Thank you HB for identifying and explaining high value gems like this unit. Purchased this based on HB video. This device made the single biggest improvement to my system - more than any other component. Took away glare and muddiness. Sharper imaging. Less fatigue. Not practical to add room treatments in my living room, so this is a welcome solution.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

👍🏼

Fantastic, detailed and fact-based video with no fluff. Thanks for making this!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

🙏🏽

Hans, what a fantastic review. I has got me really excited and I'm going to do some more research on it. Many thanks.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure

getting better and better results from Dirac. One thing for sure - if you want good base, you will need good preamp anyway. Thank you Hans.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

my pleasure

FINALLY, the review that I've been waiting for for few weeks already !! Thanks, Hans !!

@bobbyhartanto3210

5 жыл бұрын

Damir Handoyo Halo mas Damir, ini minidsp yg mas bilang di video nya pak Agus Artsonica soal room correction yg lebih baik dari sonarworks reference ya?

I am using the SHD Studio. The built in streamer is pretty good!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

👍🏼

I received the SHD Studio 4 weeks ago. After a lot of testing and trying to get the desired room curve I'm now about settled. Sold my former 1.300 euro network streamer/lps set. Really appreciate the sound quality of the SHD Studio. It's as promised :-)

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

Enjoy the music

@behzadhadyzonouz9843

10 ай бұрын

I have a technics sl700 DAC/streamer/SACD with digital and analog output and digital input. Is it possible to add the MiniDSP to my current setup?

thank you for the great review as usual. this looks like just what i've been looking for too. i am curious to see how the dac in the analog version of the shd sounds.

@sherpadelgatos

4 жыл бұрын

@@stopthefomo hey thanks for the response. exactly the feedback i was looking for on the +analog version

Thank you Hans. 👍🏻

The thing that I like about the SHD Studio and Dirac is that my speakers still sound like my speakers. The upper frequencies of my Revel Ultima Salon2s remain untouched and the lower mid-range and lower frequencies are more balanced and my REL s/812 subwoofer is far better integrated into the mid to lower range of the sound experience. But, all in all, my speakers remain my speakers. I can tell the difference in effect because, in my media room, I have an Anthem processor and the ARC room correction made my mid-fi Axiom surround sound speakers sound like a set of hi-fi speakers - in other words, the Axioms don’t sound so Axiom-like anymore - in my book, that’s s good thing!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

agreed

@lancecage7320

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel would you explain the new MQAir codec please ?🙏

Nice review! Did you compare the MiniDSP SHD box to doing in on computer, by letting Roon play through the audio-output that Dirac creates? I play directly from computer through toslink (HiFi and computer is not on same grid and 100% galvanic separated), so feels more natural to do it on computer in that case. Btw, I get no additional sound quality from Allo USBridge as Roon endpoint, but that probably depends on the DAC and jitter handling (I have the RME ADI-2 DAC). I have heard people with Chord DACs saying the same also (even Rob Watts claims that).

Great video, thank you so much for sharing!

I would love to use something like this in my home studio; it doesn't sound awful for a small room, but could definitely use some help! I like the idea of having it in the chain between my recording interface and the speakers (powered)

@servantsochrist

2 жыл бұрын

Download REW wizard to find response of room. Then use a program for sound output to add effects. You don't need that

@showbread9366

Жыл бұрын

@@servantsochrist what’s the point of adding effects for room correction?

I've been looking for digital room correction for some time. Had a DEQ2496 for a while. Fiddled with ffmpeg parametric EQ. A few months ago I had a Auralic Aries with parametric EQ for a few weeks. So I bought the Minidsp SHD Studio after seeing this review. I have the SHD Studio for three weeks now. Tried a lot of different curves. The most basic are the almost straight and slightly sloping curves. After a bit of listening a straight sloping curve sounds good. But when I turn Dirac off the music livens up a lot and I hear more "air". So for me a straight sloping curve is to severe. I want to keep more of the caracter of the speakers. The other extreme is to use Dirac only to get the bass around 50Hz in check. Suppressing the bass around 50Hz (in my room) really helps a lot and is the reason I will continue using Dirac. But Dirac can do more. With Dirac I can get a better sound scape between the speakers. Ware as with Dirac off the music is focussed slightly to the right. So I've been looking for a curve that keeps the bass in check and centers the music but preserves the sense of air. I think I found this by a curve that reduces the bass than follows the measured response up to 5kHz and no correction above 5kHz.

@peterstevens9274

5 жыл бұрын

How did you find the sound quality (without eq) of the MiniDSP SHD Studio vs the Auralic Aries Femto? I have the Aries now and am worried the shd would be a significant step back in audio quality ... higher jitter, psu noise etc ... thanks

@jaaptube9

5 жыл бұрын

@@peterstevens9274 Hi, I've had the Aries Femto for a while (with SBooster). The SHD Studio sounds at least as good to me. So certainly not a step back in sound quality.

@peterstevens9274

5 жыл бұрын

Jaap Deventer are you using the SHD Studio with its stock switching Power supply or your SBooster? Does the SBooster improve the audio a quality of your SHD Studio?? Thanks

Excellent! I think this an area I must get in to. Very exciting.

Thank you for a really great review (As always)! Since you own this device.. Have you tried the headphone jack? Is the CS43130 Dac/amp-chip usable for serious listening?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

I don't like listening to headphones and thus are no reference at all where HP listening is concerned. Sorry..

Sorry, I always seem to ask questions on old videos! But, I was curious if you had any opinions on the SHD Studio vs a node, using both as a preamp/streaming transport? I have a node (2021) with a Pardo LPS upgrade and the only things I don’t love about it, is the lack of Dirac (used to own C658) and I understand the volume is lossy. I’m looking to upgrade to a digital preamp/network streamer that handles digital volume attenuation in a lossless manner. My rudimentary understanding is 24bit vs 32bit architecture. Any input would be greatly appreciated! (Also considering Lumin U2 mini for twice the price, or possibly ifi Neo Stream for just a few hundred more). Thanks Hans! Love the channel, as always!!

