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expiredundisturbed316 posted Dec 14, 2023 03:18 PM
expiredundisturbed316 posted Dec 14, 2023 03:18 PM

Dirac Live Bass Control for Denon AVR-X3800H / AVC-X3800H (Digital License)

from $228.85

$349

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Dirac has Dirac Live Bass Control for Denon AVR-X3800H / AVC-X3800H (Digital Licenses) on sale as listed below when you apply discount coupon 30BCDM23 at checkout.

Note: Discount code does not apply to individual 'Room Correction' licenses.

Thanks to Community Member undisturbed316 for finding this deal.

Available (prices after discount coupon):
  • Dirac Live Bass Control Single Subwoofer $228.85
  • Dirac Live Bass Control Multi Subwoofer $327.21
    • Upgrade an existing Bass Control Single Subwoofer license to Multi Subwoofer $110.82
  • Bundle Offer $425.57
    • Room Correction Full Bandwidth
    • Bass Control Single Subwoofer
  • Bundle Offer Multi $523.94
    • Room Correction Full Bandwidth
    • Bass Control Multi Subwoofer
Features:
  • Corrects sound gaps and bass decline
  • Enhances bass crossover area for smoother reproduction
  • Utilizes machine learning for phase co-optimization and supports one or multiple subwoofer (depending on license)

Editor's Notes

Written by citan359 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Offer valid through January 15th, 2024
    • Please note that measurement microphone is not included in the software purchase.
  • About this product:
    • Windows 10 or macOS 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, or newer required
  • Additional Note:

Original Post

Written by undisturbed316
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Dirac has Dirac Live Bass Control for Denon AVR-X3800H / AVC-X3800H (Digital Licenses) on sale as listed below when you apply discount coupon 30BCDM23 at checkout.

Note: Discount code does not apply to individual 'Room Correction' licenses.

Thanks to Community Member undisturbed316 for finding this deal.

Available (prices after discount coupon):
  • Dirac Live Bass Control Single Subwoofer $228.85
  • Dirac Live Bass Control Multi Subwoofer $327.21
    • Upgrade an existing Bass Control Single Subwoofer license to Multi Subwoofer $110.82
  • Bundle Offer $425.57
    • Room Correction Full Bandwidth
    • Bass Control Single Subwoofer
  • Bundle Offer Multi $523.94
    • Room Correction Full Bandwidth
    • Bass Control Multi Subwoofer
Features:
  • Corrects sound gaps and bass decline
  • Enhances bass crossover area for smoother reproduction
  • Utilizes machine learning for phase co-optimization and supports one or multiple subwoofer (depending on license)

Editor's Notes

Written by citan359 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Offer valid through January 15th, 2024
    • Please note that measurement microphone is not included in the software purchase.
  • About this product:
    • Windows 10 or macOS 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, or newer required
  • Additional Note:

Original Post

Written by undisturbed316

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Top Comments

grayguy1
526 Posts
150 Reputation
I'm in the same boat. I was going to pull the trigger because someone mentioned to me they have a 30 day return policy in case it doesn't perform according to it's desired effect (which makes sense), but I just checked their license agreement and it says to get a refund you "must not have used the Software," which makes no sense at all to me.

If you find evidence that they do give you a no hassle 30 day period to see if it improves your correction beyond what Audyssey MultiEQ X32 + the $20 Audyssey app can do, post the link here to let us know.

For me, if that company isn't willing to let you see if it's worth the money, it's a bad policy. It's not like they have to absorb return shipping costs or resell a discounted used product.
FranksAndBeans
1595 Posts
680 Reputation
Dirac experts can chime in, but my limited research shows that if you only have 1 sub, especially a modest one that isn't doing a whole lot below 20Hz, regular full-bandwith Dirac is arguably enough. Yes I know even a regular 10 or 12" will technically play below 20 Hz. But you need some heavy subwoofers in a controlled room to be really pushing usable output at 10-15Hz.

Seems to me you could use bass control as a standalone if you only want it tuning your subs, or go with the live + the multi-sub license if you want it doing everything in a multi-sub system. I've always been happy with XT32 but want to give Dirac a try because there seems at least some agreement that is superior. I missed the BF deals on full-bandwith but though somewhere in the ~$250 - 300 range might be worth a shot. XT32 does handle 2 subs, but not to the complexity that the multi-sub Dirac bass control is described to.

I'm probably oversimplifying this but based on the descriptions, to me it seems:

For a no sub or 1 sub system - Dirac full bandwidth is arguably superior to XT32.

For a 2 sub system - XT32 is arguably superior to Dirac full bandwidth alone. Dirac FB + multi-sub bass control would be superior to XT32.

