Suitable DAC for Genelec 8341 & Powered Subs

[Sparky]

Hi all.

After lots of lurking trying to find the answer, I thought I would just post instead.
My current set up as is follows:

Genelec 8341AWM ~ ASE/EBU/Coax 110ohm conversion ~ MiniDSP SHD
Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 1S x 2 ~ XLR ~ MiniDSP SHD - Arendal Sub 1S
ROON Core (Intel NUC) ~ USB In
TV ~ Toslink In
PS4 - Nvidia Sheild - Nintendo Switch all running through tv via HDMI

Although I appreciate the functionality of the Minidsp, it takes up a fair bit of room on the cabinet and to be honest, I'm hardly using any of the inputs or outputs.
My Genelec's use the amazing GLM software for room correction and the subwoofers have 7 band PEQ with delays and crossover plus many other features.
Because of this, I don't feel I need the MiniDSP's PEQ functionality so I am looking around for a suitable replacement.

I am a stickler for detail so do not want an R2R but rather, a nice "clean" DAC.
I would like to stick to XLR for the subs as I'm concerned about ground-loops and would prefer a genuine AES/EBU output for the Genelecs.
Can anyone recommend a replacement for the SHD???

I would say my budget is around £1k but if I don't need to spend that much then so be it.

Thank you.

 

[Shorty]

Hi Sparky,

How about an RME-ADI-2-Pro EX? It’s got impeccable specs, well-implemented variable loudness for late night listening, plus AES/EBU out.

ADI-2-Pro EX - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions

RME Audio Professional Live, Studio, Recording and Broadcast Solutions. Unrivalled Quality, Performance & Stability MADI Interfaces, Converters & Preamps.

rme-audio.de

 

[Sparky]

Hi Sparky,

How about an RME-ADI-2-Pro EX? It’s got impeccable specs, well-implemented variable loudness for late night listening, plus AES/EBU out.

ADI-2-Pro EX - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions

RME Audio Professional Live, Studio, Recording and Broadcast Solutions. Unrivalled Quality, Performance & Stability MADI Interfaces, Converters & Preamps.

rme-audio.de

Hi Shorty,

Good shout although knowing RME pricing, it will likely be around the £2k mark (but would be end-game).
You know the really sad thing mate, I used to own an RME ADI-2 PRO FS-B a few years ago and sold it like an idiot.
Yes, the one with the dual AK DACS that was awesome! I'm still kicking myself for doing that now....

 

[Sparky]

I basically need a DAC with AES/EBU output (or co-ax with an 110ohm converter) USB input and HDMI ARC input and balanced outputs for my subs. PEQ/bass management would be a bonus. Any thoughts?

 

[Sparky]

Or, thinking about it, a Roon End-Point, Balanced out for the subs and digital out for the mains with PEQ filtering options as no matter what I do, I cannot get the Genelecs to apply a High-Pass filter.

 

[Marc v E]

Minidsp flex HTX could connect all your devices (quick check) : https://www.minidsp.com/products/ht-series/flex-htx

The only downside would be that you connect the Genelecs via xlr.

 

[staticV3]

I basically need a DAC with AES/EBU output (or co-ax with an 110ohm converter) USB input and HDMI ARC input and balanced outputs for my subs.

AFAIK a DAC like this does not exist.

 

[Sparky]

Minidsp flex HTX could connect all your devices (quick check) : https://www.minidsp.com/products/ht-series/flex-htx

The only downside would be that you connect the Genelecs via xlr.

Yeah, that would be a downgrade I think plus, I'm kinda looking to free up a bit of space in my cabinet and the HTX is the exact same size as the SHD.
Similarly, like the SHD, I'll only be using a small amount of the inputs/outputs as I have a very simple system.

 

[Sparky]

AFAIK a DAC like this does not exist.

After spending a few days researching, I think you might be right (without spending a fortune).