As always, great informative videos Hans. Question, can the following setup be connected : Bluesound Node 2i -> MiniDSP SHD Studio -> DAC -> integrated amp? Would the Dirac still work and will MQA from the Node 2i be passed through the MiniDSP to be decoded in the DAC? I like to bypass the DAC in the Node 2i, but like Dirac room correction. The NAD C658 is another option (with XTZ Edge amp), but I like to have the possibility to use a DAC of choice or a tube DAC (Musical Paradise MP-D1). Dirac, BluOS and MQA (Tidal) is a must. So it is hard to combine this.

@mat_v

3 жыл бұрын

Been down this rabbit hole, MQA will not be enabled if there is any alteration to the digital signal, even volume attenuation will cause it to break. Hope this helps!

Thanks for taking the time out to answer my questions - greatly appreciated! Can I be cheeky and ask one more: have you experimented with changing the power supply (is there any benefit) or are you using the one supplied ? Thanks,

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Yes but the supplied psi is the best I found.

@perkunast9680

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I read an interesting article, where they are moving to a switching power supply. They said the distortions associated with them, were in a freq you don't hear.Linear power used massive transformers that created magnetic fields, that can cause all kinds of problems.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Just listen and judge for yourself.

Hi Hans, it could be nice to have some thoughts of SQ of the SHD with build in AKM DACS. One can just say that Minidsp looks like soon being Maxidsp, bravo!

Nice review, Hans. I had the DDRC-24 unit with Dirac. I could not stop tinkering with the damn thing, never entirely satisfied with any one curve. And so happily returned to a more conventional set-up. I must say, I didn't like what it did to the mid-band upwards too.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

The SHD is of a different quality all together and the signal remains in the digital domain.

@barrybrennan2135

5 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Yes, I've seen the spec looks better.

@HenkjanOlthuis

5 жыл бұрын

have you tried limiting Dirac to only the lowe octaves?

Hans - I've been implementing some of your recommendations with great satisfaction (sbooster, uptone regen,..). Would like to ask you two simple things: 1/ when to compared the SoTm with the Minidsp did you use the Sbooster with the latter? 2/ do you think the Minidsp is superior to a Auralic Aires with Sooster+Uptone Regen? I have a irregular room and a demanding wife so dsp might help a lot. Thanks!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

I use the power supply that came with the MiniDSP, the sBooster gave no improvement here. Whether what you should choose, I can't say.

Thank you Hans. Your enthusiasm for this unit always lingered in my memory. I finally forked out and have a Studio version on the way. As you mention, it has 12v DC smps external power supply. Do you know if it would benefit from ordering a linear low noise power supply or if there is so much processing and correction in this unit that the power supply will not make a difference?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

I personally don’t but there are those….

Happy New Year Hans! Could this be used to improve the sound quality of my NAD C368 w/BluOS module? Or should I consider the miniDSP Power to replace the NAD c368 entirely? I primarily use Tidal. Thank you so much!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

You can use the SHD Studio in stead of the BluOS module since it is also a streamer.

Another great video Hans. One question, My setup is ifi Zen Stream, Topping D70s MQA, DAC, Topping A90 feeding headphones or via preamp output to Atoll AM100se and Revel M16s.Could I insert the mini dsp after the stream for room correction?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, you will loose MQA rendering but since you loose a lot of the room trouble, the end result will often be better, depending on the room.

Hi Hans , i want to feed my Dutch and Dutch 8c monitors with AES digital signal , i can use the SHD Studio as an interface and directly plug it into them while playing and mixing music in my computer DAW .. right ? Thanks

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Жыл бұрын

Yes you can

I am still intrigued by this video and your enthousiasm about the improvement in sound quality. One question still bothers me though: If I high quality audio components, with high quality speaker cables and interlinks, good power filtering, the EtherREGEN to clean the network signal and glass fiber for the galvanic separation (with an opticalModule that also improves the incoming network stream) and I follow the qdvices on the speaker placement, what is the miniDSP then actually correcting?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

It will, to a certain degree, correct for room modes, and the resulting standing waves. In a perfect acoustical environment this will bring only small improvements but who lives in a perfect acoustical environment?

Very interesting as replacement of an ultraRendu. Did you test with the switchmode power supply? Or did you use a SBooster?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

I used the SMPSU and the Syntaxx LPSU. No difference. Something I notice more on digital-only equipment.

Thanks for the review Hans. Based on the specs would you expect SQ differences between the DDRC-22D model and the SHD Studio model?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

I have only reviewed the SHD Stúdió so I can’t say.

Some of this new digital technology has my head spinning. I have a vintage ADCOM set up, and the preamp does have a loop where this (maybe?) could be incorporated. Please provide more content on how dsp can be integrated into vintage set-ups. The piece on the Wiim was great in this regard.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Ай бұрын

If you browse through my videos or search KZread for 'Beekhuyzen [subject]' you will find shiploads of info on digital audio.

@tomhill4003

Ай бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thank you!!!

Thanks again for the useful video, Hans. Regarding hardware setup, a power amp seems to be recommended for the SHD Studio connection as opposed to an integrated amp which I am planning on together with a separate streamer (with built in DAC). There will be a preamp-out socket on my integrated but not a pre-in or mains-in, (though there is a record-in & record-out socket). In this case, may I ask if it would still be possible to use the minidsp SHD Studio with an integrated amp? Sorry for the additional question but I can't get my head around this, though I would v much like to purchase the minidsp (primarily for Dirac room/speaker correction purposes) if I can hook it up. Thank you.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

You can use the Rec out and tape in and switch on the tape monitor circuit.

@marcfoss7687

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks.

