What is Floyd Toole saying about extra amplifier power and headroom?

audiorusty:" Proper installation of your MiniDSP would be between your preamp and amps. IOW you would connect the left and right outputs from your preamp to inputs 1 and 2 of the MiniDSP. You would then send two of the four MiniDSP outputs to the inputs of your Musical Fidelity amp and one of the remaining MiniDSP outputs to your sub. Technically you could send both of the remaining two outputs of the MiniDSP to the your sub as long as the sub has both a left and a right input but I doubt if you would notice any difference.

Hello audiorusty,

      Very useful info but I'm still trying to completely understand how the DSP Mini operates. So in diamonddupree's system with his combination Mytek preamp/dac, he would just use a pair of standard/analog rca cables to connect the main left and right outputs of his preamp to the MiniDSP's inputs 1 and 2.  Then he would use another pair of rca cables to connect 2 of the 4 outputs on the MiniDSP to his amp. 

Questions: 
 He can use any 2 of the 4 outputs on the MiniDSP?
 How does the user know which output is the left channel and which is the right ch to ensure proper connections to the amp's l+r inputs?

     Assuming these 2 connections are somehow accurately l+r connected to the amp.

Questions:
Could the remaining 2 of the 4 outputs on the MiniDSP each be utilized as summed l+r ch mono bass outputs, with a single cable going to each of a pair of self-amplified subs?
Is there a method to configure the internal functioning of the MiniDSP for things such as assigning l+r ch outputs and the  low-pass/subs and high-pass/main speakers crossover frequency settings?

Thanks,
  Tim    

To the OP, and everyone. I am here to not play devils advocate, but here it goes. 1st, lots of good information shared above. Steve Guttenberg, the Audiophiliac, came out with a video on his channel a few weeks ago, asking " Is your system perfectly matched to your music ? ". I think it should go beyond that. Is your system matched to your listening " habits "? What I am finding here is, by the OP, trying to get sound pressure levels ( 100 - 105 db ) out of a mini monitor ( with 7 inch woofers ) is not very realistic, no matter the quality, or power. I listen loud, and my peak levels approach these levels often, but with a pair of modified and tweaked Klipsch Lascala. They do everything I want them to do, with all types of music ( they run full range, and I do have subs to extend the much needed bottom end ). I hear compression with most low efficiency dynamic speakers ( panels too ), and specifically, mini monitors. One of the reasons to listen to music with an audiophile type system to begin with, is to experience the full scale of dynamics and shadings, of the musicianship, of the players and the composers, of our favorite music. Raising the level does not always get you there, unless you have the right system, " for you ". I take nothing away from those using eqs, crossovers, dsp, or whatever else. However, I find it all to be band aids ( ime, and to my ears / brain ), with the added complexity of electronics and cables added to the system, it ultimately hinders the details of  what I want to hear, from my recordings. ymmv. Enjoy, be well and stay safe. Always, MrD.

 Hello mrD,

     I really don't disagree with anything you stated.  I would just add that high efficiency speakers are not a requirement if you enjoy your music at hearing health threatening levels.  I know you didn't state otherwise but I thought some might mistakenly assume this.  I  personally  listen to music at about 70-90 dbs but on occasions I will go over 100 dbs when I get the urge.
     But I understand my speakers can safely handle very high volumes as long as the power is clean; it's normally high distortion and clipping that damage speakers.  My system is capable of playing at volumes well above levels I care to ever listen at but I like knowing my system's capable, consider it a sign of quality and view it much like a high quality car that's luxurious, a great cruiser on the highways, very powerful and fast when you feel the need but also gets good mileage when I take it easy.
     I have fairly inefficient Magnepan 3.7i main speakers driven by 1,200 watt @  4 ohm class D monoblocks that have very low distortion. I run them full range but also supplement the bass between about 20-40 Hz with 4 subs powered by a separate class AB 1K watt amp.  
     I built my system based on the concept of combining 2 systems:  a very powerful and dynamic bass system, that's also textured, tonally accurate and detailed, to establish a solid foundation for any genre of music along with a high quality pair of main speakers layed on top that provides very good midrange, treble and stereo imaging performance.
     The most difficult part, in my experience, is  getting the bass sounding right and seamlessly integrated with the main speakers.  My opinion is that at least a pair of good quality subs are a requirement for optimum results. 
     I've found getting the midrange, treble and stereo imaging sounding right is the easier part, especially if high quality and well matched amps and speakers are utilized and the speakers are precisely positioned in the room and in relation to the designated listening seat. Lastly, strategically placed acoustic room treatments work wonders.
     Overall, I believe diamonddupree has all the necessary component system parts to build a similarly very good system, possibly even better.

Tim

You may want to go even cheaper than a miniDSP. :)

Get a capacitor of around 0.04uF and put it in line with your amp inputs.

https://www.partsconnexion.com/JAM-82668.html


BTW, I have a miniDSP and I love it, but I only use it in my sub path way for the reasons you are concerned with.

Of course, if only audiophiles could give up these damn separates and go with an Anthem streamer/preamp or similar with built in room correction and bass management. :)

Best,

Erik

@erik_squires the day I try to install that is the last day my amp would ever work. 
MiniDSP comes tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect. Should be interesting.