• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Switch Minidsp Htx for Bluesound Icon?

blackiridium

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2024
Messages
93
Likes
24
Hi. I've been using my Minidsp Htx to my amp for the past few months. At the time of my purchase, the Bluesound Icon wasn't available. I'm running a simple stereo system at the moment and will possibly be adding a sub in the future. I use the system for mainly home theater at the moment. Should I switch out my minidsp for the node icon? It would be nice to have some of the streaming capabilities...
TIA
 
Unless I'm missing some pre-reqs, you could add streaming capability for a fraction of the cost of the Icon.
 
HTX processing sample rate only 48kHz, no Dolby Digital decoding, no MQA QRONO, ...
I would sell the HTX because it also has a worse ADC/DAC section.
 
HTX processing sample rate only 48kHz, no Dolby Digital decoding, no MQA QRONO, ...
I would sell the HTX because it also has a worse ADC/DAC section.
I don't know why you're repeating post after the post the same stuff - people here explained several times why the sample rate of 48khz is transparent. Also the DAC is transparent.

@OP
I would keep the minidsp and add an streamer via digital input (like Wiim Pro) OR replace the minidsp with the WIIM Ultra. Especially when you're planning to add an sub.
 
I use the system for mainly home theater at the moment.
The HTx is 8 in, 8 out specifically for Home Theater.

The node is 2 channel with a single sub out.
It won't do multi channel.

Does that matter to you?
 
It won't do multi channel.
That is not correct. A 4.2 setup is currently possible under BluOS. An extension is currently being planned.
 
That is not correct. A 4.2 setup is currently possible under BluOS. An extension is currently being planned.
Meh. 4.2 isn't really close enough for most of us. Center channel is standard.

Either way, it's no match for the HTx if the goal is multichannel.
 
HTX processing sample rate only 48kHz, no Dolby Digital decoding, no MQA QRONO, ...
I would sell the HTX because it also has a worse ADC/DAC section.
48 kHz means you will have a wayyyyyy more capable DSP layer. It's a positive not a negative.

Idk about Dolby because I also only listen to music or standard stereo. No MQA is good, it means the device developer didn't waste money on a royalty fees scheme.

Criticizing the adc/ dac just seems objectively wrong though. (114 and 120db sinad respectively).

The argument needs to be about UI and aesthetics. The Icon probably looks a lot nicer on your entertainment console than the flex htx, which is probably served tucked inside the cabinet somewhere.
 
Hi. I've been using my Minidsp Htx to my amp for the past few months. At the time of my purchase, the Bluesound Icon wasn't available. I'm running a simple stereo system at the moment and will possibly be adding a sub in the future. I use the system for mainly home theater at the moment. Should I switch out my minidsp for the node icon? It would be nice to have some of the streaming capabilities...
TIA
I think the arguments are already being put here, but you should be aware that:
Earlier implementations of the Node didn't have measurably great DAC implementations (whether audible or not, I couldn't say, but probably not if using speakers. The Icon uses MQA QRONO which we don't yet have independent measurement data for: given what the old MQA tech did, it's best to wait until those data are available.

If you must change now, there are alternative devices that have been measured, and do take into account the full measurements, not just the DAC SINAD, as well as ergonomics and how you want to control that streaming.
 
The OP hasn't returned to respond to any of the options in this thread.
 
The OP hasn't returned to respond to any of the options in this thread.
He's still reading the site though - ninety minutes ago, at the time I'm writing this.
 
I’ve been reading the comments. Not sure if there was a question for me. I’m overall happy with my minidsp but it would be nice to have the features of a streamer
 
Welcome to ASR threads, sometimes inter-members discussions make forget the OP questions :)

They are telling you that just adding a relatively less expensive streamer like WiiM Pro you’ll keep your minidsp with an excellent software with a lot of updates, more or less 200€.

Bluesound Icon is 1100€ in my country, but I don’t know if has any advantage over WiiM. Having a DAC with good measurements as minidsp, the only thing you should care is software and in this sense probably WiiM is unbeatable or almost.
 
If it doesn't have to be an Icon, you can also use a Node N130, which is currently on sale for under €300. It will get the Dirac Live upgrade in the next quarter and is therefore unbeatable in terms of price if you also consider the good BluOS streaming function and room correction.
 
Back
Top Bottom