@marcfoss7687

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks again Hans, and I hope you are enjoying your holiday! May I just follow up with a related question? My integrated amp has a Record In/Out socket which I believe is the same as a Tape In/Out which would allow me to hook up the DSP between my streamer/CD and amp. However, if I switch on the Record/Tape In (as you suggest) from the source dial on the front of the amp, will it still be possible to switch/connect to other sources (such as the streamer/CD player), or will the DSP bypass these other sources and not affect them? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I am struggling to get my head around this! Maybe it would be preferable to choose an integrated amp with a pre-out and mains-in which, if I understand correctly from miniDSP, would work much easier...

Thankyou for all your work, the presentation of your knowledge and experience has been extremely useful and interesting. I see you occasionally use the MiniDSP in your set up 1B, would I be right in thinking that it’s a trade off between the negative effects of another box/cable in the signal path versus the positive effects of the Dirac EQ/Impulse correction, Crossover/Bass management that the SHD Studio brings? Also do you think the version with analogue outputs would be good enough to replace a dedicated DAC? I guess this would depend on how bad the acoustic environment is (in my case a rectangular living room) and of course the quality of the other system components - for the sake of discussion assume the components to be at a similar level to your set up 1.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

When I bought the Ayre amp and PMC loudspeakers, there was no need anymore for DIRAC. The gain was less than the cure. In a normally balanced setup 1b, say with a €5000 amp and ditto speakers, I probably still would be using Dirac.

Thanks for this review Hans. Why do you say you cannot hook up the NUC&Diract to the Sotm?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

I don't want the NUC in the living since it is noisy. Therefore I use a network bridge - the SOtM. But I know of no way to have Roon run on the NUC, send its output to the DIRAC software, also running on the NUC and from there send it to the SOtM.

What would be the benefit of using this unit versus a DIRAC-capable AVR like the NAD T-758 to deliver DIRAC processed signals to a 2.x setup? I can only think that the MiniDSP would offer greater flexibility/options when dealing with multiple subwoofers. I realize I don't have a comprehensive understanding of the details, because that would involve having intimate experience with not only the hardware components, but also the software associated with each of the two scenarios I refer to.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Жыл бұрын

Dirac is the same in both. But the MiniSPD gives the option to use a separate DAC and a separate amp for those that want to.

Thanks for the interesting review. I have a Roon Rock server with Tidal and Qobuz activated and a separate DAC. Will the miniDSP be able to accept the Qobuz Stream and transform and transport it to a DAC f.e via SPDIF or over the network (my (DD)DAC accepts i2s input over utp via a RaspBerry PI)?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it will. although the DAC would need a SPDIF or AES/EBU input since the miniDSP does not offer I2S.

@RichardKalmeijer

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your fast answer. Very helpful. Can the MiniDSP then accept the stream from Roon over the network or do i need to connect it to miniDSP directly over f.e. USB? (I think the NUC does not have other possibilities)

Great video, Hans! When connecting this unit between the (A) Sotm txusb ultra (which in turn is fed by the sms 200 ultra neo) and (B) the myTek DAC+ : I am guessing you connected (A) to the usb 2.0 port of the minidsp shd, and (B) to one of the spdif out ports of the minidsp shd. Am I correct? In case you used the sms 200 ultra neo directly (without the txusb ultra), I had the same question. Did you connect it to the usb 2.0 port of the minidsp studio?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

Yes

@Simplyveej

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you!

Would love to try a Dirac processor in the "tape loop" of my integrated amp, so covering all (2-channel) music sources, including vinyl. But I wonder how well it would preserve sound quality of good analogue sources; DSP works in the digital domain and would impose its own A-to-D/D-to-A chain, which unless of very good quality could undermine a high-spec analogue front end.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

The question if the cure is worse than the disease can only be answered if the impact of the disease is quantified. I would just try to get a good Dirac processor in loan.

Hi Hans, Does the use of this Dirac device mean the end of listening rooms stuffed with acoustic panels.?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

No

How would you integrate it with a ROON Rock NUC on the other side and and streamer/DAC/amp on the other side ? Thanks !

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

Use a network bridge. Watch kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZIyGy5uupLGonJc.html

Great video, good to see coverage on miniDSP stuff. Do you know if I can use their devices to use active monitors for a surround sound system ?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

They do have mulichannel devices but I have no hands-on experience whit them.

@Dreadlockyx

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks for the input !

Hi Hans and thank you!👍 I am unclear whether the SHD will pass on Qobuz hirez files eg 24bit/192kHz to my DAC ?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

After the DSP the signal is 96 kHz but you gain so much more from the room compensation and the filtering is very good. So don’t follow the figures, follow the sound quality.

10:52 is there an advantage with that approach if you still have the passive crossovers in the speakers (assuming obviously you connect the HF amp to HF speaker terminals, and etc)

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

6 ай бұрын

It might, I don't know your speakers.

Hi Hans, I'm trying to see how I can integrate the SHD Studio to my set up purely for room correction. I have an Arcam ST60 with a built-in DAC that I use for streaming directly connecting through XLR to my integrated amplifier (MA5300). I'm wondering where I should add the SHD since I would prefer to stream music (mainly TIDAL) through the ST60 and use its DAC. Should the set up be: ST60 ---> SHD studio (via optical) ------> MA5300 (via XLR)? Thank you!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Жыл бұрын

Both is possible, why not ry both and choose the best sounding option?

Hi, I find if I set the volume on the shd to 0.0dbs there is a slight crackle in the speakers ... Did you have such a problem? Thanks,

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

I have had that but it disappeared after installing the firmware again.

Thanks for the very informative review Hans! You asked for the combination of Dirac and MQA... How about asking for a review sample of the NAD C658?

@ryanburr8419

4 жыл бұрын

You're wish has been answered. But he doesn't compare the NAD to the MiniDSP directly.

Hi Hans, can you shape the Dirac target curve even at high frequencies? I'd love a slight euphony by lowering response a bit around 4 khz

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, but be careful and evaluate what you achieved!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Yes you can in the 'full' version.

How would Dirac compare with the constant room monitoring/correction provided by the DBX Driverack Venu360? Wouldn't such live compensation always trump static room correction, on the basis that live compensation can account for people moving around a space?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

I have not reviewed the DBX but it is designed for concert sound. Different rules apply there and I would be surprised if it would work in a living room that is considerable smaller.

