Two-channel processor with subwoofer pre-out?

[Kal Rubinson]

Manufactured processors that Dirac has partnered with?

Nope.

 

[ddude003]

What is the difference between the stereo XLR pair L & R and the XLR Sub1 and Sub2 on the Anthem STR? Guessing DSP/Crossovers and/or Stereo mixed into Mono or is it really just sub L&R...

I am trying to comprehend why a Preamplifier with Dual Stereo XLRs is different if you do Convolution in software before the DAC and Preamplifier... Which is what I do only with Dual RCA Stereo pairs... And my Streamer, DAC and Preamplifier are discrete separates...

Dirac Live® for Studio Kal?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Nope.

That's what I was referring to.

What is the difference between the stereo XLR pair L & R and the XLR Sub1 and Sub2 on the Anthem STR? Guessing DSP/Crossovers and/or Stereo mixed into Mono or is it really just sub L&R...

I am trying to comprehend why a Preamplifier with Dual Stereo XLRs is different if you do Convolution in software before the DAC and Preamplifier... Which is what I do only with Dual RCA Stereo pairs... And my Streamer, DAC and Preamplifier are discrete separates...

I don't know that there is any difference. On the SHD the outputs are assigned to whatever you want to assign them to. I just don't know of any other DACs that have at least 3 or 4 XLR outputs. One pair of outputs is not enough, and that is what the majority of the DACs have. There may be some DACs with multiple RCA outputs, but I don't want to use an XLR to RCA adapter.

There's nothing wrong with having a separate streamer, DAC and preamp if that's what you want. I am looking more at one box solutions for now, mainly experimenting with the differences between using my HTP-1 for music vs using a separate system.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Dirac Live® for Studio Kal?

Yes.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I just don't know of any other DACs that have at least 3 or 4 XLR outputs.

I know of 4 and that more are coming. They range from the ~$1K Okto to the ~$12K Nadac. In addition, the Okto can daisy-chain the clock to synch multiples.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Okto 8, Merging Nadac, exaSound e38 (mini XLR), not sure about the 4th. These would be dedicated DACs.

I should rephrase my statement... I do not know of any other processor type DACs with volume control and more than stereo XLR outputs.

How many are Roon Ready (certified or not)... perhaps only the SHD? It's really a nice all in one box... wish it offered HT Bypass.

Two-channel processor with sub pre-out... there just aren't many out there with XLR outputs.

I certainly think we are going to start seeing more, as interest seems to be growing. My searches have revealed quite a few others looking for something similar.

I may end up holding off for a little while and see what comes about first of the year.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Okto 8, Merging Nadac, exaSound e38 (mini XLR), not sure about the 4th.

Merging Anubis. More coming.

These would be dedicated DACs.
I should rephrase my statement... I do not know of any other processor type DACs with volume control and more than stereo XLR outputs.

Nor do I.

I may end up holding off for a little while and see what comes about first of the year.

I, too, am curious about that.

 

[JStewart]

While not an HT Bypass on the SHD the same can be accomplished by selecting the analog input and setting volume to 0dB. The BIG WATCHOUT out is making absolutely sure the volume is lowered before switching inputs.
Probably not worth the risk though.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

While not an HT Bypass on the SHD the same can be accomplished by selecting the analog input and setting volume to 0dB. The BIG WATCHOUT out is making absolutely sure the volume is lowered before switching inputs.
Probably not worth the risk though.

No sub pass thru... only has front/stereo XLR inputs... and the HTP-1 does not have RCA sub pre-outs, only XLR. I could use an XLR to RCA adapter, but I don't believe the RCA inputs on the SHD would pass thru to the XLR outputs for the subs.

 

[JStewart]

Another possible reason one may not want to use the SHD for analog HT Bypass. Looks like all analog inputs may go through ADC/DAC conversion.
Would at least need to know for sure.

