My MiniDSP 2X4 HD is Kaput-Upgrade time-FLEX or Latest 2X4 revision?

[djsbr]

I'm new to the forum, so please be kind.
My MiniDSP 2X4 HD (Board revision R1.2 board dated Jun 06 2016) has stopped working. I have updated the firmware to the latest revision (MiniDSP Device Console Setup 1.1.17.exe) and had to install a new USB driver etc as per instructions included. This did not get the board working. Whilst I closely inspect the PCB for suspected soldering joint defects and correct anything that I find, I'm also considering upgrading my unit at the end of the year. I have a few questions after doing some background reading on here.
1/ Are there any planned new models of the 2x4 HD planned?
2/ Is the LATEST hardware revision of the device significantly different/improved from the revision R1.2 version that I have? I have read that some changes were made due to the COVID silicon shortages.
3/ Is the FLEX a worthwhile investment? It seems to have a better review by Amir (I'm still reading through it this weekend) and has improved ADC and DAC components. Any others I should know about? Are the presets useful for different filter/room/equipment setups?
4/ I will be buying directly from MiniDSP later in the year to make sure I get the latest hardware revision.
I know that I will NOT be buying any Sweet spot audio "Upgrades". Thanks to the forum for revealing this information. Any experiences or insights welcome. Thanks.

PS I use the unit as an active crossover in a stereo system. I use one Rotel preamp and 2 off Rotel stereo amplifiers. The MiniDSP is in between the preamp and the amps. The amps feed the speakers directly.

 

[djsbr]

I have sent an email into miniDSP technical support to ask about the 3 of TVS (transient voltage suppression) diodes that I suspect have shorted near the DC input jack, and they have asked me to send in a photo of the components. I will do this and then will do some further tests on the PCB to make sure it's the TVS diodes that have failed before I replace them with new ones. I would like to repair my current unit whilst I save up for a new miniDSP FLEX later in the year. I will post back about this later.

 

[Multicore]

I think Flex is a great product in terms of connectivity, packaging, and functions but I wish it put out less heat. The case is a bit smaller than my 2x250W power amp but it runs way hotter. I suspect that the way it runs so hot is perhaps limiting its life.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Welcome to ASR. I think it depends on what you are using the device for. If you are controlling system volume form somewhere other than the miniDSP unit, I would seriously consider going with another 2 X 4 HD. Recent measurements put the SINAD at close to 98 db, and it costs well south of $300, while offering the same range of DSP as the Flex, though Dirac Live is a $200 add in. I think its 98 db sinad is more than transparent enough though everything I have seems to approach or exceed 110 db in that regard.

The biggest selling point as far as I'm concerned with the Flex is it's great big volume display. This enables it to be better utilized as a complete digital preamp/dac/dsp processor than its cheaper miniDSP counterpart. But it's upwards of $600, so not cheap. And the Flex is available in a wider range of input/output configurations than the 2 x 4 HD which is another point in its favor. It's a very good unit, and an excellent starting point for building a system, it's just that there may be other cheaper ways to do the job every bit as well.

 

[Lbstyling]

The big difference was always the low voltage out on the 2x4 (1.5v?) Vs 4v for the flex if I remember right.

If your running into a pro amp for a sub, you will want the flex

 

[johny_2000]

The big difference was always the low voltage out on the 2x4 (1.5v?) Vs 4v for the flex if I remember right.

These are the correct levels as measured on my 2x4HD device:

Input / Output Max Levels

IN: 2Vrms / 4Vrms (jumper-selectable) OUT: 2Vrms

 

[madrac]

Aside from the big display, there's also the included remote control (if needed) and, IMO the biggest selling point, is the layout where all connections are on the back. Much cleaner install than the 2x4HD. Unbalanced Flex is like $495 + shipping from HK, balanced Flex is $570 + shipping.

Both the 2x4HD & Flex unbalanced are 2v in / 2 v out, although as I recall you can change jumpers in the 2x4HD for 4v in.

 

[AaronJ]

I have a MiniDSP Flex and I can confidently say that it is the only irreplaceable component in my system. If it ever dies I’ll get another one or the newest version. I use it in the pre-out/main-in loop on my integrated amp to run Dirac Live processing the signal below 300Hz, set crossover to the subs, and as overall volume control (because my integrated doesn’t have a remote). It’s a marvel of a device.

If I wanted to tuck it away and not be able to see it I could go for a DDRC-24. Ultimately I went with the Flex because of the superlative measurements, the ability to remotely control volume with that big clear display, and the very functional I/O interface.

I do wish it ran cooler so I always put it in standby when I’m not using it. I’ve considered adding a little USB fan but I think they look ridiculous if they’re not hidden.

 

[djsbr]

Thanks for your reply. Just set up my new MiniDSP 2X4HD today (didn't need the Flex). Listening to Gary Davies Radio 2 on my Revox B261 FM tuner as I type this. Sounds great. I'll be putting all my future efforts into a Linkwitz LXmini speaker kit when I can get the cash together.