Is your system still Analog if you use any form of DSP?


I see recommendations for the use of DSP in room adjustments, subwoofer integration, etc.... If I use DSP as a filter to split off my subs and reduce the load on my mains, is my system no longer analog???

maam522a

No, it is no longer analog. 

While that in itself is not important... as my digital end sounds as good as my analog end. Depending on your intent and actual components... when striving for the highest quality sound all the DSP I have heard has always compromised the sound quality when all factors are taken together. Although, it is a generalization on striving for the best sound possible and you could easily assemble equipment that would not follow the generalization. 

@nogaps 

You confuse academic with philosophical in my question.  Otherwise I would has asked the question based on sound perception.  As for capital "A", my apologies for not make clear the original case and utilizing the incorrect Case...   

@hilde45 

You are my new touchstone - It is an (audio) illusion as is everything sensed and perceived.  That allows my mind to make things good or bad.  Illusions tempered by yoga works quite well together.

Super simple. No.

 

And someone brought up the MFSL questions (and many others) which really ought to put this silly prejudice to rest.

"I have two subs integrated with my Source Point 8s.  I only use the cutoff in the subs to set their level connected to the second pair of pre outs on my preamp."

I understand. However, if you're talking about integrating your subs in a music only system, speaker cable level connection is the best way to go if your sub has it. If you are getting good results with your current set up, that's all that matters. 

That said, I just noticed that I never answered your question. Sorry about that. If you have DSP and you convert the signal from analog to digital, then back to analog, I would consider that not to be a fully analog system. It can't be. Also, since you bring up sub woofers, if the DSP is only in the subs themselves, then the digital applies only to them, and not the rest of the system. 

My recommendation is always, if you have options, try them all and pick the one that sounds best. Its your system, set it up your way. That's all that matters.