Tinker bug has bitten again 
I bought a (used) HTR -- Sherwood Newcastle R-772 about $110. This is a 7.1 rcvr and I have (briefly) owned same or similar (I gave it to a hi-fi challenged friend a few years back.) If I am not mistaken, this model has semi-parametric EQ per channel, and mic as well. As I recall the mic didn't work too well and I'd be surprised to find it with the current sale. Just having a working remote is a blessing
I hope to be able to tinker with using it as a multi-channel "DAC" + amp with a PC software of some type; assuming everything works, just having 8 (?) independent (?) amplifier channels available opens up quite a few hobbyist options.
I bought a (used) HTR -- Sherwood Newcastle R-772 about $110. This is a 7.1 rcvr and I have (briefly) owned same or similar (I gave it to a hi-fi challenged friend a few years back.) If I am not mistaken, this model has semi-parametric EQ per channel, and mic as well. As I recall the mic didn't work too well and I'd be surprised to find it with the current sale. Just having a working remote is a blessing
I hope to be able to tinker with using it as a multi-channel "DAC" + amp with a PC software of some type; assuming everything works, just having 8 (?) independent (?) amplifier channels available opens up quite a few hobbyist options.
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Hello
maybe you interested in a free GPL software solution for a 4 way - crossover.
You can see my setup here:
diyAudio server HTTPS page
HIFI-FORUM » Do it yourself » Lautsprecher » Aktive Frequenzweiche per Standard Software mit GUI
Sorry it is in German
You have
4 x 2 crossover
many parametic equalizer
limiter
....
much more
HDMI 8 Channel output
8 Channel analog output
For activating for example 2, 3 or 4 way loudspeaker
Regards
Loafmeat
maybe you interested in a free GPL software solution for a 4 way - crossover.
You can see my setup here:
diyAudio server HTTPS page
HIFI-FORUM » Do it yourself » Lautsprecher » Aktive Frequenzweiche per Standard Software mit GUI
Sorry it is in German
You have
4 x 2 crossover
many parametic equalizer
limiter
....
much more
HDMI 8 Channel output
8 Channel analog output
For activating for example 2, 3 or 4 way loudspeaker
Regards
Loafmeat
Just starited using Sherwood R-772 for "crossover"
QInitial experiements with the R-772 are not encouraging. First, be aware I am NOT (yet) using anything multi-channel on the PC source. Currently it is just HDMI audio (2-ch.). Out of the box, the Sherwood does have 2-channel out (duh!) but not clear on how it puts the 2-channel into the various surround modes. This HTR does offer "biamp" and "room 2" modes which (presumably) feed a full range signal to 2nd pairs of drivers. However for crossover duty I have tried the "USER" parametric EQ. Curious: I was able to shape one channel's response, but not the surround channel! I want to check to see if using the "Room 2" feature allows EQ distinct from the mains. Not optimistic
QInitial experiements with the R-772 are not encouraging. First, be aware I am NOT (yet) using anything multi-channel on the PC source. Currently it is just HDMI audio (2-ch.). Out of the box, the Sherwood does have 2-channel out (duh!) but not clear on how it puts the 2-channel into the various surround modes. This HTR does offer "biamp" and "room 2" modes which (presumably) feed a full range signal to 2nd pairs of drivers. However for crossover duty I have tried the "USER" parametric EQ. Curious: I was able to shape one channel's response, but not the surround channel! I want to check to see if using the "Room 2" feature allows EQ distinct from the mains. Not optimistic
For any interested party, I've replaced my PC with an Orange Pi Plus. $35. Still running Ubuntu Linux, still doing the music server/crossover. It's averaging less than 10% busy. Works at least as well as the PC ever did, plus it's totally fanless and silent. Runs on less than 10 watts, so I just leave it on, though it boots in about 7 seconds including MPD.
Just as a quick refresher (I've read your setup before, thank you for that writeup), you're driving 6 channels using IIR filters in ecasound? And then pushing this out to a multichannel usb dac?
