IIR vs FIR filters. Is the sacrifice in fidelity worth the better DSP of FIR?


My Mini DSP is being finicky with the infrared learning of my remote and I think I may need to replace the unit with a Mini DSP Flex Eight because the one I have is out of production. The newer models have the option of keeping 32 bit/96 kHz with IIR filters or 32bit/48 kHz with Dirac Live® which uses FIR filters. The additional processing power needed to run FIR filters reduces the throughput. Do the superior FIR filters, which can correct phase so it is linear (IIR filters cannot), improve the DSP more than to make up for the loss in fidelity? I ask because I have to chose which I want when purchasing the unit. I currently use IIR with Room EQ Wizard and run the measurements through Multi Sub Optimizer and plug those results into the 8 bi-quad filters of my Mini DSP. The FIR integration simplifies the process and uses Dirac Live to make the DSP happen. 
 

I would appreciate anyone’s experience! I don’t mind the extra work, I want what will sound best. Of note the system is all wired with balanced connections while the new Mini DSP model Flex Eight uses RCA. There is another Mini DSP model I could use that has balanced out but it only uses Dirac Live at 32bit/48 kHz. 

Thanks,

Steve

hifidream

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

Personally I've never found phase correction worth that much.  Getting a glass smooth FR and integrating the bass well with the room is such a huge improvement over no EQ, but the extra steps needed for phase correction never did that much for me.

Yeah, I miss the 8 channel miniDSP myself.