From the Manual:

Analog Audio inputs

2-channel audio input, balanced XLR Neutrik connector, unbalanced on RCA 32bit AKM AK5574 ADC / 120dB SNR measured / 0.0003% THD+N (Balanced Analog to Digital)

 

[Sonnie Parker]

That wouldn't be a big concern for me, as it would only affect movies/TV.

 

[Ton]

I don't know why you need a subwoofer pre out. If it's not a must you could consider a REL sub connected to the power amp by the high level connection.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I don't know why you need a subwoofer pre out. If it's not a must you could consider a REL sub connected to the power amp by the high level connection.

There are many that find the REL configuration a compromise.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I have 4 SVS SB16-Ultra subs.

 

[rpadole1972]

The Anthem STR Preamp looks like a stellar unit... and has HT Bypass, which would make thing much more simpler for me. However... there is no mention of Roon... bummer.

I see it mentioned further below. But I use the STR Pre with a Pi4 USB out powering my 2-channel and subwoofer. Love the subwoofer out from it. You can set levels and cut off right from the unit as well. Including distance. Of course it includes room correction ARC.

Full disclosure I am an Anthem dealer. But a lover of Roon first. I do wish Ethernet could take Roon, but that is reserved for IP control like Control4, Crestron and other home automation.

For the Pi4, I use a FLIRC case, PI4 2GB, and RoPieee. No issues. Bulletproof implementation with Roon. Don't overlook it.

You can contact me for more questions. I can even sell you a complete unit with a Pi4 already built and programmed if you want.

 

[rpadole1972]

The Anthem STR Preamp looks like a stellar unit... and has HT Bypass, which would make thing much more simpler for me. However... there is no mention of Roon... bummer.

The other option I use in another room from the STR is an Oppo Modwright. I use it as the preamplifier and it has sub out as well. It is Roon Ready via Ethernet. It uses dual ESS9038pro, each for Left and Right processing. And you could even play SACD via XLR/RCA and get true DSD playback, no conversion.

 

[rpadole1972]

I have 4 SVS SB16-Ultra subs.

I was wondering who would use the AVM 90 with 4 subwoofer out. Now I know!!! Wow.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I was wondering who would use the AVM 90 with 4 subwoofer out. Now I know!!! Wow.

Yep... BUT... I actually find it works better for me to time align the subs first... then sum them all from one pre-out, so multiple sub pre-outs is not necessary.

Thanks for the info on the Pi4. What I was trying to prevent is having another piece of equipment in the chain. I'm not familiar with how the Pi4 would integrate with my Intel NUC with Roon ROCK on it.

Anthem stated all of their future processors should have Roon, so I am guessing they'll come out with another similar unit that is Roon Ready.

Does the AVM70 or 90 (both Roon Ready) have the same DACs as the STR series?

 

[rpadole1972]

Yep... BUT... I actually find it works better for me to time align the subs first... then sum them all from one pre-out, so multiple sub pre-outs is not necessary.

Thanks for the info on the Pi4. What I was trying to prevent is having another piece of equipment in the chain. I'm not familiar with how the Pi4 would integrate with my Intel NUC with Roon ROCK on it.

Anthem stated all of their future processors should have Roon, so I am guessing they'll come out with another similar unit that is Roon Ready.

Does the AVM70 or 90 (both Roon Ready) have the same DACs as the STR series?

The Intel NUC is your Roon core I am assuming. That can be anywhere on the network. The Pi4 would just take an ethernet connection from the network near the STR and then a USB out to the STR. That is it. The Pi4 is just another endpoint for Roon. No NUC would be needed in the room.

The STR Pre and the AVM 60 use the same AKM DAC. The AVM 90 will have the AKM4499EQ. The AVM 70 DAC has not been specified to me. I am attempting to find out from engineering.
The STR Pre is not due for any upgrade at this time for Roon use. Just the AVM 70 and 90 at the moment. And maybe the GEN4 MRX? But not confirmed. Plus any talk of Roon compatibility is weeks or months down the line as we are not shipping until December and who knows how long Roon certification will take? Just ask the NAD M33 owners who can only use Airplay2 right now with their units. Coincidentally that both companies are Canadian and NAD is much bigger company than Paradigm.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The Intel NUC is your Roon core I am assuming. That can be anywhere on the network. The Pi4 would just take an ethernet connection from the network near the STR and then a USB out to the STR. That is it. The Pi4 is just another endpoint for Roon. No NUC would be needed in the room.