Will this unit improve problem frequency aberrations in your room, even though you may have a well treated room, but with some nasty peaks in areas of the mid to high frequencies?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

Problem in mids and highs should be fighter with absorption or diffusers.

Just found your channel. Thanks for this great review. I'm considering the SHD instead of the Studi, because I want to use Dirac with my Merrill Turntable with Eminent Technology ET II arm and an Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 cartridge to an Audible Illusions IIIA tube pre-amp. I could not find where you list your reference equipment, but was looking to see if you reviewed any CD transports to use with the SHD. Thank you!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Жыл бұрын

my pleasure.

Hans, so would you consider using SHD for anything more than room correction in ~25k EUR system (replacing also preamp and DAC)? Or it would be rother misalliance?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

I have no hands-on experience with the SHD, I own the SHD Studio that has no DAC's. That way I can choose higher quality DAC's. It's living in my setup 1 without degrading the sound and solving room acoustics problems.

@wojciechczupta9185

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel eventually I ordered Studio version. Thanks for piece of advice

Hello Hans, Great reviews, thanks a lot! While the NAD T758v3 AV-receiver comes with both Bluesound-streaming incl. MQA-handling - and Dirac Live, how does MQA and Dirac Live function together here? Best Regards Preben

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

They don’t. See the video

@prebendamsgaardthomsen4728

5 жыл бұрын

Dear Hans. I watched Your video - several times :-). In the meantime I made an inquiry at the local NAD-dealer, Hifiklubben in Denmark, how their experience were about Dirac Live and MQA working together with reference to two products on sale: the surroundreceiver NAD T758 v3 and the preamp NAD C658. Here it was claimed that Dirac and MQA worked well together (meaning that Dirac do not compromize the MQA unfolding/rendering. I then contacted Technical/Support Service at Hifiklubben Denmark, on how NAD get around this issue in their products, while (forgive me) at the same time referring to Your video here, on the allegation of no succesful merging between Dirac and MQA. Here is the answer I received today from Hifiklubben Denmark: "I have taken the case on directly to NAD, who have answered as follows" (my translation from danish) "What Hans is pointing out is that the Mini DSP is not an MQA device. The reason that the Mytec DAC will not decode MQA sent by the Mini DSP is because the Mini DSP has modified the source and stripped away the flag that tells the Mytec that the stream is MQA encoded. With NAD this is quite a different story as everything is handled in one unit. It is the complete playback chain, analog input (in the studio) to analog output (feeding your speaker) that MQA certifies." (Precisely cited from NAD's answer) "So the problem in the test is exactly the external DAC" (my translation from danish). This then set me back a little confused..... Best Regards Preben

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

@@prebendamsgaardthomsen4728 The answers from Dali and Hifiklubben is correct. The T758v3 does both DIRAC and MQA. The MiniDSP only does DIRAC and will not pass on a signal that will be rendered by a MQA DAC. As I said I keep looking for a DIRAC/MQA solution 'at the level of my setup 1', In my T758v3 surround set it is already working. It is confusing at first and I should have been clearer. Luckily you are served well by your dealer.

@prebendamsgaardthomsen4728

5 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannelThank You for clearing it all up

Exciting stuff Hans!! Could you please clarify; higher performer than NAD's implementation? I'm looking at the NAD C658

@rotaks1

5 жыл бұрын

I am looking at the NAD C658 too! Great question.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

The DIRAC processing won't differ but the quality of the DAC's and amp's I use in my setup 1 is clearly higher than those in my NAD T758v3 as it should at over 5 times the price. I don't know the quality of the C658 but in general NAD delivers a very good sound quality for the money.

@NateMacT

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Hans! Sounds like I should just go with NAD's Dirac implementation rather than add the SHD to a NAD integrated amp. Thanks again.@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

@rotaks1

5 жыл бұрын

@@NateMacT NAS C658 is also Roon ready and full MQA. Sounds like a winner.

I like they way you explain stuff. I was thinking of purchasing this product,however I don’t want to buy a DAC also. Would I be able to just connect to my AVR (Denon x3600) and use the DAC in the receiver Thank You.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Sure, no problem.

Hans..thanks a lot for your videos !! I have a REL powered subwoofer that needs high level input conection from the mains of my amp. So the question is whether I may leverage minidsp shd to set crossover freq and use channel 3 RCA out to sub and ch 1 & 2 xlr to amp ? ..will this work out despite high level conection on my amp? how shall I do dirac ?please advise

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

You can't connect the high level input of the REL to the miniDSP. You can use the cross over in the MiniDSP when you connect the third LF output to the line input of the REL. It's better though to connect the REL to the loudspeaker terminals of your amp and use the MiniDSP for room correction only. That's the way I use it too.

@gonzaloechavarriapicatoste8050

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thanks Hans!! So basically there is no point on getting the full shd when you have a REL sub. I Guess is better to go for the studio and output to dac to amp and let dirac opitimize It. No crossover setting in minidsp

@clothyardshafts

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel. Yes, Hans. With my REL, yours is the setup that I have. I’m changing REL subs and must go through the whole process again. The result will be worth it!

Hans have you tried the Roon DSP? and what do you think about it?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

You might want to watch kzread.info/dash/bejne/eYupk7Wcj6i0nqQ.html

Last week i heard dirac in a seperate NAD c658 and c298 + B&W 800 series combination. The results are truly amazing, so now I'm curious if the mini DSP is a good choice for me using Qobuz. In my set-up I think the DSP should be implemented this way : miniDSP ->MUTEC MC3+usb -> DAC -> pre amp ?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

Correct

@jakobgooijer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

If we take Dirac out of the equation (have not been convinced by the pc trial I did), is it worth getting this over something like the allo signature with good Psy, on sq alone? Thanks!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

I think you should try Dirac once more. And if you find what Dirac can offer, than the SHR Studio might be for you.

