Dirac vs Audyssey MultEQ-X Pro which one should you buy?

This is a short video sharing MY personal opinion of Dirac vs MultiEQ-X Pro app as Black Friday sales are currently available for both.
Both licenses were provided free of charge and I have NO affiliate links so of course, my opinion is unbiased and just based on MY personal experience.
YMMV

[@SunnySkiesInAZ]

I’ve been using Dirac for over a year exclusively and haven’t used MultiEQX-X at all. But from what I know with all the research I’ve done is, Dirac is preferred for people who don’t what to do 100% manual calibrations, it’s the best auto room calibration you can use. The benefit of MultiEQX-X is that it allows you to do full manual calibrations in REW and import them into your avr via MultiEQ-X. If done properly, you should be able to get equal to or greater than results over Dirac. I do semi manual utilizing Dirac. I align and eq my 3 subwoofers using the MiniDSP 2x4hd, then I run Dirac. After Dirac I use the Spatial Audio Calibration Toolkit in conjunction with REW to level match and impulse align all speakers to the listening position.

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

I actually feel mostly the opposite really but I guess that is because I also use MiniDSP and REW to setup all my TR gear and Subs. MultiEQ always feels a bit easier to get into for me because well you dont have to really do the "prep" work of Dirac like setting your crossovers, the levels part etc, is more streamlined. But of course, it has plenty of options which are great. In the end, as I mentioned on the video, I always end up with more precising imaging with Dirac and also, with my AVR Dirac allows me 50ms of DELAY vs 20 for Audyssey which is VERY handy with all the stuff I use :) Thanks for sharing your feedback!

[@SunnySkiesInAZ]

@@gabrieltechreviews8185 I have a couple questions: What is TR gear? MultiEQX-X sets your crossovers? Why do you need more than 20mls delay? I know Dirac sets the delay for you and every time I test them, there are within a few tenth accurate. I’m really wanting to use MultiEQ-x put don’t have a Windows machine to run it on. My processor came with Dirac when I bought it but can do Audessey too.

[@ronniechowdhury3082]

Next level up: Left channel minidsp: full range preout to front left, full range preout for rear left. Minidsp with fir filter for front and back out (phase and frequency control). Channels 3 and 4 for subs. Mix the subs and crossovers for left channels using MSO. Repeat with a second minidsp for right front, right rear and right subs. Result: Mso gives you dblc Fir filters give you dirac live Left and right dedicated minidsp: dirac acoustic room treatment

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

That sounds great although not a setup for me as I have dual minidsp already and once is fully dedicated to my TR so I am covered. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@arielrodriguez6980]

Great stuff! Does the Onkyo RZ50 come with the limited or full Dirac bandwidth?

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

@@arielrodriguez6980 thanks for the kind words. RZ50 is 20hz-20khz, so full. :)

[@avia4281]

I tried dirac multiroom with bass control vs smaart v9, rew, rephase added to eqapo convolution with impulse response file on win 10 pc i was pleasantly surprised how well it sounded. Dirac is nice for auto only.

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

I use minidsp for my subs and Dirac for the rest of my speakers. I prefer my results that way specially since i use sub output 4 for my TR devices Thanks for watching!

[@arielrodriguez6980]

If I use the included mic does the dirac screen appear on the tv to set the mic volume, speaker levels like Audyssey or a computer is needed?

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

@@arielrodriguez6980 I honestly don't recall as I only remember using either the android app or the laptop. I will have to retry tonight. Sorry

[@gurkal89]

I have a Denon 8500h and its a shame that Denon does not allow a Dirac upgrade on it. I think its processing power would be sufficient for Dirac.

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

It's always hard to tell if a unit is capably or not but I wouldn't be surprised if it is which would suck to have a flagship not updated when it can handle it Thats why I don't think we will get ART in the 3800 and 4800...I assume Denon will push is to the next Gen even if this one has the horse power to handle it. I hope I am wrong According to Denon the Dirac integration requires a new DSP not Available in the 8500h.

[@gurkal89]

@@gabrieltechreviews8185 basically this Denon model is designed to make hardware upgrades possible as there is also an upgrade from 8500H to 8500HA available. I think its changeable piece also contains DSPs. So if its DSPs really can't handle Dirac Live processing, it still might be possible to provide another hardware upgrade to do so. Would be awesome if Denon refreshes the model and publishes a "8500HB" upgrade for existing customers.

[@isak6626]

Have you tried "Audyssey One" by obsessive compulsive audiophile here on KZbin? If not, check it out and let us know how it compares to dirac 🙏

[@rickysingh9297]

Is DLBC required to match the Audessey? I have 2 subs (FL, RR) and ive heard that the Aud allows you to independently manage the subs while the DIRAC will require yet an additional $450 (when it is eventually released!). Is the Aud more complete?

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

Well both will measure all subs you have but they are not as good as DLBC is. When I first got the 3800h I did it because I wanted it to calibrate my 4 subs and I was very disappointed with the results. That was before Dirac. I ended up using a MiniDSP instead When DLBC comes out I will retry doing all subs again to see how it compares

[@srt8turboawdjeep146]

Which would you prefer if doing just a 2 speaker stereo setup with multiple subs

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

Well that is a good question. If you have a miniDSP to tweak your subs then I either would be fine and I would probably save the money and grab the Multeq instead. But if you don't want to deal with a minidsp and your avr has enough lfe output for your subs, I would go with Dirac IF the Dirac Live Bass Control is or will be available for your avr/pre. Hope that helps :)

[@truwarrior22]

What are you using for Atmos speakers? 4 ceiling mounted? Using a specific DIRAC curve or made you own?

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

I currently use psb alpha p5 because they sdg decently deep for a small speaker and have threaded inserts so they were easy to mount. I normally either use the Harman curves like 6db or just the default Dirax but I remove the high frequency rolloff for my taste and hearing

[@truwarrior22]

@@gabrieltechreviews8185 yeah, I feel like the high roll off is for larger rooms or really high SPL listening…

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

@truwarrior22 yes that makes sense and my room is an open basement which is like 57x17 feet one section and lile 20 x 25 the other so I always feels the roll off dulls the sound too much :)

[@mikeschmidt2339]

I’m having issues getting base on 4800h will Dirac or audsey fix this was use to rz50 base and Dirac only one sub so Dirac full for me 5.1.2

[@gabrieltechreviews8185]

Can you explain in more detail what is the exact issue you are having?

[@mikeschmidt2339]

@@gabrieltechreviews8185 it’s missing the punch and I feel like the sub cuts out sometimes rz50 u could feel the music and movies my speakers are 51m klipch on a low shelf almost on the ground