Minidsp Flex HT and HTX: AVR challenger ?

[Amarendra]

Seems like a good beginning.......................................

The Flex HTx is the bigger brother of the Flex HT, targeting the need for a multichannel processor with HDMI ARC/eARC capabilities and stellar analog and USB audio capabilities. Within a single rack unit, we packed all the possible connectivity we could fit.

Eight-channel audio input is via analog audio (RCA and TRS), eARC linear PCM over HDMI1, or USB Audio. Additional digital stereo input is supported over SPDIF and TOSLINK optical. Internally, we’ve provided a full suite of miniDSP’s flexible routing and audio processing features: bass management, parametric EQ, crossovers, advanced biquad programming and delay/gain adjustments. In addition, the miniDSP Flex HTx is software-upgradable with full-frequency Dirac Live®, the world’s premiere room correction system.

Continuing miniDSP’s focus on affordable high-performance audio, the Flex HTx features class-leading low noise and distortion figures. An OLED front panel display and volume control/encoder knob provides easy control.

The miniDSP Flex HTx is the perfect solution for a modern compact processor for home theater and multichannel sound.

REMINDER: Please note that the Flex HTx does not support bitstream (e.g. Dolby/DTS) decoding. The audio source must be able to output linear PCM (LPCM) for multichannel support over HDMI.

STOCK UPDATE(10/11/2023):This product is now on pre-order. We expect shipments to start mid December. Thanks for your patience!

Hardware Features​

• Processor: 32-bit floating-point 400MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
• Multi-Core USB Audio processor (XMOS)
• HDMI EARC/ARC interface for multichannel audio in PCM. Note that Flex HTx doesn't support bistream format (Dolby/DTS encoded).
• Optional upgrade to Dirac Live® 3.x Digital Room Correction, Multichannel (8ch) Full Range Room Correction (20~20kHz)
• Audiophile performance with very low noise floor and distortion (SNR @127dB(A), THD+N @ -120dB (0.0001%)
• Inputs: Stereo digital (SPDIF/Optical), Multichannel USB Audio streaming (up to 7.1)
• Outputs: 8 channels audio duplicated to unbalanced (RCA)
• White/Black OLED front panel controller with IR control
• Control and configuration by miniDSP Device Console (DC)
• Rack mountable with removeable rack EARS

 

[dnshrajn]

Sorry for the noob question. how does this fit with an AVR?

 

[ajuvignesh]

Seems like a good beginning.......................................View attachment 81429View attachment 81430

The Flex HTx is the bigger brother of the Flex HT, targeting the need for a multichannel processor with HDMI ARC/eARC capabilities and stellar analog and USB audio capabilities. Within a single rack unit, we packed all the possible connectivity we could fit.

Eight-channel audio input is via analog audio (RCA and TRS), eARC linear PCM over HDMI1, or USB Audio. Additional digital stereo input is supported over SPDIF and TOSLINK optical. Internally, we’ve provided a full suite of miniDSP’s flexible routing and audio processing features: bass management, parametric EQ, crossovers, advanced biquad programming and delay/gain adjustments. In addition, the miniDSP Flex HTx is software-upgradable with full-frequency Dirac Live®, the world’s premiere room correction system.

Continuing miniDSP’s focus on affordable high-performance audio, the Flex HTx features class-leading low noise and distortion figures. An OLED front panel display and volume control/encoder knob provides easy control.

The miniDSP Flex HTx is the perfect solution for a modern compact processor for home theater and multichannel sound.

REMINDER: Please note that the Flex HTx does not support bitstream (e.g. Dolby/DTS) decoding. The audio source must be able to output linear PCM (LPCM) for multichannel support over HDMI.

STOCK UPDATE(10/11/2023):This product is now on pre-order. We expect shipments to start mid December. Thanks for your patience!

Hardware Features​

• Processor: 32-bit floating-point 400MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
• Multi-Core USB Audio processor (XMOS)
• HDMI EARC/ARC interface for multichannel audio in PCM. Note that Flex HTx doesn't support bistream format (Dolby/DTS encoded).
• Optional upgrade to Dirac Live® 3.x Digital Room Correction, Multichannel (8ch) Full Range Room Correction (20~20kHz)
• Audiophile performance with very low noise floor and distortion (SNR @127dB(A), THD+N @ -120dB (0.0001%)
• Inputs: Stereo digital (SPDIF/Optical), Multichannel USB Audio streaming (up to 7.1)
• Outputs: 8 channels audio duplicated to unbalanced (RCA)
• White/Black OLED front panel controller with IR control
• Control and configuration by miniDSP Device Console (DC)
• Rack mountable with removeable rack EARS

Not an AVR challenger. It doesn't have DTS or Dolby decoder.

Sorry for the noob question. how does this fit with an AVR?

I guess, you need to send the pre outs of AVR to this device.

 

[osci]

HDMI EARC/ARC interface for multichannel audio in PCM. Note that Flex HTx doesn't support bistream format (Dolby/DTS encoded).

Not really, due to lack of bitstream support.
I would think of this device as sitting between AV processor and power amp.
Let AV processor handle Dolby/DTS decoding and let minidsp do room corrections/eq/dsp etc.

 

[Amarendra]

Not an AVR challenger. It doesn't have DTS or Dolby decoder.

I guess, you need to send the pre outs of AVR to this device.

What is needed is an LPCM signal to feed this through HDMI ARC. Once done (Nvidia Shield/Apple TV), we will have surround sound based on what minidsp claims. The drawback is that it can't take bitstream so a google chromecast (with googletv) may not work with it.

 

[suku_patel_22]

It also won't work with Atmos and DTS-X as it's PCM right?

 

[ajuvignesh]

What is needed is an LPCM signal to feed this through HDMI ARC. Once done (Nvidia Shield/Apple TV), we will have surround sound based on what minidsp claims. The drawback is that it can't take bitstream so a google chromecast (with googletv) may not work with it.

it doesn't have atmos decoder. So, if you want atmos, you need an AVR or processor.

 

[Amarendra]

it doesn't have atmos decoder. So, if you want atmos, you need an AVR or processor.

But doesnt LPCM contain Atmos through eARC ? If yes, its a question of mapping it to the relevant speakers ?

 

[ajuvignesh]

But doesnt LPCM contain Atmos through eARC ? If yes, its a question of mapping it to the relevant speakers ?

I doubt it. Atmos is object bases and the avr has to take in account of speaker positions to map a specific object to a particular speaker. I doubt a shield would do that. A pc might but I’m not sure.

 

[sandeepmdas]

But doesnt LPCM contain Atmos through eARC ? If yes, its a question of mapping it to the relevant speakers ?

A PC can, but several SW tools are required like MakeMKV, MKVCleaver and the Dolby Reference Player which is free but comes bundled with Dolby Media Encoder ($400 or so / year). You'll get Atmos in LPCM but doubt it is worth the effort or time except for DIY+Techie type guys...

 

[dafreaking]

Don't high end processors do room correction?

 

[dillihifi]

Well it depends on the decoder. It may be a PC or and AVR but i think this is more suited to persons having older processors / Bly ray players with analog out to incorporate room correction or to apply filters and use digital processing.