My current audio setup looks like this: I'm using a Bluesound Node N130, which is connected to a Chord Mojo 2 DAC, and from there the signal goes into my Marantz Cinema 60 receiver. The Node N130 comes with the option to use Dirac Live room correction.

 

Now here’s my question: Does it make much sense to use Dirac Live on the Node, considering that it won't affect or adjust the frequencies handled by the Marantz receiver itself?

 

I’m a bit unsure whether applying Dirac at the source level (via the Node) will make a noticeable difference, especially since the Marantz also processes audio and might override or bypass some of those corrections. So, I’m curious if it's worth going through the process of calibrating Dirac Live in this specific setup, or if it would be more effective to rely on the room correction in the Marantz, or possibly explore another approach.

This might depend on how you are using the Marantz Cinema 60. Is it just for 2 channels or is it also being used for multi channel audio visual?

If it is 2 channels only I would try the options available ie: no room correction vs Dirac on the n130 to compare and no room correction on the Marantz. Although if you have one or more subs maybe the Marantz might be needed for better sub integration. 
If you are using the Marantz Cinema 60 for multiple sources and multi channels as well as 2 channels then the Marantz Audyessy might be needed, you could buy the app, which would allow you to use presets for different inputs. This would also allow you to compare Dirac on the N130 with Audyessy on the Marantz. 
Some fun experimenting for you, nice to have lots of options to explore!
 

Thanks for the thoughtful breakdown! I am indeed using the Marantz Cinema 60 for both 2-channel and multi-channel AV. That’s why I’ve been wondering about the best way to integrate Dirac on the N130 while still making the most of Audyssey on the Marantz.

I like the idea of trying out Dirac on the N130 without room correction on the Marantz for pure 2-channel listening. And you're right—the Marantz's sub integration might be hard to beat for multi-channel setups. I’ll definitely look into the Audyssey app so I can set up different presets and do some A/B comparisons between Dirac and Audyssey.

 

The Dirac Live option is a bit steep at €250, but it could be worth it for the extra flexibility and control. Appreciate the insights—this should be a fun weekend of testing!

Rowan, hi

 

I've just started using Dirac in a setup with some parallels to your situation.

 

Node 130 (streamer) > RMI (DAC & Pre-amp) > Parasound Halo (Amp).

For ease of implementation of Dirac, I went to:

Node 130 (streamer, DAC and pre-amp) > Parasound Halo (Amp).

 

For me, the gains were absolutely clear. 

 

I haven't listened to it yet, reconnecting it through the external DAC again.

Nor have I done anything other than my first attempt measurement and implementation, both of which I'm confident could be improved upon.

 

I cannot speak for the Marantz measure / correct system, but the Dirac does what it says on the pack.

For me, it was a clear win. I'd recommend it. 

 

The financial aspect of it, for me at least, stacks up very well.

The microphone was around $130, and limited freq' Dirac license was $250-ish (Aus$$). Call it $400.

 

In a world where people are willing to part with serious money for magic cables, I think Dirac is a really solid value proposition. My net-based research lead me to belive the Ltd Freq license is where the greatest gains are to be found - and this approach also saves you a bit of coin.

 

Good luck. Please let us all know what you do, and what the results are.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for your detailed response – really appreciate it!
It's always great to hear from someone who's actually been hands-on with it. That kind of real-world input says so much more than just specs or online reviews.

 

Sounds like Dirac really made a difference for you, and that’s exactly the kind of reassurance I was hoping for. Also appreciate you being upfront about what you’ve done so far (like the initial setup and not yet reintroducing the external DAC) – makes it all feel much more relatable.

 

And yeah, totally agree on the cost – considering what people are willing to spend on fancy cables, Dirac does seem like a solid value. Good to know that the limited frequency license already delivers solid gains too.

I’ll definitely dive into it and share my experiences once I’ve had a chance to experiment a bit.

 

Thanks again for your input – really helpful!

Cheers,
Rowan

 

I have completed a calibration using node x and bluesound calibration kit and the results were very disappointing. The volume is very muted with Dirac live switched on versus off. The image is wider but doesn’t sound right. I am running the node into an Elektra Pynx pre and Electra hd reference to b&w cm10 s2 speakers, so heaps of power and headroom. When I did the calibration I couldn’t get the measurement level step to get anywhere near -20db without reaching unbearable white noise levels, but went ahead anyway at -20db sound pressure levels on both speakers. 
 

