TOPIC: Balanced System with SHD?

New to the forum and considering an SHD but not sure if it can integrate properly for my 2 channel system.

There are some serious room issues with +15db peaks at 42hz and up to -30db drops around 120hz. I currently use a Cambridge 851N streamer, run into a Denafrips Ares II Ladder DAC, then to Wyred4Sound STP stage II preamp, onto a MSB Technology S202 amp. Speakers are Evolution Acoustics Micro Ones that goes down to 35hz (-3b) but I would rather regulate 80hz and below to the powered Seaton Submersive HP+.

The DAC and Preamp is going to be a step up to the SHD and the Cambridge streamer (which is the next item to upgrade) works with Airplay - I use often for browsing music until I finds something I can download and play back at higher resolution through the hard drive. So I would like to keep those components in the loop, let Dirac solve some of my room issues (will be getting some treatment to help) but try to keep the balanced connection as clean as possible to the speakers while still able to actively crossing over at around 80hz and sending everything else below to the sub(s).

Is this possible to do without degrading the signal path to the main speakers?

If you’re sure you want to keep your streamer and DAC then have you looked at the SHD Studio?

Don't think the Studio will work in order to keep the line balanced to the speakers while using my DAC, Streamer and Preamp. I suspect for the money, at least the DAC will not be better than the Ares II but may match the 851n as a chipped DAC. And I much prefer the Ladder Ares over the 851n DAC.

I’m confused. Have you decided you are keeping all the equipment you listed or are you saying you want to replace the streamer and preamp with the SHD?

Also how do you currently integrate the Seaton sub?

I want to keep all the equipment I have but need an active crossover and solve room issues at the same time. If the monitors can be cut off at 80hz or so, and I can send the rest to the powered sub while correcting the room is the main goal.

Can you send full range signal to sub and let it filter the signal before sending it to the speakers?

Unfortunately not. The only way I know how to do it is to add the crossover after the preamp and send the correct frequency range to the amplifier for the speakers and then the powered sub.

sooo... can your current pre-amp do that?

No, just straight 2 channel passthrough.

Well if you want to keep it I think you’ll need something like the DDRC-88A.

But if you’re going to spend that much why not go with the SHD and get rid of your streamer dac and pre-amp?!

The SHD Studio is a streamer +Dirac without dac. It is a great sounding streamer. I think it is a step up from the Cambridge. I combine the SHD Studio with the Ares Il dac and an integrated amp. I keep the amp volume at 2 o'clock and use the SHD Studio remote for volume control. Works great.

jaaptina wrote:
Or Nuprin could go for the DDRC22D but neither helps integrate his sub.

You might right about the streamer portion being better than the Cambridge but it doesn't work with Airplay as my understanding. The preamp is really really good and comes with a remote. I've compared it to much more expensive preamps in the near $10k range and still like it better. I do occasionally play some SACDs and my turntable as well.

Looking at eventually getting an Innous Zenith server and move my music files from my computer onto their internal storage which should be an improvement. The issue now is the room acoustics and bass management.

I think you might need to compromise on something. Isn’t the thing that’s better than your current pre-amp going to be no pre-amp? The deletion of 3 components plus the addition of Dirac will make more of a difference than if you could slot another device in the chain.

If I were you I’d get rid of streamer, dac and pre-amp and go with the SHD. It’s a better DAC than the Ares II which will make up for losing your preamp. If you can’t live without airplay plug your Cambridge into one of the SHDs inputs.