Excellent video! There was one aspect un-answered, though: if most of the presented setups you would use SHD Studio for volume control. Doesn't that deteriorate the sound since, unless you listen at full volume, you would send a digitally attenuated i.e. lower resolution signal to the external DAC? And I also wonder if this is different for the SHD that has DAC + volume control in a single box?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

That hasn't been a problem for years now. Watch kzread.info/dash/bejne/mqKdk7aogpaWaNI.html.

@mikasalonoja2804

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks, good info!

Hi Hans, when you did your measurements did you have your Sub on or off? I have my Rel sub connected to the Amp speaker terminals high level so no crossover etc. Cheers!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

First make sure that your speakers are positioned as good as possible, then connect the sub to the speaker terminals, find the best place for it and adjust the settings so you obtain the best integration. And THEN do the measurements. SO with the sub connected.

@ryanclements6031

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Great thanks, looking at your setup 1, do you have the MiniDSP between your Auralic G2 and your Myteck Brooklin?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

Normally I do. But when reviewing I sometimes take it out to know for sure I listen to the device under test.

@ryanclements6031

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Last question I promise... have you experimented with DSP in Roon to send only 96kHz files to the SHD Studio? I read somewhere someone with a theory that that would be the preference over letting the SHD Studio do the conversion. Cheers

hi Hans, finally got the SHD Studio. it works suprisingly well as preamp (good stere imiging), however it lacks in base department (less energetic and punchy). I made the first attempt with Dirac filter (the version for a single sit) and I'm not happy with it. The ears can feel something unnatural in the sound. Did you finally do it with Dirac filters or the simple filters like in Minidsp24HD?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

It is well known phenomenon. You are used to room modes producing a somewhat fat low end. You might even already have adapted the speaker placement to it. Using Dirac these room modes are prevented to a fair degree, removing the muddiness. But now you hear less low end energy. The MiniDSP has four memory positions and I presume you have stored the setting you now use in Memory position 1. I also presume you have stored the project holding the measurements. Open that project (you need to connect your computer to the MiniDSP) and increase the low end the target curve a few dB's, say 3 dB's at the lowest frequency and make the curve slope gradually to - say - the normal target curve at 125 Hz. Let Dirac compute the new filter and store it in Memory position 2. Now select Memory position 2 for playback and listen.

@wojciechczupta9185

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel it's not only about that. I've played already with simple filters applied in PC (mediacenter) and I appreciate less base (I have really powerfull active speakers). I'm talking about a strage felling like you may have watching 3D movie. Your eyes see it, but your brain tells you that something strange is going on

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

Try the following: in the target curve, remove as many nodes as possible without disturbing the global profile of the curve. That can be done with only three or four nodes. That's easier on the processing.

@wojciechczupta9185

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thanks for the hint. I'll play with it and share results. Listening to your video again: can the same be achieved just by installing the software on the source PC? I actually use a full size PC with quiet cooling as Tidal / Netflix platform. My first experiments were with APO Equilizer and REW. It did great job with the curve but obviously it requires to put the signal through PC audio system, which ruins the Tidal Eclusive mode and WASAPI in JRiver. I like the idea of external device, which also helps to separate noisy PC signal from DAC, however if the same can be achieved in PC CPU, which is now underutilized, maybe the 1000 EUR can be utilized elsewhere?

Hi Hans. Did you try REW together with Roon as alternative to minidsp Shd ?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Жыл бұрын

Yes, and I definitely didn't like it.

Hans, have you managed to get Exclusive Mode or ASIO in PC connected to SHD Studio via USB? Though I select 'Exclusive mode' in Tidal App or ASIO driver in JRiver, I can still control the sound volume in Windows. Does it mean USB drivers can't bypass Windows sound system? What about bit perfect?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

Being a Mac user, I am not the right person to aks this question to. Goto the support forum of MiniDSP: www.minidsp.com/forum/index

@wojciechczupta9185

3 жыл бұрын

I checked it deeper - at least for JRiver it's bit perfect. SHD does really good job

I tried to find a Streaming intergrated with room eq and a good powerfull sound. Now I am starting to think about seperates more and more. I was wondering about a MiniDSP (like the flex), with that you have a Dirac enabled dac, that also has subwoofer intergration. Its also a preamp, that seems like crazy value since I can just pick a nice poweramp and it still is less then most of the dirac interfrated amps. Wondering how it would preform as a preamp or if I just need to keep it digital and buy a seperate preamp..

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Жыл бұрын

I have not reviewed the Flex but the SHD Studio is a very good product.

sorry for the lack of knowledge of DLBC for PC. This is a program that is being used by a friend of mine in his HT room in a HTPC with Jriver, and I'm trying to understand the functionality of this software. I wanted to ask you if it is possible to read an audio signal coming from a SACD Bluray player through an HDMI port of an internal or external electronic device to the PC, to then apply the DLBC filters and send the audio signal back to an AVR to listen to music in the system HT file. If it were possible, I need to know which device I should buy to connect it to the PC. Thanks in advance for your answers. Thank you very much. Miki

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

Жыл бұрын

I have no experience with DLBC so I can't help you. Sorry.

I have active speakers with DAC that only accepts Toslink. Is converting SPDIF to Toslink bad for sound quality?

@dadvader6197

4 жыл бұрын

it shouldnt change anything if you don't mess with sample rate and bit depth, all your interfaces are converting digital inputs to i2s to speak with the dac section

Mr. Hans I've a pair of minidsp ice 2×125 plate amplifier, can i setup shd studio streamar with my ice amp, (only stereo setup) is it working good or not?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

That will work

Your videos are extremely insightful! You said that the shd studio can have one digital out with high pass and the other with low pass, can the shd bigger brother send a high/low pass through the digital/analog simultaneously? That way I wouldn't need a DAC for my sub ?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

I have only reviewed the SHD Studio, I can't comment on other products.

