TOPIC:

Just setup the SHD Studio and after some tweaking and playing around I'm just amazed at the flexibility and performance of this little unit. Frankly, I'm shocked it costs so little relative to other solutions! Perhaps the biggest bang for buck item I have ever put in my system. What am I saying, not "perhaps", but definitely the biggest bang for the buck upgrade to my system. Bravo.

I'm using the Studio as basically a digital preamp, connected to a 2-channel amp and two subwoofers. At some point when I integrate my vinyl system I will upgrade to the SHD or buy a ADC. I also foresee experimenting with bi-amping my speakers.

My question is, is there any advantage to using a traditional analog preamp after the SHD Studio? So feed the outputs of the Studio/DACS (or full SHD at some point) into an analog preamp and then down to a 2-channel amp (or 2 amps if I decide to biamp).

I suppose there would be reason if you needed more inputs (that didn’t need dsp) or if the SHD doesn't get the volume high enough for you. Other than that.. can't think of a reason.

Hi,

I don't see any reason either. I have the normal SHD and a phono preamp plugged into the analog input. For streamin I use Squeezelite/LMS. Works perfect.

Greets
Chris

vikkysingh wrote:

Just setup the SHD Studio and after some tweaking and playing around I'm just amazed at the flexibility and performance of this little unit. Frankly, I'm shocked it costs so little relative to other solutions! Perhaps the biggest bang for buck item I have ever put in my system. What am I saying, not "perhaps", but definitely the biggest bang for the buck upgrade to my system. Bravo.

I'm using the Studio as basically a digital preamp, connected to a 2-channel amp and two subwoofers. At some point when I integrate my vinyl system I will upgrade to the SHD or buy a ADC. I also foresee experimenting with bi-amping my speakers.

My question is, is there any advantage to using a traditional analog preamp after the SHD Studio? So feed the outputs of the Studio/DACS (or full SHD at some point) into an analog preamp and then down to a 2-channel amp (or 2 amps if I decide to biamp).

There would be a huge disadvantage - a pre-amp would let you control the volume to only 2 of the 4 channels you are using. In your position you should definitely not buy a (2-channel) pre-amp.

Great point. on controlling only 2 of my 4 channels.

But what if I went to a full range speaker system (2 speakers in stereo)? Thinking of redoing some Klipschorns so I wouldn't need the subs. Any advantages to the preamp setup? I can't think of any aside from another fancy box in my rack but want to make sure i'm not missing something.

Thanks!

vikkysingh wrote:

Great point. on controlling only 2 of my 4 channels.

But what if I went to a full range speaker system (2 speakers in stereo)? Thinking of redoing some Klipschorns so I wouldn't need the subs. Any advantages to the preamp setup? I can't think of any aside from another fancy box in my rack but want to make sure i'm not missing something.

Thanks!

I think you'd miss the subs... What are your current speakers and subwoofers out of interest?

Generally speaking I think using subwoofers with a miniDSP is superior to using 'full-range' speakers since subs can be positioned where they perform optimally for bass whereas there is much less flexibility over main speaker positioning. It would be absurd for me to place a main speaker in the corner where my sub is! Also main speakers would need to be huge and expensive to achieve similar bass extension to a modestly priced sub. Ideally you'd want the main speakers to be active too which would make them more expensive still.

If you did end up with a pure 2-channel system then ultimately the pre-amp question comes down to personal taste. I know many people on other forums who prefer the sound with an additional pre-amp. With for example some liking the euphonic distortion that can be added by a valve pre-amp.

I'm using Zu single driver speakers and Klipsch cheap 10" subs. I can't even remember the models. My next move is to upgrade the main speakers. I have Klipshorns which indeed are huge and are meant to be placed in corners. Are there generally accepted quality subs people like here? SVS, JL Audio etc?

I for one love euphonic colorations lol. SET, tubes, and analog is my heart so I'm particularly surprised I like the minidsp so much!

Volume levels are more than enough now with the SHD, so I don't see a preamp necessary for more GAIN.
I will get a ADC or full SHD when I move my vinyl system over.
I guess I don't see any need for the preamp OTHER than these colorations you speak of which though I can appreciate I understand many cannot. However, for the cost of a tubed preamp, I may decide to pass on that and just focus on my SET amps/biamping.

So in sum, no advantages to a preamp?

vikkysingh wrote:

So in sum, no advantages to a preamp?

I'd say someone preferring the sound with a pre-amp is a pretty big advantage! It's a personal preference thing though rather than a simple answer of A or B is what everyone will prefer. Like most things in audio .

My SHD is actually sitting directly on top of a now un-used Densen stereo pre-amp. I was meaning at some point to compare one of my miniDSPs as a digital pre to this but the trade-off not being able to integrate and EQ my sub simply makes it not worth considering.

vikkysingh wrote:

Are there generally accepted quality subs people like here? SVS, JL Audio etc?

They're both well respected. I have a Power Sound Audio subwoofer (the company now run by the 'V' of SVS, Tom Vodhanel). Another leading brand is Rhythmik (what I'd probably have bought if I lived in the US rather than the UK). In the UK BK Electronics offer good value for money at the more budget end, and Arendal are another European company with a good reputation. REL are well known.

I've two REL Strata 5s in different systems. Heard other RELs and don't think they make bad subs!