuration, so all channels may be used.) But every room is different, so more flexibility is always preferable.

 

[a_ron]

Personally we are using 4 (corners of the front wall) with ART, and that leads to superb bass quality and consistency through the room, in this room.

I'm experimenting with sub placement with ART, so I'm curious about yours. You have two subs in each of the two front corners?

 

[Eric Larson]

I’d love to get a Tide16 but can’t stomach the tariff charge for USA. Guess I’ll wait for it to come down in 2.5 years

Are you sure it will come down? Nobody knows who the President will be, or what the policies will be.

My advice is do not to cut off your nose to spite your face.

 

[BJL]

The standard immersive configuration is 7.1.4.

Maybe that is your standard for an immersive configuration. I have 9.1.6 and in my opinion, for some media the front wides are essential, and it does enhance ART.

 

[BJL]

I'm experimenting with sub placement with ART, so I'm curious about yours. You have two subs in each of the two front corners?

One. 9.1.6. If I was starting from scratch (I did not own any subs), I would first set up 7.1.4, calibrate ART, and then decide what to add after listening for a while, as everyone's room is different and everyone has different speakers with different capabilities. It is an individualized choice, and there is no rule. I do think that it is better to start slow and build up so as to avoid throwing away money.

Edit: I should add that use use effectively full range speakers for all of my ear level position, no bookshelf or other small speakers. If someone had a system with small speakers, they might, of course, require an additional sub or two, but that is why my point is that this are highly individualized, but for anyone who has not previously implemented ART, better to go slow before investing in equipment not needed.