Cool on the Orange Pi
I like oranges, but have only tried Key Lime Pi
Alas, I'm more of a Windows man...I did use Unix years ago (command line!) but don't have the patience to wrestle with a PC implementation.
I've had good luck with the Pipo X10. My only complaint is how does one do a proper back-up of this thing? EMMC? Whaaaaaa
* Ahem * Pulling myself back to thread's topic:
I'm lazy. Does anyone know of a more or less easy install of EQ multi-channel for (preferably) Windows, freeware? I'm aware of some of the pay solutions but too cheap to buy them "yet."
I like oranges, but have only tried Key Lime Pi
Alas, I'm more of a Windows man...I did use Unix years ago (command line!) but don't have the patience to wrestle with a PC implementation.
I've had good luck with the Pipo X10. My only complaint is how does one do a proper back-up of this thing? EMMC? Whaaaaaa
* Ahem * Pulling myself back to thread's topic:
I'm lazy. Does anyone know of a more or less easy install of EQ multi-channel for (preferably) Windows, freeware? I'm aware of some of the pay solutions but too cheap to buy them "yet."
I like oranges, but have only tried Key Lime Pi
I'm lazy. Does anyone know of a more or less easy install of EQ multi-channel for (preferably) Windows, freeware? I'm aware of some of the pay solutions but too cheap to buy them "yet."
You should try the soda, it's amazing.
Also, LMGTFY: Let me google that for you
Hello
I see ist an old post but maybe you or other are interested in a free GPL (Linux) software solution for a 4 way - crossover.
You can see my setup here:
diyAudio server HTTPS page
HIFI-FORUM » Do it yourself » Lautsprecher » Aktive Frequenzweiche per Standard Software mit GUI
Sorry it is in German
You have
4 x 2 crossover
many parametic equalizer
limiter
....
much more
HDMI 8 Channel output
8 Channel analog output
For activating for example 2, 3 or 4 way loudspeaker
Regards
Loafmeat
I see ist an old post but maybe you or other are interested in a free GPL (Linux) software solution for a 4 way - crossover.
You can see my setup here:
diyAudio server HTTPS page
HIFI-FORUM » Do it yourself » Lautsprecher » Aktive Frequenzweiche per Standard Software mit GUI
Sorry it is in German
You have
4 x 2 crossover
many parametic equalizer
limiter
....
much more
HDMI 8 Channel output
8 Channel analog output
For activating for example 2, 3 or 4 way loudspeaker
Regards
Loafmeat
Buy a raspberry pi, follow my tutorial
Tutorial: Raspberry Pi as Music Server, DSP, and Crossover
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288347
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Tutorial: Raspberry Pi as Music Server, DSP, and Crossover
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288347
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Buying yet more hardware 
I've read through this thread and similar for the Nth time. This time I lit upon the cheap(est?) idea of using an 8-channel ADAT unit such as the Behringer ADA8000; this is a no-brainer for me! It is cheap and I want balanced XLR outs for noise issue with my gain staging. Thanks for the lead for the MiniDSP MiniStreamer being able to do ADAT ... I had just surveyed their web site and no mention of that!
I still like my 2x4 but am trying to go 3-channel x/over so ...
Currently bottom fishing for a used ADA8000
Not quite sure what to do with the unused Sherwood R-772; probably will sell it as a "bonus" amp/EQ with one of my Bose 901 pairs when I part with it!
I've read through this thread and similar for the Nth time. This time I lit upon the cheap(est?) idea of using an 8-channel ADAT unit such as the Behringer ADA8000; this is a no-brainer for me! It is cheap and I want balanced XLR outs for noise issue with my gain staging. Thanks for the lead for the MiniDSP MiniStreamer being able to do ADAT ... I had just surveyed their web site and no mention of that!
I still like my 2x4 but am trying to go 3-channel x/over so ...
Currently bottom fishing for a used ADA8000
Not quite sure what to do with the unused Sherwood R-772; probably will sell it as a "bonus" amp/EQ with one of my Bose 901 pairs when I part with it!
Idea for keeping this thread alive
Offer examples of complete multi-channel PC* + DSP based solutions. Preferably those that do all DSP processing on the PC. Output should be either in HDMI (e.g. 7.1 format) or ADAT, or other format direct to multi-channel DACs.
