TOPIC:

My SHD arrived in four days, but unfortunately, I was out of town and didn't get it until four days ago. Unpacking went well, and the unit looks to be of very good build quality. Not as heavy as my Bryston BDP-1 of similar size, but fine. I have all digital inputs going into the miniDSP, as well as analog outs from my OPPO 103D--the only way I can play SACDs with the OPPOis over HDMI which the miniDSP does not have, or using the internal specific DACs for the stereo outs. Yes, this means that the signal goes digital to analog to digital to analog, but what can I do if I want to use the miniDSP for SACD too? It does still sound fantastic!

If you are installing for the first time, read the full manual at least twice. Also, when setting up DIRAC, be sure the input is not on USB. I'm probably stupid but it made sense to me to do this since I'm hooked up via USB doing the work, but I spent about an hour trying to figure out why I wasn't getting the pink noise, then I switched the input on the until and wonder of wonders, there was the sound!

Also important to set the SHD app before you enter the DIRAC program. Read the instruction and follow the directions there if you are setting up a sub. This is really an incredible program with loads of versatility. Being a gearhead who loves this kind of variability to tweak, I love it! Anyway, after setting up the crossovers at 70 and linking the L&R channels, I then saved this configuration into each of the four configuration slots because I want t play with different DIRAC filter curves and don't want the SHD setting to be different so the only variability is the DIRAC filters. I then went to DIRAC.

Placing the microphone is also important. I used the chair sequence and kept the measure points no less than a foot from each other. Left to Right, they are probably about two feet or more apart. I made a series of four measurements until I was happy with what I did. Then moving to the filter adjustments, I made and saved three target curves so I could hear the difference. I then saved optimized for each of the three curves and placed those into the first three spots. BE SURE TO SAVE YOUR PROJECTS OFTEN, AND ALSO YOUR TARGET FILTERS.

I also want to add that the onboard streaming app works just fine. It did take me some time to understand how to activate Tidal and Pandora, but I got it done. I don't use this to access my music files since I do this with my Bryston PDP-1. It's a different interface, but learning new things keeps your mind sharp!

My impression of the SD - blows my mind! I have bass traps and first reflection point absorbers on my walls, and an open area behind me so no back wall reflection, so I thought I was fairly good. NOT! Before and after listening with the SHD is just so different in a very good way. I do not regret this purchase at all.

It's also a tweaker's dream!

My system:

• Primaluna DIalogue HP Tube Integrated (I now leave the input on one setting for the SHD and do not use the volume.
• Gustard DAC x-20U modified
• Oppo 103D modified
• Bryston PDP-1
• miniDSP SHD
• Furman Elite 20 power conditioner
• Avanti cables

Glad to see another good result with the SHD

Myself and another member said much the same thing in this recent thread

Just took new measurements because I moved my listening chair back and toed in my speakers just a bit more. using the Harmon Curve that is an option in Dirac and really loving it. Switching Dirac on and off I can really tell the difference, and so can a good friend of mine who is also really into audio. Without Dirac the sound is dull and muted, not dynamic at all. Turn on Dirac, and wonderful things happen.

Love the SHD and Dirac!!!

Wonderful review Steve and glad to hear that you're enjoying your SHD so much!
We'd surely be happy if you could write a little review on the product page if you get some time..

Have fun!