miniDSP Brings Dirac Live to Its New Hi-Res SHD Series of Streamers

miniDSP Brings Dirac Live to Its New Hi-Res SHD Series of Streamers​

(miniDSP)(October 17, 2018) Hong Kong’s popular manufacturer of specialized audiophile gear, miniDSP, recently announced the launch of its new line of Streaming High Definition (SHD) DSP-based streamers. In addition to boasting impressive connectivity, the new SHD Series also delivers owners the power of Dirac Live room correction.

Priced at $1,199 (for the SHD, an analog and digital model) and $899 (SHD Studio, an all-digital solution), miniDSP ships both streamers with Dirac Live and a calibrated UMIK-1 measurement microphone. Dirac Live utilizes sophisticated correction algorithms accessed by a simple step-by-step analysis process (Windows or Mac computer required). The resulting corrections of frequency and time errors across a listening space are designed to deliver “improved imaging, greater clarity and realism, more accurate timbre, and a deeper, tighter, and more accurate bass.” Additionally, owners can access an interactive control graph that establishes a target frequency range for correction, along with four onboard curve presets. Owners can also set their own target curve for a unique customized playback experience.

Streaming-wise, both models carry Volumio, a popular open-source network streaming solution, which is paired with an onboard quad-core ARM processor. Volumio supports a wide-range of file types, including FLAC, ALAC, AAC, Vorbis, MP3, and DSD. It’s also compatible with both UPNP and Airplay playback.

In addition to Dirac Live, both models carry a second pair of outputs linked to a 10-band parametric EQ for each channel, crossovers up to 48 dB/octave, a compressor/limiter, and a 2x4 matrix mixer for integration of a single subwoofer with a two-way active speaker.

The SHD and SHD Studio both offer SPDIF, Toslink, AES-EBU, USB, and Network inputs, while the SHD also carries dual XLR and RCA analog inputs. Output-wise, the SHD Studio carries SPDIF and AES-EBU outputs, while the SHD presents both RCA and XLR analog and SPDIF digital options.

 

[Asere]

Pretty cool

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Stereo only.

 

[Allan T.]

Pretty cool

Agreed, but I need Roon compatibility

 

[Todd Anderson]

I wonder about the applicability of this gear to less than knowledgeable enthusiasts... the concept is great, but it doesn't scream wide accessibility.

 

[Matthew J Poes]

I wonder about the applicability of this gear to less than knowledgeable enthusiasts... the concept is great, but it doesn't scream wide accessibility.

Yes...but I don’t think MiniDSP is targeting a wide market in general. This particular product class is a hot product sector for what it is. Raspberry Pi music servers are pretty popular and many users have asked about DIRAC to go with it. Some people spend this much money on a power supply to go with their $35 music server, so I am sure there is a market.

Though I share Kals disappointment that an option isn’t available for multi-channel. What I would like to see is a multi-channel platform that supports 24 bit, 96khz DIRAC correction across at least 6 channels for use with multi-channel music.