I also have a separate home theatre setup with a Marantz prepro and Elektra hd7 amps and have not had these issues with Audessy. Am I doing something wrong or is the Dirac bluesound mic interface buggy?

IanRM, hi

 

I applied Dirac via a BlueSound Node (130).

I too experienced reduced volume when using Dirac through an external DAC / pre-amp.

However, when using the Node as the pre-amp, I did not get the same drop in volume when switching from Dirac on to Dirac off.

 

I cannot speak to the technicalities on this - just sharing my experience.

 

The benefit of Dirac for me was greater consistency of results across a greater range of materials. 

 

When experiencing the loss of volume - I just thought okay - well I won't use Dirac if I'm gonna have a party.

 

As more people are trying Dirac, the Audessy comparison is coming up more often. It'll be interesting to read more people's experiences. 

 

Please report back where you end up.

More and more of us are in the same boat.

 

When you enable dsp often you will have a reduction in volume driven by the filters reducing the gain in your system.
 

From what @IanRM has said above, I'm not sure you're running the calibration process right. You need to carefully set the master gain and the microphone gain so that you're not running the test signal too hot or too low when measuring. I'm out at the moment but I'll try and find a good demo video of this on YouTube for you later.

I think you are right wrt running it too hot. Suspect there maybe an issue with the bluesound room calibration kit. I switched the connected for the microphone from the node to the laptop and the db readings were more reasonable but now getting “ imprecise measurement” warnings. Dirac advise this could be caused by the laptop. My laptop is all usb c and the room calibration mic dongle is usb a so that could be an issue. Will keep persevering. Have submitted trouble report to both Dirac and bluesound so will be interested to hear wha they come up with.

I just got home and dug this one

out for you: https://mehlau.net/audio/dirac-live-2-mic-speaker-levels/

 

while it's nad centric, the concepts are the same. Give this a spin first.

Remember these two principles of DSP: 

 

1. The no. 1 cause of bad sounding DSP is user error. This is usually bad measurements or attempting inappropriate corrections. 

2. DSP sacrifices volume for linearity 

 

Without seeing before/after measurements it is difficult to know what went wrong. But in general, these settings are what you should check: 

 

- make sure that the frequency response is reasonably flat before you begin DSP. This means adjusting the volume of the sub and main speakers so that it is as flat as possible. Use REW and apply 1/6 smoothing. 

- The position of the target curve is critical. The lower you place the target curve (with respect to the measurement), the more correction there will be, and also the more volume loss. For e.g, if the target curve is -10dB below the measurement, you will lose up to 10dB of volume. This is why you want the FR to be as flat as possible before you begin - to avoid too much volume loss. 

- The initial measurement needs to be REALISTIC. Do NOT wedge your mic between cushions, do NOT use the mini-tripod that came with your mic. The mic needs to be positioned in free air where your head would be. This usually means you need a mic boom tripod. If you don't have one, duct tape your mic to a broom handle and rig it up / suspend it so that it is in free air. 

- Mic orientation matters. If you point your mic vertically, it automatically creates a -5dB loss in treble. Do not point your mic vertically unless you have a calibration file for vertical orientation. 

 

Dirac is great when it works, but terrible when it doesn't. That "imprecise measurement" error is not uncommon. There could be a myriad reasons why you get this error, but I suspect it has something to do with USB mics and the latency of the devices you are measuring. It is also possible that the mini tripod that comes with UMIK-1/2 does not provide enough clearance to take proper reflection-free measurements. 

Bluesound did get back to me within 48 hours and sent me the same guide bugpowderdust mentioned: https://mehlau.net/audio/dirac-live-2-mic-speaker-levels/

I found this guide much better and ended up with two calibrations that worked well. One was done with BluOS audio setting for output level fixed off and second done with output level fixed on, once I adjusted the mic gain level until it barely peaked at -50db (just showing in the display). The output level fixed on required more adjustment of the preamp volume to get the 20-30db difference but both calibrations were done with no errors and as I suspected there were some bass peaks. I applied the bluesound curve and very happy with the results.

The guide bluesound puts out is certainly wrong for my room and equipment and I would recommend using the link guide if you are using a preamp.