I was after a laptop specifically to run Dirac live. My current laptop takes forever to run the program and it's painful to make adjustments post calibration as it takes a huge amount of time to run through all the speakers etc. My avr is the Marantz Cinema 50 so I was hoping for a HDMI 2.1 input, BT 5.2 and wifi 6. I'm based in Brisbane. My budget is up to $1500.
Thanks for helping!
Laptop to Run Dirac Live
Socialsuicide01 on 28/01/2024 - 17:11
Comments
Just re read your post. HDMI 2.1, bt 5.2 and wifi 6? For setting up Dirac? Does the software even make use of Bluetooth? It for sure didn’t need me to connect anything via HDMI, let alone requiring HDMI 2.1.
?.the laptop connects to the AVR via HDMI and the umik 1 from the laptop, then the room correction transfers via HDMI to the AVR.
The Bluetooth and wifi 6 is for streaming music only, plus my subwoofers can be adjusted via Bluetooth.I never connected the laptop to my AVR via HDMI when running Dirac.
I did however, connect it when running REW.
The Dirac software found my Dirac capable AVR on the network, I selected it, I ran the calibration, and that was that.
That said, I'm using an Onkyo RZ50. Would be interesting to find different versions did actually require you to connect via HDMI.
But, unless you for some reason need 120hz, HDMI 1.4 will be fine.
@Morien: Cool, so I really do need fast WiFi then for the data transfer. Also, I can walk away make a cup of coffee roll a cigarette come back to it and it still hasn't finished all the calculations for my speakers. I was really hoping to get a laptop that would run through the software nice and quick.
Setting it up is easy enough. How is it when you adjust the XO in bass control and hit the calculate button? How long does it take to run through all of your speakers?
Overall it took about 30 mins (including running back and forth and changing microphone positions).
This is with the basic Dirac Live though, not sure if DLBC requires more cpu power (are you using DLBC?)
Yep I have the full licence for Dirac live and I am using DLBC.
It takes me 45mins to complete the initial setup@Socialsuicide01: Are you Mac adverse? I feel more confident in suggesting you try out a MacBook Air or something with M2 chip. You can buy it from Apple directly and return it if it’s no good.
@Morien: Yeah I'm adverse. Do you have any idea regarding processing power, ram etc what would make quick work of the DL software?
If you do upgrade to DLBC and you make adjustments with the crossover in just one speaker and hit calculate it has to go through every single speaker. So trying to find the best crossover for all nine speakers is just not doable as the amount of time it takes is ridiculous@Socialsuicide01: That’s kind of why I suggested a Mac. Because it will allow you to see the processing requirements. Then you can return it within 2 weeks (assuming you bought direct from Apple) if it’s no good, or if you want to then replace it with a comparable windows machine.
I'd buy a refurb for a few hundred dollars if I was in your position if you're just using it for Dirac. Spending $1k is definitely overkill
What is your current laptop?
It's an Acer Aspire ES1-523
I set it up on a basic Dell ultra book last week. No issues.