*It does not have to be a Windows based PC. Can be Linux, Android, etc.
Extra points for cheap solutions. Freeware or commercial software allowed (has already been mentioned earlier in thread.)
Sample system #1: cheap PC as source and DSP processor (e.g. a Pipo X9 = ~ $180); software = unknown; DSP output (has HDMI port, I've no idea how to run it audio); "DAC" + amp is any recent home theatre receiver. I have a Sherwood R-772 gathering dust...
Sample system #2 (this is what I'm most likely to try next -- parts on order): source = cheap PC; player and DSP softare To Be Determined, probably JRiver and [what DSP solution]; output to a MiniDSP USBStreamer -> ADAT format to a -> Behringer ADAT8200 [brand new $200 delivered], 8-channel DAC (I wanted balanced = XLR outs per channel, since all my amps are Behringer with XLR ins.);
Sent from my NV570P using Tapatalk
Offer examples of complete multi-channel PC* + DSP based solutions. Preferably those that do all DSP processing on the PC. Output should be either in HDMI (e.g. 7.1 format) or ADAT, or other format direct to multi-channel DACs.
*It does not have to be a Windows based PC. Can be Linux, Android, etc.
Extra points for cheap solutions. Freeware or commercial software allowed (has already been mentioned earlier in thread.)
Sample system #1: cheap PC as source and DSP processor (e.g. a Pipo X9 = ~ $180); software = unknown; DSP output (has HDMI port, I've no idea how to run it audio); "DAC" + amp is any recent home theatre receiver. I have a Sherwood R-772 gathering dust...
Sample system #2 (this is what I'm most likely to try next -- parts on order): source = cheap PC; player and DSP softare To Be Determined, probably JRiver and [what DSP solution]; output to a MiniDSP USBStreamer -> ADAT format to a -> Behringer ADAT8200 [brand new $200 delivered], 8-channel DAC (I wanted balanced = XLR outs per channel, since all my amps are Behringer with XLR ins.);
Sent from my NV570P using Tapatalk
My personal solution. By far the least expensive option I could find:
Hardware:
Orange Pi Plus ($35)
"no-name" USB 7.1 DAC from Amazon ($25)
Western Digital 1tb 2.5" drive ($60) used as NAS
Software:
Ubuntu Linux (OrangePi disto free)
MPD (free)
Ecasound (free)
Alsa (free)
SOX (free)
Client: Auremo (free).
While this all took a couple weeks to get sorted, it's been totally rock-stable ever since. The OrangePi has been up about two months, and continues "just working" sound quality is as good as I've ever had. I'd do it again.
jay
Hardware:
Orange Pi Plus ($35)
"no-name" USB 7.1 DAC from Amazon ($25)
Western Digital 1tb 2.5" drive ($60) used as NAS
Software:
Ubuntu Linux (OrangePi disto free)
MPD (free)
Ecasound (free)
Alsa (free)
SOX (free)
Client: Auremo (free).
While this all took a couple weeks to get sorted, it's been totally rock-stable ever since. The OrangePi has been up about two months, and continues "just working" sound quality is as good as I've ever had. I'd do it again.
jay
+1 on this kind of approach. I use something quite similar. Very stable. Raspberry Pi only uses 1W of power, so you can leave it on all the time. The system is controlled from an Android tablet via an MPD client. The Raspberry Pi remains hidden away and I can carry the tablet around or keep nearby when I want to change tracks, volume, etc.
