SHD and Hi Fi/Hi End solutions

[brcondor]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post here.

I’ve come across many fascinating discussions on topics that are often considered taboo on Italian forums . I could really use your advice and guidance for my next setup. So far, I’ve experimented with some great gear, including Primaluna tube amplifiers, Cambridge Audio, and even a NAD M10V2. That’s where I realized I need a Dirac-like solution. While the NAD was good, it wasn’t quite enough, so I moved on to a dedicated power amp (two Exposure 3010S2 monoblocks). Now, I’m looking to take things to the next level.

I’m a bit torn, though, because I really loved the NAD, and I’m not sure if upgrading to the NAD M66 is the right move. I’m also considering whether adding a SHD would be a smart way to introduce flexibility, allowing me to use any digital pre-amp with a DAC.

To give you the full picture: I’m using a Rega P8 turntable with a Rega Aria MK3, and Proac Tablette Signature speakers in a small room (3.3 x 4.4 meters). I mostly listen to Tidal, with some occasional use of the turntable.

So here’s the question:
Option A: Rega Aria ==> SHD ==> $4K Digital Preamp with DAC (e.g., Rotel Michi) ==> Exposure 3010S2
Option B: NAD M66 ==> Exposure 3010S2
Option C: Linn Selekt
Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[DVDdoug]

on topics that are often considered taboo on Italian forums

I don't know what that's about but MOST of the "audiophile community" is nuts!

Any kind of DSP is capable of making a BIG difference. Whether it's an improvement or not depends on the problem you're trying to fix.

Different speakers will always sound different (better or worse). The acoustics of the room make a difference too.

Going from stereo to surround sound can make a BIG difference. Personally, I like to use a "hall or "theater" setting on my AVR when listening to regular stereo recordings for some delayed reverb in the rear speakers for the "feel" of a bigger space. But, that's "hi-fi heresy" since I'm not listening "accurately as-intended."

Most amplifiers (and other electronics) don't have any particular "sound" (in blind listening tests) unless you overdrive an amplifier them into clipping, or sometimes with analog electronics there is audible noise (hum, hiss, or whine in the background.)

It's OK if you like vinyl but it hasn't been "high fidelity" for about half a century!

See Audiophoolery. And most listening tests & reviews are not proper-scientific blind listening tests. * And they often end-up using all kinds of flowery-meaningless language to describe the imagined sound characteristics.



* P.S.
The reviews here don't include blind listening but everything is scientific (including the language) and any comments about the sound are backed-up by measurements.

 

[brcondor]

Hi DVD, tnx for the answer.
I know how Dirac could be disruptive, I've just sold an M10V2 Nad that was running the dirac correction.
My point is: does an SHD solution +a "normal digital preamp" will outperform an M66?

 

[Rednaxela]

What makes you think the SHD can't outperform it on its own?

Edit: by the way I believe I wouldn't go for an SHD these days. It's a bit old already and seems not to get the attention it would still deserve.

 

[MAB]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post here.

I’ve come across many fascinating discussions on topics that are often considered taboo on Italian forums . I could really use your advice and guidance for my next setup. So far, I’ve experimented with some great gear, including Primaluna tube amplifiers, Cambridge Audio, and even a NAD M10V2. That’s where I realized I need a Dirac-like solution. While the NAD was good, it wasn’t quite enough, so I moved on to a dedicated power amp (two Exposure 3010S2 monoblocks). Now, I’m looking to take things to the next level.

I’m a bit torn, though, because I really loved the NAD, and I’m not sure if upgrading to the NAD M66 is the right move. I’m also considering whether adding a SHD would be a smart way to introduce flexibility, allowing me to use any digital pre-amp with a DAC.

To give you the full picture: I’m using a Rega P8 turntable with a Rega Aria MK3, and Proac Tablette Signature speakers in a small room (3.3 x 4.4 meters). I mostly listen to Tidal, with some occasional use of the turntable.

So here’s the question:
Option A: Rega Aria ==> SHD ==> $4K Digital Preamp with DAC (e.g., Rotel Michi) ==> Exposure 3010S2
Option B: NAD M66 ==> Exposure 3010S2
Option C: Linn Selekt
Thanks in advance for your help!

The SHD is a digital preamp with DAC, you don't need another digital preamp plus DAC so save the money. You can plug a phono preamp into it. MiniDSP even has an app note on using an analog in with DSP to generate RIAA if you wanted to do that. MiniDSP also make a standalone DSP preamp for RIAA if you want:

One moment, please...

But you already have a phono preamp so that is likely a distraction.

MiniDSP Flex is also great, just about half the price of an SHD.

MiniDSP SHD and Flex have fantastic performance and incredible DSP options. I prefer the over the NAD, but I doubt I would ever hear a difference in raw performance between an NAD and a MiniDSP. MiniDSP features suit my use better though.

 

[tmtomh]

Agree with the above comments: no point in spending $1300 on an SHD if you don't plan to use all of its fundamental features. Use the DAC built in to the SHD - or spend $759 instead of $1300 and get a MiniDSP Flex digital-output version with Dirac license and measurement mic. This enables you to use your own DAC while still seeing all the digital and analogue input benefits of the SHD, and of course Dirac.

 

[brcondor]

Thank you for your answers.
I've just found a Anthem STR Pre for a very good price, and I'm condidering it with a Wiim Mini as streamer.
Do you have any experience with those?