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Would my DAC matter?

I’m sure this question will raise a bit of controversy, but here we go…
I’m an all digital listener, and I have a streamer connected to an outboard DAC (PS Audio DirectStream DAC), the analog outs of the DAC connected to my preamp, and from the pre to my power amps, and then speakers… obviously.

I’m interested however in doing some room correction/ EQ. If I were to place a MiniDsp SHD in between my preamp and my power amp, the MiniDsp would take the analog signal my DAC created, run it through an ADC, apply EQ in the digital domain, and process the resulting signal through its internal DAC, before passing it on to the power amps. Does this completely negate the value of my PS Audio DAC, or would the initially improved analog signal it created by way of noise reduction, reclocking, DSD up sampling, etc., be of benefit to the final outcome? Would I only be hearing the “last DAC” located in the MiniDsp?

aorigoni
yyzsantabarbara
4,806 posts
 

Are you a ROON or JRiver user? If so for less than the price of the MiniDSP you can get state of the art DSP by this guy. Digital Room Correction (DRC) Calibration - Accurate Sound

He will implement a custom solution for you gear and room remotely.

The DSP is done inside the Convolution engine of either ROON or JRiver. That output then goes into your DAC. Then your preamp and amp.

This will be better than the LIMITED DSP capabilities built into any audio hardware device. Reason being what I am suggesting is all software based. Using the most advanced DSP software, unlike the limited power audio hardware devices.

I used Mitch’s services when I had a Thiel CS3.7 floor stander in a small room. Genius level stuff from him. I no longer use the Convolution filters because I have different speakers and different furniture positioning.

 

 

jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick
138 posts
 

Agreed. If you are going to use DSP, do it while the signal is still digital.  I use hqPlayer.  I can add filters to it.  I did my own with REW and rePhase.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

If you are doing the DSP in the digital domain, yes, the DAC (digital to analog converter) would matter. A lot.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,171 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara :+1! The software solution is the best way to do system EQ!

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,779 posts
 

that post requires dirac to implement 

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