Optical Direct for Reactors

[ogs]

The MiniDSP Flex (digital IO) at USD 495,- could be the ideal partner for Devialet Phantom II or even Phantom I. Flex has two optical outputs so the Store mode or Optical Direct mode can be used. Especially the Phantom II, which has no R/L selection, will benefit from the mixer matrix in the Flex to send Left to one toslink output and Right to the other. I know of no other way to easily separate R/L in an optical SPDIF directly.

The Flex has optical, coax, bluetooth and USB digital inputs, but it also has an analog stereo input. If you still have vinyl or maybe some cassettes this can easily be played through the Flex. Coupled with REW integration for parametric equalizing this is a winning device!

The Flex has no ethernet or wifi so, unless you manage to stream via bluetooth (LDAC for 24/96 lossless) or connect it directly to your PC, you'd need a network streamer with USB output. A Raspberry Pi with Ropieee or piCorePlayer or maybe the Fiio SR11 will match the Flex pricewise and give top quality audio.

In addition one can integrate Dirac digital room correction in Flex. This would be a brilliant match for Phantoms! It will only cost an additional $199 + $75 for a measurement microphone but the total is still only 769 USD. Add $100 for a streamer and you are still well below 1000 USD for a digital remote controlled preamp with real high-end aspirations.



EDIT:The Dirac option can be purchased when ordering the Flex or at any time after you've bought it if you decide later on that you want/need room correction. One orders Dirac from within the Device Console software.