Two-channel processor with subwoofer pre-out?

[Sonnie Parker]

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

What power supply are you using with our Pi4?

 

[rpadole1972]

I use the ifi Power with a usb dc dongle. The Not the PowerX as that is overkill.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Back to eye-balling that Okta 8 Pro. It might work with the 4 balanced inputs (left + right + sub)... then use the Rasberry Pi with RoPieee for my ROCK NUC.

The only caveat would be making sure the volume is at 0 for the HTP-1 pass-through... but I should be able to handle that via a macro.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

It might work with the 4 balanced inputs (left + right + sub)..

Those are AES/EBU digital balanced inputs. What would be your source?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Those are AES/EBU digital balanced inputs. What would be your source?

Hmmm... wasn't paying attention... guess that won't work for HT bypass since the outputs on the HTP-1 would be analog.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Hmmm... wasn't paying attention... guess that won't work for HT bypass since the outputs on the HTP-1 would be analog.

'Fraid so.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

lol... back to waiting again.

 

[rockphotog]

My Parasound P6 preamp is 2.1, with dedicated XLR + RCA + RCA HT bypass for sub and low/high crossover filters (that you of course can turn off) - very happy with it.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

My Parasound P6 preamp is 2.1, with dedicated XLR + RCA + RCA HT bypass for sub and low/high crossover filters (that you of course can turn off) - very happy with it.

That is certainly a nice unit. If it only had Roon, although I could use the RasPi with RoPieee I suppose. I'd have to also get XLR to RCA adapters since the HTP-1 does not have RCA pre-outs.

 

[Michael Boeker]

How about the Denon DRA-800H?

Since AV NIRVANA just reviewed the StormAudio ISP, this is a good use case. It can run the home theater plus other 2.1 channel systems throughout the house. With the AVB or soon to be released AES67 digital output card, you can also use a separate DAC at the 2.1 channel zones. This just takes an ethernet cable vs balanced cables. Either way, it is easy to have multiple systems. The ISP does all the processing, bass management, and room correction.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

How about the Denon DRA-800H?

Since AV NIRVANA just reviewed the StormAudio ISP, this is a good use case. It can run the home theater plus other 2.1 channel systems throughout the house. With the AVB or soon to be released AES67 digital output card, you can also use a separate DAC at the 2.1 channel zones. This just takes an ethernet cable vs balanced cables. Either way, it is easy to have multiple systems. The ISP does all the processing, bass management, and room correction.

I don't think the Denon would be any improvement over my HTP-1. I'd also like to have XLR preouts.

The ISP is out of my price range.

I have no idea if I'd notice any benefit to a separate two-channel system, but whatever I choose needs to at least claim to be better than the HTP-1, which is no slouch by any means.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Looking again at the miniDSP SHD... I can't help myself.

The connections would be as follows... the balanced analog XLR outputs 1 to left front speaker amp, output 2 to the right front speaker amp, then output 3 to my subs. I can use the SHD internal xover for the mains and subs, and Dirac if I want to use it.

I will run my left + right front speaker balance XLR pre-out from my Monolith HTP-1 processor to the analog XLR input of the SHD so that I can continue to use my front left + right speakers with the HTP-1 for movies. Will the SHD pass that signal while it is off (not doing any processing)... or does it have to remain powered on and I'll setup another preset with no processing so that it simply passes thru the miniDSP?

I am considering it because I just ordered a couple of the Benchmark AHB2 amps... and my weak link right now is the HTP-1 in my two-channel chain. The SHD is right there with the AHB2 amp... so there shouldn't be anything holding back the cleanest signal.

 

[JStewart]

I am considering it because I just ordered a couple of the Benchmark AHB2 amps

Those are supposed to be the best. Congrats!! I saw them at a trade show. They have a really small footprint (good thing!). The size threw me just because of being used to seeing heavy and large amps. You're putting together an awesome system!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Those are supposed to be the best. Congrats!! I saw them at a trade show. They have a really small footprint (good thing!). The size threw me just because of being used to seeing heavy and large amps. You're putting together an awesome system!

Thanks!

I'm trying to setup a very simply two-channel system that will have a very short chain from the Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK to the processor to the amps to the speakers that has some of the cleanest equipment it can have, at at least a somewhat reasonable price. I'm somewhat running into an issue finding a processor/DAC that won't hold the amps back. The best option at this point is the Okto DAC8 Pro which will accommodate my subs. I'll still have to use an XLR switcher, but those are right up there with these units in how clean they are... ARX RS-1. The problem with the Okto is they are running a couple of months out on delivery, and who knows what might surface between now and then. I would hate for something to come out that suits me better while I'm waiting.

There is really no other options I can find with a black finish. The Exasound is silver, and cost too much. The SHD using XLR drops down several dB and is not really all that much better than my HTP-1 if I set it to 2.1v or less, and it's at 1.5v right now.

Don't confuse this with me being able to notice and necessarily pinpoint any differences. My philosophy here is to make sure there is nothing hindering me from hearing whatever it is I am supposed to hear.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I'm way too impatient.

Well as it turns out... the XLR measurement has apparently been fixed, as miniDSP has provided measurements showing that the XLR is actually 1dB better than RCA, which would put it dead even with the AHB2 amps at 112dB. That unit has the outputs I need, so I think I'll grab one and give it a spin.

 

[JStewart]

Don't confuse this with me being able to notice and necessarily pinpoint any differences. My philosophy here is to make sure there is nothing hindering me from hearing whatever it is I am supposed to hear.

 

[JStewart]

Hey Sonnie, did you catch this new SHD review on ASR?
Looks good

Minidsp SHD Review Updated (DSP, DAC & Streamer)

This is an update to the review of minidsp SHD that I did a couple of years ago. My tests have evolved since then and company has stated that they fixed a few issues I found in that test. The SHD costs US $1,195 and includes a USB DAC, streaming engine (based on Volumio) and of course, DSP...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I sure did... that was my unit that Amir had and is now headed my way.

 

[JStewart]

Go figure! Good for you!