So what is the difference in buying/building a Pi and using it in the listening room, and simply using the Intel NUC with ROCK in the listening room?

 

[rpadole1972]

So what is the difference in buying/building a Pi and using it in the listening room, and simply using the Intel NUC with ROCK in the listening room?

I was under the impression you wanted something less obtrusive than the NUC in the room. Bigger power supply, bigger case. More electronic noise from the NUC as well. Your NUC is running Roon Core, doing all of the background processing for Roon conversions or DSP and is then supposed to be a Roon Bridge endpoint as well.

The Pi would be your low footprint, low overhead Roon Bridge only, letting the NUC do what the NUC does best process commands, doing MQA conversions and maybe some DSP but not play your music too.

Personally, I keep Roon on my QNAP NAS.

Thank you for the previous posting help. I did not think that one through.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I see... so what OS is the Pi running?

Sounds like the Pi might be a much less expensive solution vs something like the ultraRendu.

 

[rpadole1972]

RoPieee is the OS. The SD card will have RoPieee, which rins Roon Bridge.
Here is a manual to help. Very very easy. You literally snap the PI4 into the Flirc case. Insert SD Card (with RoPieee image), power on.

https://codexwilkes.com/downloads/ropieee-guide-for-beginners.pdf

read the above link. Should help explain.

I have 2 PI4. One uses a different case to try Audio HATs. HATs attach to the PI and can hold for example COAX out or even a DAC. For example the AVM series do not have USB inputs only Coax and Toslink. A PI4 would connect via HAT to the AVM. Now the AVM will playback Roon.
Example of HATs.
Hifiberry DAC 2 HD - an actual TI PCM 24/192 DAC
JustBoom Coax/Toslink output only

you dont even need more than a 1GB PI4 Model B. You do not need a monitor either.

Case to use with HAT is an Argon One.
Flirc case is only for USB out use.

A PI4 solution is $100 while a Rendu is hundreds. I own the Auralic Aries and Aries Mini as well for years now. But the PI4 RoPieee does the same thing for thousands less. Think of the RoPieee as the replacement for a Bluesound Node 2i. A Roon capable interface for non-Roon compliant audio hardware.

 

[rpadole1972]

RoPieee is the OS. The SD card will have RoPieee, which runs Roon Bridge.
Here is a manual to help. Very very easy. You literally snap the PI4 into the Flirc case. Insert SD Card (with RoPieee image), power on.

https://codexwilkes.com/downloads/ropieee-guide-for-beginners.pdf

read the above link. Should help explain.

I have 2 PI4. One uses a different case to try Audio HATs. HATs attach to the PI and can hold for example COAX out or even a DAC. For example the AVM series do not have USB inputs only Coax and Toslink. A PI4 would connect via HAT to the AVM. Now the AVM will playback Roon.
Example of HATs.
Hifiberry DAC 2 HD - an actual TI PCM 24/192 DAC
JustBoom Coax/Toslink output only

you dont even need more than a 1GB PI4 Model B. You do not need a monitor either.

Case to use with HAT is an Argon One.
Flirc case is only for USB out use.

A PI4 solution is $100 while a Rendu is hundreds. I own the Auralic Aries and Aries Mini as well for years now. But the PI4 RoPieee does the same thing for thousands less. Think of the RoPieee as the replacement for a Bluesound Node 2i. A Roon capable interface for non-Roon compliant audio hardware.

Everything available on Amazon as well. Or HAT websites for DAC or Digi boards.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Awesome... thanks for the thorough explanation. I may have to give one of the STR units a trial. The HT Bypass makes it so much easier to setup the system.