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miniDSP with separates or Arcam SA30 or NAD C658 plus beefy power amp?

I'm new to this and would like to incrementally start a separates system initially on top of my Yamaha A2080 AVR with combined music movies system.

My goal is to enter hi-fi territory for 2 channel music and get Dirac into my system.

miniDSP opens up lots of component options but is it too much trouble when I can just get something like the C658 or Arcam SA30 when it comes out this fall?

Right now my system is KEF R3 L/R, Dual Rythmik F12SE's, and a Yamaha A2080 AVR.  Running Tidal Hi-Fi and occasionally some hi-res FLAC from a USB stick.

Thx :-)


128x128ataraxia
ataraxia's avatar
ataraxia OP
38 posts
 
@auxinput

miniDSP has a lot of great little "swiss army knife" type products to help fix elements in current systems. However, it’s likely going to degrade some sound quality unless you buy a linear power supply for the miniDSP unit. The switching wal-wart power supplies just aren’t good enough. That being said, it’s much better to buy a really good NAD or Arcam that has the room correction included. That way, you’re not sending the audio through another device that will need to do an analog-to-digital conversion, process, and then a digital-to-analog conversion.

If I went the miniDSP SHD plus linear power supply route would this one be a good choice? A power conditioner is another component on my upgrade list. Even If I end up with an integrated amp or separates.

https://www.audioquest.com/ac-power/ac-power-conditioners/niagara-series/niagara-1200

Any other good ones that are lower cost?
ataraxia's avatar
ataraxia OP
38 posts
 
@nekoaudio

@ataraxia if you have any questions about how you might be able to integrate an SHD unit into your system, feel free to reach out. I've set them up for simple 2-channel Dirac all the way to more complex bass management and channel routing.

Thanks. Still in research mode. I’m considering the SHD plus a Yamaha integrated like the A-S2100 because I like the Yamaha sound signature and am afraid I might not like something else as much. I would also really like to keep my box count low so still leaning towards an integrated with Dirac. However this could change. I am curious about Arcam, Hegel, and others.
kbuzz
214 posts
 
Old thread but maybe nekoaudio knows, is it possible for one of the Minidsp U it’s to act as a streamer with Dirac  but still, use your preamp ?
djones51
4,947 posts
 
You can use the SHD Studio as a streamer and Dirac but you would need a DAC. It can also be used as a roon endpoint.
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