@saylormdx2

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, in the SHD analog output there are 4 programable channels. For each channel there is one RCA outlet and one balanced, both of which are simultaneously active. No external DAC is needed for up to a 2.2 system. The 4 channels are simultaneously presented digitally via 2 coax outlets, also active.

Hi Hans. Would you find time to review the SHD model thus using the minidsp as a dac as well. For those of us with active speakers, the SHD can be a one box streamer/dirac/dac/preamp solution. And no one I know has reviewed the SHD for an application like this. Thank you.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

You will see the SHD Amp first.

Hello Hans, enjoy your videos. Could you tell me if I could add any of the minidsp products with Dirac Live room correction to my setup. Currently, I have powernode 2i with KEf LS50 meta speakers ? How can I take advantage of Dirac option ? How would I connect any of mini dsp products with it, is it even possible in my setup. I am playing everything through Powernode : Todat MQA, hi-rez audio etc.. and I would like to continue doing so but with applied Dirac Live corrections ? Any words of wisdom would be appreciated! Thanks, A.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

You can't use MiniDSP products with the Powernode.

Gran video, gracias por la información. Un saludo!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

🙏🏻

Hi Hans, you said in the video you would sacrifice the MQA for Dirac. But for example you can plug in MiniDSP 2x4HD with room correction after the DAC unfolds the MQA. Then you have MQA and Dirac room correction, right? My setup: Streamer + DAC Aurender A10 (analog output) > MiniDSP 2x4HD with Dirac > Naim Nait amp Regards Priyange

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

If you go through analog again you can. That will add time smearing of both the AD and DA conversion, throwing out the child with the bath water.

So to get a subwoofer to participate in the dsp we need a second dac? What if my amp has a sub out.. will it not be dsp'ed properly?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

You only need a second DAC (and amp) if you use a passive sub (one without integrated amp). Most subs today are active (have a built in amp) and these can be used directly connected to the Mini DSP.

If you have a sub where would you control the volume? Network streamer/pc and or the shd?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

On the SHD. Please feed it with a 0 dB attenuated digital signal from the computer/streamer

I have a miniDSP SHD (full version with DACs). I use it to biamp using active crossover and Dirac. I am not satisfied with the built in internal streamer because it no longer works with Qobuz. They promise an upgrade but who knows. So I'd like to get a streamer upgrade and I am thinking either of an Auralic Aries Mini or a SOtM sMS-200 Ultra. Which would give the best musical performance?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

If you watch my reviews that might be more than clear. kzread.info/dash/bejne/nKl_06isn5bUhNo.html and kzread.info/dash/bejne/oHejqKudgK_Jhc4.html.

@menash41

4 жыл бұрын

How is it for Roon?

Hi, can you connect the studio to a DAC over usb? i.e using the USB output next to the power connection on the rear?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

No, it’s only SPDIF or AES/EBU.

@kubjohal

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thanks for the reply. I'm struggling to use the minidsp app for Android. The app scans but doesn't locate the device so I type in the IP address ... It looks like it makes connection but then stops stating 'Alert no connection' any ideas?

I think there may be a cooler, lower watt, chip you can use in same motherboard with much less fan noise. Perhaps a even a laptop chip.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

I know, but I already have the i7 version.

Hans, do I understand correctly that you have found a streamer that sounds as good as the SOtM SMS-Ultra Neo streamer and offers room correction on top of that? Does that mean that you are going to swap the SOtM for the SHD Studio? Because it sounds as good and is cheaper (doesn't need a high quality power supply) and offers room correction as a nice extra, there seems no reason to keep the SOtM SMS-Ultra Neo anymore?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

You understood me good. But the MiniDSP does not support Roon so I use the SOtM as streamer and the MiniDSP as room correction..

@svgmr298

5 жыл бұрын

Would the use of MiniDSP SHD upgrade a 'normal' streamer as it will overrule the clock of the streamer and uses the (apparently) very good clock inside the MiniDSP? (apart from the room correction feature). (Btw, strange that the power supply doesn't influence the sound quality as you wrote below.... most streamers are pretty sensitive for good and clean power)

Hello Hans... you being a user of Roon, why the DSP filters on Roon convolution engine correction in Roon Core was not used at the source, instead of getting an external DIRAC compatible DSP unit?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Dirac rightly protects its intellectual properties - the algorithms - by only making them available in controlled packages, like a program run inside the MiniDSP or NAD and Arcam AV receivers. There also is a plug-in for studio gear. But there is no plugin for Roon. I have asked Enno Vandermeer if Roon would add Dirac in the future but given the answer I don't think it will happen in the foreseeable future..

@BastianUllr

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel they might not have Dirac, but do have this and can load external measurements by using programs such as Audiolense to run the measurements and corrections and generate the target curve. It is just to correct a full range speaker application, it seems very interesting. kb.roonlabs.com/DSP_Engine:_Convolution

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Convolution is a general DSP technique, it's the algorithms used that define the quality. I have listened to several affordable RC techniques and I like only Dirac. A report on what you suggest can be found here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pp5k1q9qZqvQmJM.html

Suppose you have the woofer of your speakers in a transmission line (TL). One of the issues with TL is that they all have a spike at some frequency that needs to be damped. The challenge is finding that frequency and damping it. Damping is usually done by stuffing the TL with some material to absorb that frequency. This often becomes trial and error and the damping material in the TL reduces the volume at which the woofers can play. Instead of damping the TL, can one use the SHD to correct for the TL frequency spike at part of the room correction, thus avoiding the need to tune the TL?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

That will work to a certain degree. But why not do the Dirac measurements to see what frequency should be damped and than correct that as far as you can. Then use Dirac for the rest. It's always wiser to correct the problem where it is caused.

Hi, how does tis compares to lynģdorf 1120 room correction sys I terms of sound quality outcome.?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

I have not reviewed the Ligdorf 1120 so I can't say.

Hans, how do you compare the SQ of the MniDSP SHD with the Roon room correction feature?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

Roon has no room correction but has equalizers and convolution. A 3rd party program is needed and most of them don’t work in the time domain..

