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MiniDsp SHD Power
miniDSP is proud to introduce the latest member of the SHD (“Streaming High Definition”) processor family. As with all SHD Series processors, the SHD Power includes Dirac Live®, the world’s premier room correction solution, and a full suite of miniDSP’s powerful but user-friendly audio tuning software.
The SHD Power includes a 120W per channel low-distortion power amplifier for powering main speakers, and two additional analog outputs for connecting a subwoofer or subwoofers. With three digital inputs and high-resolution USB Audio, the SHD Power is the ideal modern integrated amplifier, all packed into an unbelievably compact metal enclosure.
The miniDSP SHD Power is a certified Roon Ready network player. Being Roon Ready means that miniDSP uses Roon streaming technology, for an incredible user interface, simple setup, rock-solid daily reliability, and the highest levels of audio performance, without compromise. The quad-core streaming processor in the SHD Power also runs Volumio, a popular open-source network streamer, providing web-based access to music files from sources as diverse as a USB stick to Internet Radio and Spotify.
Hardware Features
- Processor: 32-bit floating-point 450MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
- 32bit Audiophile converters
- Proprietary custom 2 x 120W amplifier (8Ohms/4Ohms), SNR >110dB (at 1kHz A-weighted, 120W in 8Ω), Embedded PCM1795 DAC chipset + TPA3255 Class D chipset
- Powered by Dirac Live® 3.x Digital Room Correction
- Quad core ARM processor for network audio streaming - Roon Ready and Volumio
- Inputs: Stereo digital (USB Audio/AES-EBU/SPDIF/Optical)
- Outputs: 2 x 120W amplifier output , 2 x analog out (Unbalanced RCA), 4 x digital AES-EBU
- USB audio recording feature (4xCH processed output via USB audio to record digital inputs)
- White/Black OLED front panel controller
Product Downloads / New Device Console
- Product Brief: SHD Power
- SHD Power User manual
What's in the box?
- Dirac Series Audio Processor — SHD Power
- USB Wifi 2.4GHz adaptor
- Dirac Live license 3.x for miniDSP - Full Range correction
- UMIK-1 calibrated measurement microphone
- IR remote v2
- IEC power plug (UK/EU/US)
NOTE: The UMIK-1/2 are measurement microphones approved by Dirac Research. Knowing the major effect a wrong calibration/measurement would have on the final results of Dirac Live tuning, we strongly recommend that you select a UMIK-1/2 microphone together with your platform for a plug&play experience leading to best results. Any issues related to 3rd party microphones such as ASIO/USB audio driver incompatibility/Latency problems or incorrect calibration process will not be under our support structure by our support team.
Product Reviews
SHD Series is ROON READY
The miniDSP SHD Series processors are certified Roon Ready players. This means that they are certified by Roon Labs to work seamlessly with the Roon software running on your PC, Mac, or Linux-based server! You can also use the Roon Remote for Android or iPhone/iPad for full remote control of your music playback with the miniDSP SHD Series.
Powered by Tidal Connect
Got a Tidal account and want to stream directly your favorite tracks from your PC/Phone/Tablet? Thanks to Tidal Connect support on the SHD Series, we provide a plug&play experience for high bitrate and full volume integration.
Powered by miniDSP's Device Console
Using the Surface Dial to control a miniDSP SHD Series processor
Already got an amplifier?
Check out the SHD and SHD Studio platform.
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MiniDSP SHD Power — feature-rich Dirac-ready integrated amp
The MiniDSP SHD Power is a compact, solidly built streaming integrated amplifier‑DAC that pairs a 32‑bit SHARC DSP with 2×120W amplification and full‑band Dirac Live room correction. Sonically it delivers tight, controlled bass, incisive imaging and transparent mids that sharpen noticeably with correction, though a touch of sibilance and a slightly cool midband were observed. Dynamics and headroom are excellent for its class, enabling room‑filling playback and confident control of demanding speakers. Connectivity is unusually generous for the price—Roon Ready, Volumio, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and XMOS USB—plus onboard miniDSP processing for EQ, crossovers and presets. As noted by Roger Kanno of SoundStage Solo, the SHD Power represents a rare combination of correction, streaming and power at this price, making it an excellent hub for DSP‑centric two‑channel or HT systems.
Pros
- Exceptionally feature-rich for the money — Roon Ready, Volumio, parametric EQ, crossovers and full‑band Dirac Live are all onboard.
- Outstanding imaging and staging when Dirac Live is engaged, with precise instrument placement and improved depth.
- Strong dynamics and tight, controlled bass from the 2×120W Class‑D power section—enables room‑filling levels and solid control.
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Cons
- Setup and Dirac configuration are less intuitive—Dirac requires USB connection via the SHD Plugin and some setup steps are awkward.
- Omits several convenience items (no analog line inputs, no headphone output, no Chromecast/AirPlay) and has a crowded rear panel.
Sound Quality
91/100
Dynamics
91/100
The amp's 2x120W output and measured low distortion translate to strong dynamic performance — reviewer notes it had "enough power to drive the hybrid-electrostatic speakers at room-filling levels" and provided excellent control and tightness. No reports of strain or lack of headroom; tiny deductions only because higher-powered topologies would exceed this class.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Imaging and staging are standout features, especially with Dirac Live engaged — "the soundstage snapped into focus" and instrumental placement was precise with depth cues. The improvement with room correction is emphasized, so the best performance depends on using the built-in correction.
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Build Quality
89/100
The chassis feels solid and well-built for the price, with a reassuringly firm front knob and chunky speaker binding posts. The rear panel is described as "quite crowded," which is a minor ergonomic drawback and prevents a higher mark.
Features Connectivity
89/100
Exceptionally feature-rich for the price: Roon Ready, Volumio, Dirac Live, parametric EQ, crossovers, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, TOSLINK, XMOS USB, 32-bit DAC, and remote/control interfaces. Points deducted because it lacks analog line inputs, a headphone output, Chromecast/AirPlay, and a phono stage, so it is not completely all-purpose for every user.
Value for Money
92/100
Multiple reviewers called out the SHD Power as "remarkably fully featured" and the "least-expensive streaming integrated amplifier-DAC I know of that incorporates Dirac Live," explicitly praising its pricing relative to competitors. The unit justifies a premium relative to peers, earning an explicit-value grade.
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