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Anybody here using Dirac with their Maggies? Does the Dirac Live room correction system help much with Magnepans in a medium size fully treated room? Or does the dipole thing screw with the programming? I have QRDs across the front wall, fiberglass absorbers everywhere else, in a room treatment setup that was originally installed for my old MMGs, now serving the present KEF LS50s well.
We are remodeling our downstairs family room, which was also a make shift HT room with a 5.1 Paradigm box speaker system. Thinking of downsizing to a simpler 2.1 system for movies. We don't need surround, just a bigger sound stage than the usual soundbar provides, but with a small footprint.
So thinking of pulling the KEF LS50s out of the 12 x 15 dedicated listening room upstairs, and using them in the new downstairs family HT system. I recently purchased a MiniDSP SHD Studio unit for them (which includes Dirac Live). It's hooked into the system, but not configured yet using the Dirac.
So if I replace the KEFs in the upstairs listening room back to Maggies (probably go with 1.7s minimum this time around) will have the option of using the MiniDSP upstairs or downstairs. A new receiver for the KEFs will most likely have it's own room correction, if needed. But the Dirac would most likely be superior, if used in that system, unless the sub integration is compromised.
Follow Ups:
If Dirac is similar in effect to Anthem ARC (which is likely): try to limit the maximum correction frequency to somewhere between 500 to 1500 Hz, i.e. above that frequency don't try to have the system alter anything via DSP. When I used correction above that frequency the "Maggie magic" disappeared, the immersive depth and clarity turned back into sounding like sound was coming through speakers vs "you being there".But otherwise I bet it will work great, particularly if there is subwoofer integration. I use ARC with my 3.6's and it's fantastic and does great with dipoles + a subwoofer, and in fact helps gain even more of the "slam" and 'dynamics' that typically good box speakers have over planars and with the above restriction, keeps the openness of the planars.
What is the algorithm in the receiver? It really matters. Good: Anthem, Dirac, Lyngdorf RoomPerfect.
Edits: 06/24/20
The new receiver for the downstairs system (KEFs) hasn't been bought yet, I'm assuming it will probably have Audyssey. But I can always research the alternatives. It won't be expensive. This system will be no "state of the art", (even though the KEFs are excellent speakers) just shooting for a good sound for TV/movies. Since that's the case, and in light of your comments, I will leave the Dirac unit upstairs for the new (Maggie) speaker system.
On a related note, checking out the Magnepan web site, I noticed a new dealer fairly close to my home (Virginia Beach VA). They were listed as a "showroom only" dealer. I assumed that meant they had models available to auction, but the product would be shipped directly to the customer. Wrong. I called them up, they had no stock, and would order the model I wanted after the fact. I'm assuming there is a return policy? Think I want to listen first, which means a road trip further away. Doesn't really matter now as we are still months away from this remodel happening, but still interesting. Had a nice conversation with the fellow, he alluded that this is a new program Wendell is rolling out, in the sence that nowadays folks just "click and buy". He did offer to come out and set up the speakers in my room, which was nice.
try a used Anthem receiver with ARC---might cost a bit more than a true mass market but they can be very nice sounding.
The following is what I use (MRX 310).
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649599215-anthem-mrx-310/
I use the pre-outs to a NAD M22 amp for my main speakers (Maggie 3.6r), and use the internal amp for the surrounds.
If you have a powered subwoofer and use the bass management & ARC (recommended!!) you probably won't even need the higher power for the mains and can use the internal amp for reasonable purposes.
There is a new ARC setup version ("Genesis") which you can download (put on PC/Mac) that is compatible with the MRX 310. You will need a wired ethernet to connect the MRX to a router or direct connect to a laptop.
My most expensive purchases were always ones where I didn't spend enough to get something good that would really matter and ended up disposing of them before I moved to what worked.
I've used Dirac with my 3.7's and Emotiva XMC-1 for nearly two years (except for a couple months break just now waiting for Emotiva to release Dirac 3.0 for XMC-2). Short answer is yes, it makes a significant difference and is worth using. Smooth frequency response, excellent correction of bass resonances, and improved clarity overall from the impulse response correction.
Two important points about Dirac: The filters are "mixed-phase" with a proprietary technology that gives results that you can't get with normal PEQ; and, Dirac does impulse response correction which aligns speakers in a way that no other product does.
I have used Dirac in my 5.1 system with 3.7's, CC5/DWM center, and MC1 surrounds with great results. Many dozens of measurements and calibrations over the years as I tweaked my room and moved speakers around. Diffusion on the front wall and up the sides behind the speakers helps a lot.
I now have my 3.7's in the "Rooze" configuration, aimed 45 degrees toward the very reflective side wall. I like this configuration in my room (13'x27'x8'). This configuration does throw a curve at Dirac because measuring with the fairly wide pattern of 9 measurements over a couch a few feet wide, the mic hears a mix of direct and reflected sound. Impulse response and phase get confused. The measurement pattern has to be narrower. But this only applies if you use the Rooze setup (few people do), and Dirac still works great.
Note that if you use Dirac it's a good idea to follow the calibration with separate measurement using REW. Dirac is not an iterative calibration, and it does no "after" measurement. With your own measurement you may tweak the Dirac target curve.
Glad to discuss more in email if you'd like.
Agilist, Musician, Photographer, Audiophile
Magneplanar: 3.7, CC5, MC1, DWM; Outlaw: UltraX12, LFM-1C; Emotiva: XMC-1, PA-1; Nord: Nord One NC500DM; Outlaw: Model 7500; OPPO 205
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