@svgmr298

5 жыл бұрын

It would be very interesting to compare the results of convolution of Roon (with the use of REW) with the results of MiniDSP SHD. I'm getting very good results with Roon convolution. Would be wondering whether MiniDSP would offer even better correction.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

I have done that and didn’t find it worth the production time to make a video. Play music through Roon and only switch on the headroom at 3 dB. That alone deteriorates the sound.

@svgmr298

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! (I didn't notice a sound degradation in mid/high when correcting the lows)

First off, thank you for all of your work which has helped me tremendously! My question is regarding the connection of two REL S5 SHO subwoofers with the SHD Studio. If it makes sense I intend to connect the SHD Studio between my music player (Sony HapZ1ES) via usb to the dsp then to Emotiva XDA-2 dac/preamp via usb (if possible). From the Emotiva out to my two main speakers. However from there I'm not sure about connecting the two subs. I assume a second dac would be required. In the the video (at 4:04) you mention how to do this but I am unable to understand your comment which may not apply since I am using a separate dac. If you don't mind please clarify how to incorporate the two subs.The REL's have the following connections: 1) Low-Level Left channel Phono Input: Used to connect low-level to the output of a preamplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver. (For home cinema, use .1/LFE input). 2) Low-Level Right channel Phono Input: Used to connect low-level to the output of a preamplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver. (For home cinema, use .1/LFE input). 3) .1/LFE Phono Input: Used to connect to the .1/LFE output from a 5.1 amplifier of processor 4) High-Level Neutrik® Speakon® Socket: Use to connect high-level to the main front amplifier speaker terminals. Note: This is how I connect them currently. Thank you again.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

You might watch this weeks video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/X2mkx8qNf73Lhpc.html. I would prefer to hook up the subs to the speaker terminals of the amp, go to the setup I describe in de video and then run DIRAC.

@Altsouza64

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Kai, I think the Han's reply did not fully answer your question. Rel recomends to Conect their Subs with speaker level signal from you amp (yes , from your amps power outputs along with your speakes). But, In this case, you loose the individual Dsp setings ( to the mains and to the subs) you would apply using the SHD Studio. So you are right , you have to use Two Dacs, one goes to your mains Speakers and another to the Sub (or subs). In these case you will be able to apply diferent Dsp setings to the mains Speakers and to the Subs, integrating them better. I just dont know if the Dacs must be the same Brand/Model. Thats a question Hans can answer....

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

I did fully answer the question. Use the lp’s outputs, then setup the sub as described. When that’s ok, have Dirac work in the total. This gives better integration.

@Altsouza64

4 жыл бұрын

If you have Dirac to Correct Both Mains+Subs together (as one full range speaker) , you loose the posibility to Correct the Subs individualy using Rew (Or using Dirac - Can it?)!! IMHO... Also, as a I said, only REL subs does "High Level" conection "Right". All other Subs , like the very Good SVS, lacks High Level conections. In another matter, Iwould appreciatte you could explain to me is if I Conect the Subs individualy using 3/4 outputs, Dirac does full (all 4 speakers/subs individualy) bass management correction??? I did not see the Sub labels in the Dirac screen, so I supose it does only do "together" (as one full range speaker) correction!!!. Thanks Luiz

No mention of power supply? Does it sounds better with the SBooster?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

I use it with the psu that came with it.

Hallo Hans, Mooi review. Is er dan geen enkele manier om Roon te gebruiken met dit apparaat?

Hi Hans, do you set the volume to a fixed -10db to avoid distortion coming form Dirac Live busting certain frequencies?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

No. I am under the impression it takes care of levelling itself automatically. I hear no clipping or other artefacts.

As of now Dirac Live 2.0 is available for the MiniDSP SHDees ;) Next Roon support i hope. www.minidsp.com/forum/shd-series

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

I know. A review follows suit

Hi Hans. Have you tried room correction with Behringer ultracurve pro deq2496? It suits better to my budget and I'm thinking about getting one. All I've read about it are good opinions, but It would be nice to have yours. Thanks for your amazing channel.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

I don’t like ‘normal’ approaches with equalizers because of their phase behavior.

@blackrabbot

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel you just introduced a new concept for me: phase distortion. Time to do some research.

Hello Hans, is there a way to use Roon with the Minidsp?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

Not yet. But that will change. Don’t ask when for that is not yet known.

@saylormdx2

4 жыл бұрын

It's an option in the firmware October 2019; but not Roon certified as of 25 Dec 2019.

Hi Hans, many thanks for the really informative video...I've actually listened to it several times over the past few months! I am in the process of buying a quality integrated amp and network player/streamer (with twin DACs). I will be planning on doing some serious room correction given my very non-optimal, small size room. May I ask if the SHD Studio model would be necessary if I already have a streamer/DAC? Would say the cheaper miniDSP 2x4 HD model work equally well (with Full Dirac Live Room Correction - purchased separately?). I plan to have a 2 stereo speaker + 1 subwoofer setup. Would there be a material advantage in purchasing the SHD Studio model? Would really appreciate your brief comment, thanks.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

I have not reviewed the 2x4 HD so I can’t judge the audio quality. Sorry.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Within a few weeks I will review tha MiniDSP Power that has a 2 x 120 watt amp built in....

@marcfoss7687

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks Hans...I look forward to that.

Hey, The NAD C658 is a streamer with Diract (with FW update to add that feature yet to be released) - Would be great to hear your thoughts on it once they release the Diract patch. It has received somewhat lukewarm reception at its current state based on various forum posts.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

There is a lot of NAD equipment featuring both DIRAC and MQA. I can't review them all but I will surely review some of them.

It looks like the SHD model is Roon ready. I am thinking of replacing my MicroRendu/Modi 3 with the SHD. I'm hoping it's worth it. Also, would the SHD be better with a linear power supply?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

The SHD now is a Roon Endpoint. Do use the original power supply.

@menash41

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks Hans. Should I pull the trigger?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

You have to make that decision yourself. Feel the force....

