Overview

The MiniDSP SHD Power is a compact Roon Ready streaming integrated amplifier that combines multiple audio functions in a single unit: 2×120W Class D amplification, Dirac Live room correction, DSP processing, and network streaming. Launched by MiniDSP, a company specializing in digital signal processing solutions since 2009, the SHD Power represents an integrated approach to modern audio systems. The unit features a 32-bit floating-point SHARC DSP processor, PCM1795 DAC implementation, and a TPA3255-based Class D amplifier, all housed in a compact 70 × 215 × 225 mm enclosure.

Scientific Validity

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Measured performance shows a mix of strengths and limitations. Manufacturer specifications state THD+N < 0.03% (4Ω) and < 0.07% (8Ω) from 60 mW to 100 W, SNR > 110 dB (A-wtd, 1 kHz, 120 W/8Ω), and crosstalk < −95 dB (1 kHz). Independent bench tests (SoundStage! Lab) measured 130 W/8Ω @1% THD, 149 W/4Ω @1% THD, THD+N 0.002–0.008% (100 Hz, 1–100 W), and <0.05% THD+N from 20 Hz–6 kHz (0.6–100 W), with frequency response 10 Hz–30 kHz (−0.15/+0.7 dB) and crosstalk −97.1 dB (1 kHz). The DAC path is excellent (manufacturer: 0.0007% THD+N, 120 dB SNR), while the <0.07% THD+N (8Ω) amplifier spec exceeds a 0.01% transparency threshold, indicating residual distortion above fully transparent levels.

Technology Level

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Integration is the main technical achievement: a 450 MHz SHARC DSP executes mixed-phase Dirac Live correction and flexible crossover/matrix processing; a quad-core network platform provides Roon Ready/Volumio streaming; and the on-board 2×120 W power stage eliminates the need for a separate amplifier. The design leverages proven commodity parts (PCM1795 DAC, TPA3255 power stage) rather than novel silicon, keeping the technology level contemporary but not bleeding-edge.

Cost-Performance

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Among integrated amplifiers that deliver Dirac Live, network streaming, and ≥120 W/8Ω continuous two-channel power without measured-performance inferiority, the SHD Power is the lowest general-retail price at 1,549 USD. The closest non-inferior alternative we confirmed is the Arcam SA35 (Class G, 120 W/8Ω, Dirac Live, streaming), which typically retails around 3,299 USD, so SHD Power is normalized to 1.0.

Note: Lower-priced AVRs with Dirac Live exist, but they are multichannel products that do not meet our two-channel non-inferiority criterion in measured linearity/power relative to SHD Power, so they are excluded as baselines.

Reliability & Support

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MiniDSP provides a one-year warranty. The official support portal handles tickets and RMA; customers are responsible for taxes/duties and, in practice, shipping to the service point. The no-returns policy (“All sales are final”) is stricter than typical hi-fi vendors. Documentation and firmware/Device Console/Dirac Live support mitigate risk for technically confident users, but policy rigidity keeps the score modest.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The product embodies a rational, measurement-driven approach: consolidate streaming, DSP, room correction, and amplification; expose flexible routing/crossover for subwoofer integration; and rely on objective optimization via Dirac Live rather than subjective tuning. The choices clearly trade boutique analog topology for transparent DSP features and setup repeatability.

Advice

If you specifically need ≥120 W/8Ω two-channel power and Dirac Live in a single streaming chassis, SHD Power offers uniquely strong value at this price. Accept that the amplifier distortion is above a strict transparency cutoff, but note that overall SNR and frequency response are solid, and third-party tests corroborate the rated output. If you do not require 120 W or Dirac, many cheaper streaming amps exist, but they are not non-inferior for this target use.

References

1. miniDSP, “SHD Power – product page” — specifications, dimensions, Roon Ready/Volumio: https://www.minidsp.com/products/streaming-hd-series/shd-power
2. miniDSP, “SHD Power Product Brief” (PDF) — detailed specs incl. THD+N/SNR/crosstalk: https://www.minidsp.com/images/documents/Product%20Brief-SHD%20Power.pdf
3. SoundStage! Network, “miniDSP SHD Power Integrated Amplifier-DAC Measurements” — bench results: https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2775
4. Arcam, “SA35 Streaming Integrated Amplifier” — 2×120 W/8Ω, Dirac Live, streaming: https://www.arcam.co.uk/product,radia,integrated-amplifiers,sa35.htm
5. miniDSP Support Portal — Warranty: https://support.minidsp.com/support/solutions/articles/47000681533-what-is-the-warranty-on-minidsp-products- ; Return policy: https://support.minidsp.com/support/solutions/articles/47000681555-what-is-the-return-policy- ; Fault/RMA: https://support.minidsp.com/support/solutions/articles/47000681576-what-do-i-do-if-there-s-a-fault-

(2025.9.7)