TOPIC:

With regards to the Wi-DG usb bridge “thingy”(!) do you have to have the app front and centre on your phone or can you set it up so it’s in the background and change volume via the volume buttons on your phone or tablet?

So instead of Sonos I have a Squeezebox. So what I mean is it would be great to have the squeezebox app open and be able to change ddrc volume without switching over to the miniDSP app each time and instead just use the tablet’s volume buttons. Is that possible?

Don’t think it is. The WiDG MiniDSP iOS app needs to be ‘active and onscreen’ to work properly, otherwise you need to open it up again and reselect your DDRC unit again.

I’ve used the Sonos digital volume previously and not noticed any sound degradation (losing the least significant bits), so that would be the best way to control volume in the direct stereo audio setup. And since I choose the albums/tracks on the Sonos via my iOS app, there’s no real hassle using the volume on the iOS app as well. That way the DDRC stays at a constant fixed level which works out well.

I’ve just checked various documentation and in fact I think I WILL be able to control the volume for the Sonos Connect from my Harmony remote and also select inputs on the DDRC from the Harmony . That means I should be able to automate all stereo and home theatre activities from one remote. Even switch between the 4 DDRC target curve configurations. Cool!

I have a Sonos Connect that I’m using with my SHD via the digital out. This is a stop gap until Roon support is finally implemented again.

That said, if you dig around the Sonos settings in the Sonos iOS app you’ll find a setting the sets the Sonos volume to fixed. This eliminates one layer of software volume control (and quality loss) - you use the volume on the SHD only.

Note: I couldn’t find this volume setting within the Sonos PC app. Maybe it’s there, but I couldn’t find it when I was looking for it earlier. I’ve been able to do it from both my iPhone and iPad iOS apps.

I’ve been using the Sonos fixed volume to date (into my AVR). It’s now linked directly into the DDRC via its digital output. The AVR feeds the analogue inputs of the DDRC as I use my stereo speakers and sub for home theatre duties. That means I’m using the Sonos digital volume control for streaming music and keeping the DDRC at fixed volume, (because the DDRC doesn’t remember individual input volume settings and I don’t want to mess around resetting DDRC volume levels every time I switch from music to cinema duties).

The DDRC introduces latency (irrespective of whether Dirac is switched on or off), but my AVR amp has compensated for this through its Audyssey settings, meaning that all surround sound speakers are in tune with the main speakers and sub, which are linked into the DDRC.

To get back to the SHD, I still might upgrade to this in the future, but I’ll hang fire for now as it all seems to be working ok and I can control everything from a universal remote. And it sounds pretty good to my ears. I’ll say it again though, the Dirac software with MiniDSP is a real game changer at its price point. I know people who spend as much on speaker cables!

The DDRC will introduce an additional delay of about 20-25 ms into the signal from the AVR, which is about 25 ft. My previous AVR (Denon 4400) had a limit of 25 ft delay for each speaker. I started with a similar setup as yours (Sonos Connect -> AVR -> DDRC 2x4 -> Amp -> Speakers) However after Audyssey calibration, the speakers would be set at 25 ft, (max distance) instead of 34-35 ft (10 ft normal distance + 25ft for DDRC processing). This introduced very noticeable echo effects between the L/R speakers and the center speaker.

You might also be limited by the Sonos Connect. I used to believe streamer shouldn't make a difference when using digital outs, but after experimenting with other streamers, I saw a noticeable difference in the Sonos Connect. I eventually moved to a Roon + SHD setup and it sounds fantastic. I suspect the SHD Volumio streaming would sound similar. The AVR and SHD connect to an RCA switch (Schitt Sys) which connects to the amp. This avoids the AVR delay issue, as well as having fully independent volume control.

Since my posts couple of months ago, I now have an SHD that’s replaced my DDRC. The SHD digital outputs are connected to active stereo speakers with a built in DAC and an analogue output from the SHD goes to a subwoofer. I have the Sonos connected to the digital input of the SHD at fixed level and control the overall volume via the SHD.

My AVR is now independent of the SHD but is connected to different inputs of the stereo speakers and also a separate input into the sub. I’ve programmed my Logitech remote to switch on the different devices, select correct inputs and control volumes of SHD and AVR dependent on whether I’m listening to music, or watching movies. It all works pretty well.

That’s a sweet setup and I’m sure it sounds great. Try experimenting with streaming directly to the SHD instead of going through the Sonos. Although, I agree the Sonos interface is slick

Yes, I can also use Volumio directly from the SHD and use Qobuz or Tidal from there. Other than slightly higher streaming bitrates than the Sonos can offer, there’s very little difference (to my ears at least) between the two sources. The Sonos has a much more convenient interface though and should get an upgrade this year for true hi res streaming.