TOPIC:

I'm a bit stuck, I have a DDRC 24 as a XO and using Dirac as RC. I'm thinking about cutting down on the amount of boxes used in my system. The plan would result in buying a SHD, the former because I do need an analogue input for my cd drive/dac combi, a combi that I don't want to get rid off.

The plan now is to use the SHD as the XO, Dirac as RC, Roon endpoint, preamp  and dac. Thing is, I have a nice Metrum Hex dac, and I love the sound. One option would be to buy a second Hex and connect them via SPdif to the SHD. This option is rather expensive.

The other option would be to use the internal dacs of the SHD and see what that will bring. Or, the alternative plan, use the internal dac for the bass up to 500 Hz and the Hex for the rest of the frequency range.

Is this possible? And if so, is there anybody who has done this, probably with a different dac, but still. 
And, are there any catches doing this?


With kind regards,

Kermy

Hi Kermy,

It is actually possible to use the SHD and your DAC together. If you wish, you can use the digital out 1&2 to send signals to your Metrum Hex Dac for your main speakers and use the analogue output 3&4 to send signals to your subwoofers/ subwoofer amps. You can set the crossovers respectively on the four output channels and let Dirac does the room correction. A setup like this should let you keep the "signature" of your DAC with your main speakers. Sounds good?

Of course, you can always try to use the SHD alone as it has a very good DAC and spec. Maybe try to switch between setups and see which one suits you best?

Best Regards,
DevTeam

Are there any pitfalls known to this kind of setup, i'm thinking of lets say timing issues because there are two different dacs involved. And about Roon endpoint, is the SHD now a certified endpoint, or is the functioning of Roon a best effort thing?


With kind regards,

Kermy

not really a pitfall, but output level of the external DAC can be different from the SHD's internal DAC, so you would have to adjust for that in the plugin, a very small difference in level (0.5dB is easily audible) can already result in a distinct different listening experience.  if you want to test, best save separate presets for this (including "new" Dirac)