The Pi has built in HDMI including audio. The challenge (for me at least) was to find something that would decode up to 8 channels of audio. I don't own such a device and couldn't find one that worked for me. So I use multiple inexpensive ($30) 16/48 USB DACs that provide excellent sound quality.
sadly the odroid c2 is sold out at the Moment
ODROID | Hardkernel
I will give it a try if it is availabe again.
odroid c2 has hdmi 2.0
I will check how many Audio channels will be available
and Charlie I told severall time:
give KXStudio a try then you have all you Need
it is based on ubuntu
you have:
alsa
jack
mpd
gui
YouTube
browser
vlc
xbmc
....you have all of a ubuntu based destop System, if you want
with jack you can mix channel freely on a gui based System.
no cryptic configuration file
regards
guenter
ODROID | Hardkernel
I will give it a try if it is availabe again.
odroid c2 has hdmi 2.0
I will check how many Audio channels will be available
and Charlie I told severall time:
give KXStudio a try then you have all you Need
it is based on ubuntu
you have:
alsa
jack
mpd
gui
YouTube
browser
vlc
xbmc
....you have all of a ubuntu based destop System, if you want
with jack you can mix channel freely on a gui based System.
no cryptic configuration file
regards
guenter
Idea for keeping this thread alive
Offer examples of complete multi-channel PC* + DSP based solutions. Preferably those that do all DSP processing on the PC. Output should be either in HDMI (e.g. 7.1 format) or ADAT, or other format direct to multi-channel DACs.
*It does not have to be a Windows based PC. Can be Linux, Android, etc.
Extra points for cheap solutions. Freeware or commercial software allowed (has already been mentioned earlier in thread.)
Sample system #1: cheap PC as source and DSP processor (e.g. a Pipo X9 = ~ $180); software = unknown; DSP output (has HDMI port, I've no idea how to run it audio); "DAC" + amp is any recent home theatre receiver. I have a Sherwood R-772 gathering dust...
Check out my tutorial (link is above somewhere in this thread)
This is basically what I did. Basically the system cost me more in speaker cable than anything else
I've just gotten started recently but I'm running JRiver MC 21 to a MiniDSP U-DAC8.
So far I just have 2 channels going to my sub amp and two channels going to my main speakers. So I'm using JRiver for the crossovers and a little bit of PEQ. I'm almost done building a pair of mid bass modules to bring up another two channels. Should be ready to hook them up by the end of this week.
Once I get those running with a basic setup I can listen to for a while, I want to figure out how to re-do my crossovers and PEQ as FIR.
Is Rephase what I should be looking at for that? I have REW up and running to where I can measure frequency response through the JRiver driver but it can't do FIR, right?
I see talk of both Rephase and HOLMImpulse in this thread. Will I need to figure out how to use both or will one or the other do what I'm likely to need?
Thanks,
Chris
So far I just have 2 channels going to my sub amp and two channels going to my main speakers. So I'm using JRiver for the crossovers and a little bit of PEQ. I'm almost done building a pair of mid bass modules to bring up another two channels. Should be ready to hook them up by the end of this week.
Once I get those running with a basic setup I can listen to for a while, I want to figure out how to re-do my crossovers and PEQ as FIR.
Is Rephase what I should be looking at for that? I have REW up and running to where I can measure frequency response through the JRiver driver but it can't do FIR, right?
I see talk of both Rephase and HOLMImpulse in this thread. Will I need to figure out how to use both or will one or the other do what I'm likely to need?
Thanks,
Chris
@Soldermizer
I can only say it again.
Standard PC with HDMI (onboard) -Most people have it
Ubuntu with KXStudio (or KXStudio standalone) - Free
Calf Studio Gear with 8 channel X-Over (plugin inside KXStudio) -Free
7.1 AV Receiver with HDMI (Ebay 150,-- Euro)
Thats all you Need
DSP and HTPC is done in the PC
DAC is done in the AV-Receiver (in my case Onkyo)
And the DAC Hardware in the AV-receiver is better then the most Audio Interfaces.
Best regards
Guenter
I can only say it again.
Standard PC with HDMI (onboard) -Most people have it
Ubuntu with KXStudio (or KXStudio standalone) - Free
Calf Studio Gear with 8 channel X-Over (plugin inside KXStudio) -Free
7.1 AV Receiver with HDMI (Ebay 150,-- Euro)
Thats all you Need
DSP and HTPC is done in the PC
DAC is done in the AV-Receiver (in my case Onkyo)
And the DAC Hardware in the AV-receiver is better then the most Audio Interfaces.
Best regards
Guenter
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