My set up is very very straightforward as I only have two inputs and two outputs but I just wondered if there was any modern alternative to the minidsp SHD which allows for HDMI ARC instead of Toslink.
The problem I have with the Genelecs is that, because I'm using non-Genelec subs, when I try to apply a crossover of any kind to the subs, the GLM doesn't actually apply it properly no matter what frequency I choose within GLM software. The 8341's always play full range so I need to be able to apply a HPF through the DAC.
The Arendals have a 7 band PEQ with delays and crossovers so that side of it is not so much of a concern. Frustrating eh....

 

[staticV3]

The problem I have with the Genelecs is that, because I'm using non-Genelec subs, when I try to apply a crossover of any kind to the subs, the GLM doesn't actually apply it properly no matter what frequency I choose within GLM software. The 8341's always play full range so I need to be able to apply a HPF through the DAC.

So changing bass management from Full band to e.g. 80Hz here does nothing?

 

[Sparky]

So changing bass management from Full band to e.g. 80Hz here does nothing?
View attachment 537692

No mate. It never has done from owning them so presumed it was reserved for genelec subwoofers only hence needing a minidsp to implement the necessary crossovers etc. frustrating really.

 

[Sparky]

I tried adding a shelf instead via the sound profiler but it lowered the entire response by quite some margin so I abandoned that route. I don't really understand why you can't implement your own crossover within the GLM suite as it seems to provide everything other than that....

 

[Sparky]

I'm at work today so won't be able to respond as quickly as I would like FYI

 

[Marc v E]

I came across three similar threads with different solutions:

The Onkyo 80P preamplifier

P-80 Network Preamplifier | Onkyo

Part of Onkyo’s Icon series, the P-80 Network Preamplifier is the result of continuously evolving sound creation tech. Eliminate distortion and enjoy…

onkyo.com

'Think I have a room correction solution, need advice' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...a-room-correction-solution-need-advice.71667/

Custom DAW

'Dirac Live ART vs. Custom DAW-based MIMO Calibration Objective and Subjective Comparison' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...on-objective-and-subjective-comparison.71466/

A fanless mini-pc

'Do I Have to Buy the Rose RS451 ?' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/do-i-have-to-buy-the-rose-rs451.71636/

Summarising:

Based on my search results there are basically three ways of integrating subs with theGenelec 8341:

The first all digital when you are prepared to go the whole way and use Genelec SAM subs.

The second part digital, part analog xlr through the minidsp.

The third all analog, xlr out for two subs and two monitors.

(Ime analog xlr vs digital aes on the 8351 was really marginal. I made the imaging a smidge clearer and the sound a smidge brighter. Ymmv)

 

[Sparky]

I came across three similar threads with different solutions:

The Onkyo 80P preamplifier

P-80 Network Preamplifier | Onkyo

Part of Onkyo’s Icon series, the P-80 Network Preamplifier is the result of continuously evolving sound creation tech. Eliminate distortion and enjoy…

onkyo.com

'Think I have a room correction solution, need advice' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...a-room-correction-solution-need-advice.71667/

Custom DAW

'Dirac Live ART vs. Custom DAW-based MIMO Calibration Objective and Subjective Comparison' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...on-objective-and-subjective-comparison.71466/

A fanless mini-pc

'Do I Have to Buy the Rose RS451 ?' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/do-i-have-to-buy-the-rose-rs451.71636/

Summarising:

Based on my search results there are basically three ways of integrating subs with theGenelec 8341:

The first all digital when you are prepared to go the whole way and use Genelec SAM subs.

The second part digital, part analog xlr through the minidsp.

The third all analog, xlr out for two subs and two monitors.

(Ime analog xlr vs digital aes on the 8351 was really marginal. I made the imaging a smidge clearer and the sound a smidge brighter. Ymmv)

I think I might end up just sticking with my MiniDSP for now until something comes along that is guaranteed to tick every box.

I was going to give a Wim ultra a go but I feel that might be a downgrade due to unbalanced outputs only.

Analogue instead of AES you say.....I'm not entirely opposed to this really except for the additional conversion.
No matter what DAC I use, I'll always be hearing the DAC in the 8341's anyway (or so I think).