[Housteau]

MiniDSP 4x10 comes prebuilt, you can use either RCA or XLR outputs on it, and does up to 24/96, acts as a DAC, preamp, speaker crossover, and room EQ all in one.  The miniDSP 2x4 is smaller but only does 24-48.  IMO the 4x10 is the way to go. 

http://www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/minidsp-4x10-hd

The DCX likes to see a higher input than standard line level for best results.  This is a main reason for some of the mods, such as the Jan Didden.

Is the MiniDSP friendly to line level input more so than the DCX?

[Tyson]

It's designed for standard 2v line level input.

[ctviggen]

How do they sound?  According to Danny Richie, they sound terrible:

"Actually the use of a miniDSp will unnecessarily degrade the signal and collapse the sound stage. I know, it looks like a fun toy. But the D/A converter is about equal to a $49 CD player from Walmart. They do not sound good."

This is Reply #394 on: 10 Feb 2014, 11:14 pm

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=90911.msg1302735#msg1302735

[Tyson]

Well, I had Danny's passive crossover on my V2's and I've also used the miniDSP on them.  The miniDSP stayed.....

[ctviggen]

To me, the miniDSP has always sounded like a good idea.  I was surprised to see such a negative review. 

[Tyson]

You have to put it in context - Danny also thinks the DEQX is not high end enough either.  And I agree, the DAC's in the DEQX and the miniDSP are not the absolute best around.  But, IMO, that is MORE than compensated for by getting rid of the passive speaker crossover parts.

[ctviggen]

When I finally get a listening room again, I'll look into using one.  (By that time, the maxiDSP 20 output version should be out. 

[Davey]

James,

Did you manage to locate another power supply?  That's the cheapest/easiest way to get back on the air with your DCX2496.
The DCX2496 does have some issues, but it has some nice features also.

Cheers,

Dave.

[Housteau]

You have to put it in context - Danny also thinks the DEQX is not high end enough either.  And I agree, the DAC's in the DEQX and the miniDSP are not the absolute best around.  But, IMO, that is MORE than compensated for by getting rid of the passive speaker crossover parts.

Sanders Sound uses the stock DCX and swears by the sound quality.  His speakers have gotten rave reviews, yet many feel it too is trash. 

[Tyson]

Linkwitz also endorsed the miniDSP for his speakers as well.

[Davey]

Linkwitz only endorsed selected miniDSP products, and then only when properly set up to achieve the objective.

Regarding Danny Richie's anti-endorsement......I think you have to consider the source.    The snide and uninformed comments certainly don't lend any credibility to his opinion, and his subjective evaluation is as meaningless as anybody elses.

I'd like to hear back from James and get this thread back on topic.

Cheers,

Dave.

[Tyson]

Linkwitz only endorsed selected miniDSP products, and then only when properly set up to achieve the objective.

Cheers,

Dave.

Uhm, yeah.  That's kind of an obvious statement.

[JohnR]

I'd be inclined to agree with Davey in that replacing the power supply for the installed/calibrated DCX unit seems like the best way forward for the OP, if that is indeed what the issue is.

FWIW, "miniDSP" is not a specific product, it's a brand. There are about a half dozen (?) platforms and numerous variants on them now.

[Russtafarian]

James hasn't replied so I'll jump in.  I sent him a gorked DCX I had in storage.  He was able to retrofit the PS into his unit and get it going again.

Happy ending.  His DCX is working and my garage is (very slightly) less cluttered.

Russ