@heaudio123
Not usually how a four output miniDSP works. Usually the outputs are for high and low frequency, so with that configuration it is for 2 satellites and 2 subs, with configuration for high pass, low pass, timing, global EQ as well as EQ per driver. It’s’ important to double check with miniDSP as the mixing is controlled by the app, so ask them if you want to do anything fancy with the bigger units.
OP:
I like mine, my biggest fear with integrated streamers is support for new handheld OSes and new online services. For instance, if you buy a streamer/receiver, in five years, how many of the online services it supports will still work?
Yes to DIY speakers, not swarms. Yes, they work, but they are also complicated in that they require 4 subs, and appropriate cabling. My own personal solution is usually 1 to 2 subs, with bass traps AND EQ.
I never said a miniDSP would fix everything all by itself. I was quite narrow in my claim. If all you have is 1 sub, adding EQ can get you far. Of course, optimal placement helps, but after this you may still be left with enormous (20 dB) narrow peaks at the listening location. That is what the EQ alone can fix. Clip them, and you can raise the overall sub volume. This alone is an enormous improvement. How much of course depends on how bad the room is to start with.
Room treatment, AND speaker placement AND EQ however can go even further. It can even out the response across the room, not just one location, and you can even treat nulls.
I see this as a continuum:
One subwoofer, good placement and an EQ can often get the hobbyist with limited space and money far into the "enjoyable bass" region. Appropriate room treatment (GIK Acoustics Soffit Traps for instance), additional subs are what moves the needle into great bass.
So, I don’t think the swarm fanatics are wrong about swarms working. I think they are wrong that it is the only possible answer for the hobbyist.
Best,
E
Not usually how a four output miniDSP works. Usually the outputs are for high and low frequency, so with that configuration it is for 2 satellites and 2 subs, with configuration for high pass, low pass, timing, global EQ as well as EQ per driver. It’s’ important to double check with miniDSP as the mixing is controlled by the app, so ask them if you want to do anything fancy with the bigger units.
OP:
If I remember right, you are a proponent of standalone DACs (specifically Brooklyn),
I like mine, my biggest fear with integrated streamers is support for new handheld OSes and new online services. For instance, if you buy a streamer/receiver, in five years, how many of the online services it supports will still work?
DIY swarms,
Yes to DIY speakers, not swarms. Yes, they work, but they are also complicated in that they require 4 subs, and appropriate cabling. My own personal solution is usually 1 to 2 subs, with bass traps AND EQ.
My (limited) understanding of room nodes is that they are affected by the placement of the subwoofer (or subwoofers, as in a swarm). If that is true, can a single mini-DSP fix the room nodes regardless of subwoofer location? Or do you need one mini-DSP for each sub?
I never said a miniDSP would fix everything all by itself. I was quite narrow in my claim. If all you have is 1 sub, adding EQ can get you far. Of course, optimal placement helps, but after this you may still be left with enormous (20 dB) narrow peaks at the listening location. That is what the EQ alone can fix. Clip them, and you can raise the overall sub volume. This alone is an enormous improvement. How much of course depends on how bad the room is to start with.
Room treatment, AND speaker placement AND EQ however can go even further. It can even out the response across the room, not just one location, and you can even treat nulls.
I see this as a continuum:
- Poor bass due to overall bass level dominated by peaks.
- Enjoyable bass
- Great bass.
One subwoofer, good placement and an EQ can often get the hobbyist with limited space and money far into the "enjoyable bass" region. Appropriate room treatment (GIK Acoustics Soffit Traps for instance), additional subs are what moves the needle into great bass.
So, I don’t think the swarm fanatics are wrong about swarms working. I think they are wrong that it is the only possible answer for the hobbyist.
Best,
E