by Martin77 on 14 Aug 2019, 10:52
A MiniDSP or similar, a microphone and software like Dirac Live can breathe new life into your system. If it's better room-correction in a new amp or a stand-alone solution, it can help your bookshelves play the bass you were missing, it can tighten up a budget sub, it can take some of the guesswork and hassle out of treating and setting up your room.
I bought a budget 10" 100w Gale 3080 sub for fun, because it was dirt cheap, and because I wanted a placeholder while I save for better. With the help of Dirac, it plays down to 25Hz without too much distortion. It helped me time-align and integrate the sub better, and it flattens out the response even in my very-much-less than optimal room.[mod remove]
Even if your wishes are more music-oriented or interest is in smaller speakers, DSP can really help you bring low-end from small enclosures. It can boost the lows and give you the bass you'd never expect from small speakers. It's how B&W can claim and meet 25Hz from their new Formation line, even with just 6.5" drivers, or System Audio can measure 11Hz in-room from 6" drivers in their Legend 60 Silverback series.
This might be heresy to some, but there's a reason why manufacturers have built-in DSPs in their newest active speakers. It lets you accomplish what can't be done with purely analogue solutions.