Understanding the state of the DSP market

[HookEm]

Your opinion is noted.

Retail for an Okto DAC8 Pro is $1389, right?... But perhaps there's a better value out there to pair-up with a PC-based DSP solution.

 

[DWPress]

I paid less a few years back but it's a 8ch DAC. The Sharc processors in these stand alone units is really the limiting factor. I've owned a couple over the past decade+ and a PC is far more flexible and powerful.

 

[levimax]

Retail for an Okto DAC8 Pro is $1389, right?... But perhaps there's a better value out there to pair-up with a PC-based DSP solution.

I have been quite happy with a MOTU UltraLite-mk5. Price is up quite a bit since I bought mine but stll about half the price of the Okto.

 

[HookEm]

The Sharc processors in these stand alone units is really the limiting factor. I've owned a couple over the past decade+ and a PC is far more flexible and powerful.

Well, SHARC processors have evolved (over the last decade), and fiddling with a PC is royal PITA, IMHO.
Anyway, if you're happy that's what matters!

 

[DWPress]

Well, SHARC processors have evolved (over the last decade), and fiddling with a PC is royal PITA, IMHO.

Yes, they have, but they still can't compare to a proper computer and what are you going to run AudioWeaver on anyway? I couldn't find any proper specs on the Nexus, hopefully you'll be able to run high tap FIR filters so you can do something meaningful with bass management. Good luck, your journey into DSP begins!

edit:
@levimax - I ran my system with a MOTU AVB before I got the Okto. The features of the Okto were the most compelling reason for me to switch but no difference in sound of course. Probably sounds better than the ASUS XONAR MKII I've also used for 8ch though.

 

[Keith_W]

Yes, they have, but they still can't compare to a proper computer and what are you going to run AudioWeaver on anyway? I couldn't find any proper specs on the Nexus, hopefully you'll be able to run high tap FIR filters so you can do something meaningful with bass management. Good luck, your journey into DSP begins!

There are no SHARC DSP chips capable of high tap FIR filters. Think of a DSP Nexus as a MiniDSP with the training wheels off. It offers far more DSP flexibility than a MiniDSP but with far less user friendliness. That is a common trade-off with DSP products - DSP is arcane by nature. If you want more flexibility, it will be more difficult to use.

I think DSP Nexus uses 5th gen SHARC chips which aren't widespread in the MiniDSP line-up yet, but I could be wrong. I wouldn't say one is better than another, they are aimed at different markets. MiniDSP is better for beginners since there is more hand holding. DSP Nexus is better for advanced DSP practitioners since you can totally nerd out. It would be totally inappropriate to put a DSP Nexus in the hands of a beginner, it's like being handed a bunch of planks from which you have to construct a boat with no instructions.

 

[dualazmak]

I paid less a few years back but it's a 8ch DAC. The Sharc processors in these stand alone units is really the limiting factor. I've owned a couple over the past decade+ and a PC is far more flexible and powerful.

Yes, I fully agree with you, especially your point of "a PC is far more flexible and powerful".

I have been using, I shall continue to use, DSP "EKIO" on Windows 11 Pro PC as system-wide DSP center and VB-Audio Matrix as system-wide ASIO/VASIO/VAIO routing center, together with OKTO DAC8PRO.

DSP "EKIO" is simple, robust, enough DSP functionalities/capabilities, wonderful GUI, actually no limit of input/output channel numbers, ABX comparator available, and almost all the parameters can be adjusted/changed even on-the-fly i.e. while listening to music. If you would be interested, please refer to my posts #931 and #1,009 on my project thread for my latest system setup including my EKIO configurations.
One important precaution for you in EKIO is "do not to change gain value by numeric keyboard input" but "use mouse wheel rotation up/down of 0.1 dB granularity" on-the-fly, since if you mistype as "45 dB gain up" by keyboard input instead of your intended "4.5 dB", you have high possibility of damaging/destroying your SP driver...