Using that unit as a pre amp with active speakers, could be an amazing combination using the DSP, EQ, etc.

I stumbled onto the SHD while looking for something to simplify my system, by putting preamp/dac/streamer/DIRAC etc in one box. My first attempt has been with an NAD C-658. But I'm not happy with with BluOS. I know Volumio and it works in the manner I like. But Ive been talking to a dealer for MiniDSP and I can now see that there is much more to this thing than I realized. This video is excellent and I'm going to watch the second one right after this. I am beginning to think I will get this, but your information is INVALUABLE! Thanks so much!

Thank you for all your videos. Good stuff! In my journey down this audio rabbit hole, I have experimented with various room treatments, spent many hours with REW, MiniDSP 2x4, EQ, multiple subs, various DACs, speakers etc….. I hit a plateau and wasn’t making any significant improvements until downloading a trial version of Dirac after watching this video. Noticeable improvement in clarity & bass response with Dirac. Really impressed with Dirac and wanting to purchase a MiniDSP SHD soon. Looking forward to part 2 of your review to hear the details on how you integrated this tool in your system!

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.. I'm working on part 2 now. I should have it done by the weekend. Make sure to check out the EQ video I released after this one. It's somewhat of a part 2 video, but in more general terms about EQ.

Nice i was hoping for this video.

interesting topic, looking forwards to more content :) i gradually got into dsp with eq apo at first running on my pc, then after seeing the power of it i wanted some hardware. now i got minidsp shd studio, half the price of the shd and also half the size. into 3way hypex fusionamps, now i have experience with minidsp plugin software and hypex filter design software. so much you can do with hardware and software like this, and some drawbacks.

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you are finding the power of these tools. Like any tool... say a knife... You can cut your finger off if used improperly, but used correctly, you can carve a musical instrument and do countless other things. I almost got the SHD studio, and that will be ideal for many who don't need the extra XLR outputs and analog inputs. Gratz!

@sudd3660

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudiophileJunkie for subwoofer integration is a must, its soo good you dont need the tools on the subwoofer itself, best just to go with a passive subwoofer, just need an plain amp.

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah... That's one of my pet peeves. Most subwoofers come with cheap plate amps that fail easily. I've seen it in subs up to $15k. It's much better to ditch all the electronics and amp in the sub and just make it passive. Wilson Audio was one of the first to create a really good passive sub - Watchdog - but others could do the same or better. However, the market just isn't there since almost nobody knows how to use external crossovers and there were no minidsp style products in the past.

What are the crossover frequencies of the NXtrem? Treble to mid, mid to woofers, woofers to subwoofer. What are the overall dimensions of the NXtrem, height, depth, width, weight? MiniDSP has a plate amp with digital input. Do you have experience of it?

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

I would go to the GR Research website for all the stats on the Nxtremes. I don't have experience with any of the amps by miniDSP yet.

Thinking for so long to get one of the miniDSP SHD's Can you tell something about the new 2021 Version - any issues with the PowerSupply (humming, noise)? What about the new standby feature - how quick does it power up? Currently I'm stuck with Advance Acoustic X-A220 and the matching X-Preamp and it gives me so little Outputlevel on the Subwoofer, despite missing any crossover functionality. Whether it be a Sunfire HRS-8 or a Arendal 1961 SUBWOOFER 1S - I have to crank them up all to the max, whereas running the same setup with a NAD C326BEE is so much more satisfying, I need to turn down either one of the subs to normal levels. Hope you could drop some words on this topic when it comes to the miniDSP SHD - probably it will convince me finally getting one :D

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

No issues with noise and it boots up after about 10 seconds. Remember, it's similar to a normal PC with a server and tons of processing, so the boot up time is actually pretty fast when you benchmark it against other PCs. It should easily solve your problems integrating subs. Stay tuned for the subsequent videos I release on it.

Thanks for the great and very informative video. I have a studio version on the way. I noticed it has 12v DC external power supply (smps I suppose). Does anyone know if it would benefit from ordering a linear low noise power supply or if there is so much processing going on in this unit that the power supply will not make a difference?

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't get neurotic over the linear power supply thing. It's actually worse in many instances. I build servers and tested some of these "audiophile" LPS and they aren't better. In fact, many are worse. Like many things in the hobby, a rumor gets spread about something that really isn't backed up by measurements, science or blind testing. I would always use the power supply that the MFG originally used when designing the device. If you don't think they used the right power supply, I would buy a different device altogether. Tweaks are fine to try, but exchanging out a power supply is too risky AND costly with very little upside sonically... Mostly downsides.

@audiorick841

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudiophileJunkie thanks for your advice, much appreciated. Especially when it saves money lol. Can’t wait to try it. I will listen to your video on the Dirac setup tips again when I get it.

Tweaking, what it's all about, cool vids, thanks

Sorry if I missed this, but do you need to buy a Dirac license or is it included ?

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

It's included. I'll have more info in part 2 on the Dirac aspect.

Best minidsp review on internet, thank you sir @audiophile junkie

Where do l get one of these in Australia?

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

I bought straight from the miniDSP website.

@shanestephenson8423

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudiophileJunkie thank you I'll have a look. 👍🙂🎧

Your viewers should understand this unit uses AKM converters that have extreme supply issues due to a fire @ the AKM fab. miniDSP may still have some of these left, but who knows. Current units may not be serviceable due to replacement parts being unavailable. Like most audio mfgs, expect a redesigned unit in the future and this may be a sounder investment for buyers.

@AudiophileJunkie

2 жыл бұрын

Might be a good point, but I had zero shipping delays and got it immediately. I'm not sure anyone would ever need a replacement AKM chip since those are probably the least likely thing to fail compared to almost anything else under the hood. I would put the chance well under 1% and over 10 years minimum usage before you'd ever reach that level. At the relatively low retail price these sell for... you'd be better off just buying something new versus fixing 10+ years from now.