TOPIC:

I've been really interested in the SHD (non-studio version) to use as my main preamp. The thing I can't quite wrap my head around is how to use it with a headamp. I'm thinking at worst I would have to use a Y-splitter on the output of the SHD, one to my passive volume control, the other to my headamp and set the SHD to unity gain, but obviously this won't work great with the DIRAC stuff

But would it be possible to configure output 1 and 2 as variable and with dirac and output 3 and 4 at line level with no dsp?

You'd need to reserve a configuration with no DL filters in it for headphones.

I think that would be possible, BUT I would need it to switch outputs as well and set to line level when I switch presets. Is that possible?

Volume is not recorded in presets (if that's the question - ?).

Right, so thats not really a solution then unfortunately, it would appear that without a record out/line level out, I would still need to have a preamp on hand so i'm not blasting my speakers at full gain on accident. I suppose I could also use the SHD studio to act as my endpoint, then pass off digital to my DAC (dirac'd on one output / non-dirac on the other). Not a great solution though either

Why wouldn't you just use the volume control on the SHD?

I'm not sure what your asking - could you elaborate? Volume control for what?

I need volume control for my power amps, however, I need line level for my headamps and an integrated tube amp I like to use sometimes. Therefore I need a constant line level out sans dirac live on outputs 3/4 only, with output 1/2 controlled via volume control. Otherwise, if it were just a preset configuration for output 1/2 I would have to switch cables AND run the risk of blasting my amps/speakers with full gain.

For the headphone amp.

Ok, thanks for the help, but I'll see what other users have to say. With all due respect, I think there is some confusion about what a headamp is/does.

Oh I see. What's the model number?

It isn't possible to avoid the volume control on any outputs. If that was acceptable, it is possible to mute outputs in presets, so you could have one preset route to outputs 1 and 2, another to outputs 3 and 4.

Other than that it would seem to require two SHDs in series, the first to provide the preamplifier and output to Headamp and also to a second SHD to provide Dirac and volume control for speakers.

That may be possible - specifically, disabling outputs on various presets. Its not perfect, and I would definitely have to remember to adjust volume when I switch to speakers, but its something. The ONE thing is that it would remove the possibility of me integrating a .2 setup (with dirac) into my stereo. I have passive subs and a full range amp to drive them, so I have to handle the xover and what-not in DSP. Maybe I just need a second DAC for my headamp loop and keep them separate..... lots to think about.

For what its worth, I drive my sub with the same signal as main speakers. and let Dirac sort it all out. That tends to make the uncorrected sound bass heavy and Dirac can cut more than it can boost which relieves both amps from stress. OK, I use 3 4 for subs, 1 2 for mains, but not achieving any more than a Y splitter. I do have an active sub with filter though so that approach may not be great with passive subs and full range amp. You may be able to insert a hardware low pass filter for the sub amp though.

Another idea, each preset has settable gain on each output, which may help protect speakers somewhat/