@menash41

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel OK. Do you recommend the SHD or the SHD Studio?

Hi Hans, I will replicate a Reply I did below for user Kai Jorgesen: >>> "I think the Han's reply did not fully answer your question. Rel recomends to Conect their Subs with speaker level signal from you amp (yes , from your amps power outputs along with your speakes). But, In this case, you loose the individual Dsp setings ( to the mains and to the subs) you would apply using the SHD Studio. So you are right , you have to use Two Dacs, one goes to your mains Speakers and another to the Sub (or subs). In these case you will be able to apply diferent Dsp setings to the mains Speakers and to the Subs, integrating them better. I just dont know if the Dacs must be the same Brand/Model". Also, the majority of the Subs Availble do not have Speaker level inputs. So I ask you if two Dacs will work in this scenario, and if the Dacs would have to be same model/brand (ps: the SHD analog version does not suits my needs as it does not have HT bypass)

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

I have not tried working this way. I am fully satisfied with the way I work and I can think of many more urgent things to work on. But I thing that - since using Dirac Live - not using two identical DAC's will will lead to sound problems. I expect Dirac to compensate voor both time and frequency errors. That doesn't mean any DAC is the right choice. Dirac can not improve the overall sound quality.

I'm mildly interested about acquiring a MiniDSP SHD Studio for room correction, but a bit concerned about the fact that the unit processes everything internally to 96kHz. My understanding is that Rob Watts doesn't recommend scaling music on the server side and that my Chord Hugo M Scaler is better equipped to handle the math functions. Am I conflating the two different things and expressing a concern over something that won't be recognizable?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

Both the M Scaler and the MiniDP solve a problem. It's best to solve the problem that has the most effect on the sound quality. If the acoustics of your listening room is perfect, don't use the SHD Studio. If it's not optimal, I would go for having Dirac solve that.

@ryanclements6031

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Marc, I can tell you that connecting the SHD Studio to the M Scaler works because that's what I have done. Adding the SHD Studio into the digital chain (without any Dirac correction yet) did sound slightly different (compared to without the SHD Studio) but at this early stage I don't think it degraded sound quality. I haven't had a chance to do any room correction but measurements suggest that my room is far from perfect. My expectation is that the end result will be an improvement.

@marcm2053

3 жыл бұрын

@@ryanclements6031 Thanks for sharing your experience with using MiniDSP SHD Studio with a Chord Hugo M Scaler. I’m glad to hear that you didn’t experience any decline in sound quality as a result. Like you I have a challenging listening space beyond what room treatments has addressed. I’ve done some recent upgrades using EtherREGEN, ISO REGEN, Opto-DX and a couple ULTRACAP LPS-1.2. All with quality cabling. So I nearly have everything dialed in, I’m hoping I can achieve a final bit of tweaking through the addition of MiniDSP SHD Studio. LOL, in the end though I’m stuck with the reality of poorly engineered/produced recordings in my collection! Short of remastering magic there’s nothing I can do about that! Oh well!

Hello Hans! Does the SHD Studio work as a clock master or slave?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

4 жыл бұрын

Since it only has asynchronous outputs, it has to be the master. But it delivers a very good and clean SPDIF and AES/EBU signal.

@klausjones9012

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Perfect, thank you for your reply!

One comment about Roon and MQA: Roon has solved MQA in the best way possible, they do the first unfold, then volume and DSP changes, then MQA is put back so if its sent to an MQA DAC it will see it as MQA and perform the second unfold. The second unfold don't give much extra SQ though, but its a neat way to solve it.

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

Correct, but that is of little interest if the DSP function deteriorates the sound.

@magnush9229

5 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel never noticed that, are you sure its not because of increased electronic noise caused by more CPU work?

Thanks for the review. Do I need one or 2 coaxial cables to connect the SHD studio to my dac? (I only have 1 coax input on my dac/amp).

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

Only one.

@torontotomtom

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Hans. You (and others) convinced me to try out Dirac. If I’m following your reviews correctly you’re saying Dirac sounds better through this MiniDSP streamer than just the software through a PC right? I’m currently using a Hegel h90 both as a streamer a Dac and an amp. So I don’t « need » another streamer, but I may buy this one if it’s a good way to implement Dirac. Merci encore, Thomas

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

@@torontotomtom correct

Hans, could you test SHD as a preamp? (bypass your preamp and adjust volume through SHD) - would that make sense? If this is something that makes sense I'd probably go with full size SHD, put it in between my Mediacenter (USB) and DAC (SPDIF) remove my preamp and connect speakers (active) directly to DAC xlrs. Or maybe even try to use DAC inside SHD and connect subwoofer directly to SHD. If SHD as "sort of preamp" isn't a good choice, then I'd probably go with just SHD Studio for room corrections only

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

3 жыл бұрын

Sure. I use it that way sometimes when needed in a test. It has a very good volume control. You're only limited to digital sources, of course.

@wojciechczupta9185

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel does it have potential of replacing a hi-end DAC to benefit from very clean signal path? (I'm running on Schiit Yggdrasil) I'm using only digital sources and my current preamp is Schiit Freya (it may sound like not so high end partner, but with good tubes, it does the job)

Hallo Hans, great review. I own a Nad m32 with a bluesound card inserted. Am I right that with this configuration it is not possible to use it with the dirac?

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

5 жыл бұрын

You are correct. But I wouldn't be surprised if a DIRAC MCD module would become available. NAD seems to be committed to DIRAC (my guess, I have no info from NAD on this)

@josschreur6992

5 жыл бұрын

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel that is wat I am hoping fore. Thanks for the clear answer

Dirac + MQA? Please review the NAD C 658. Thank you.

Does anyone have any real world experience using this streamer and roon with a roon ready DAC? I have a denafrips and roon recognizes it as a roon device. If i insert the Studio into the chain, do i point my roon core to the DAC or the Studio or does it matter? Thanks!

@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

2 жыл бұрын

To the studio