I'm really struggling with seeing the value of Dirac bass control for a single sub, except as a standalone product where you only want sub calibration. Maybe that's the point?

But for me, the $799 package to cover multi-sub systems... I'm not doing that. I'd rather wait until my next AVR upgrade to see how their market / built-in options pan out. Not saying it isn't worth it, but $800 is far too big of a gamble to me to try it. Maybe if the licenses were transferable at least once or twice maybe, but locked to one AVR? Nah.
zubikov
163 Posts
54 Reputation
Unpopular opinion: Dirac live is not worth it for 90% of us. It's not gospel.

All mid-to-high tier receivers will have basic speaker distance correction. So you can take a tape measure and tell the speaker how far each channel is. That will give you a pretty good (not perfect) timing delay. But then, you modern high end receiver also mostly likely has some free flavor of room correction software. That will do 90% of what Dirac does.

Dirac does three things on top of all else: it flattens each speaker's curve, chooses a good crossover, and adjusts the level of each speaker. Of all those, I'd argue adjusting the level is the most valuable feature. In my view, you're paying $100's more to get the level correct out of each speaker on top of what you can do for free. Is that worth it?

I'll go a step further. I did my own calibration on a new Onkyo receiver, listened to it for a few weeks, and then did a Dirac calibration. Dirac nailed all 5 speakers, but completely underpowered the sub no matter how hard I tried. I just don't think I'd pay so much $$ out of pocket on top of the brilliant Marantz / Denon / Pioneer etc capabilities that come free with the receiver.

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Dec 15, 2023 02:28 PM
163 Posts
Joined Jun 2011
zubikovDec 15, 2023 02:28 PM
163 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank zubikov

Unpopular opinion: Dirac live is not worth it for 90% of us. It's not gospel.

All mid-to-high tier receivers will have basic speaker distance correction. So you can take a tape measure and tell the speaker how far each channel is. That will give you a pretty good (not perfect) timing delay. But then, you modern high end receiver also mostly likely has some free flavor of room correction software. That will do 90% of what Dirac does.

Dirac does three things on top of all else: it flattens each speaker's curve, chooses a good crossover, and adjusts the level of each speaker. Of all those, I'd argue adjusting the level is the most valuable feature. In my view, you're paying $100's more to get the level correct out of each speaker on top of what you can do for free. Is that worth it?

I'll go a step further. I did my own calibration on a new Onkyo receiver, listened to it for a few weeks, and then did a Dirac calibration. Dirac nailed all 5 speakers, but completely underpowered the sub no matter how hard I tried. I just don't think I'd pay so much $$ out of pocket on top of the brilliant Marantz / Denon / Pioneer etc capabilities that come free with the receiver.
2
2
Dec 15, 2023 02:30 PM
214 Posts
Joined Dec 2014
malba2366Dec 15, 2023 02:30 PM
214 Posts
Quote from donEddie7 :
What is this compared to the correction that comes along with the receiver itself? What extra does it provide for the added cost? Just wondering the target audience for this and what benefits it provides over the included correction. Thank you!
Dirac absolutely destroys the standard Odyssey that comes with the receiver. Target audience with this someone with higher end equipment. You will notice things sound clearer in the room, the biggest difference that most will notice is that dialogue from the center channel will be much clearer than before. The bass correction on top of that will clean up some of the muddiness and boominess that occurs due to suboptimal subwoofer/speaker placement (almost always the case because aesthetics of a room and space utilization is usually a priority over speaker placement).
2
4
Dec 15, 2023 02:32 PM
214 Posts
Joined Dec 2014
malba2366Dec 15, 2023 02:32 PM
214 Posts
Quote from zubikov :
Unpopular opinion: Dirac live is not worth it for 90% of us. It's not gospel.

All mid-to-high tier receivers will have basic speaker distance correction. So you can take a tape measure and tell the speaker how far each channel is. That will give you a pretty good (not perfect) timing delay. But then, you modern high end receiver also mostly likely has some free flavor of room correction software. That will do 90% of what Dirac does.

Dirac does three things on top of all else: it flattens each speaker's curve, chooses a good crossover, and adjusts the level of each speaker. Of all those, I'd argue adjusting the level is the most valuable feature. In my view, you're paying $100's more to get the level correct out of each speaker on top of what you can do for free. Is that worth it?

I'll go a step further. I did my own calibration on a new Onkyo receiver, listened to it for a few weeks, and then did a Dirac calibration. Dirac nailed all 5 speakers, but completely underpowered the sub no matter how hard I tried. I just don't think I'd pay so much $$ out of pocket on top of the brilliant Marantz / Denon / Pioneer etc capabilities that come free with the receiver.
I would be willing to bet that Dirac removed the boominess of the bass, and you are taking that to mean it underpowered the sub. Most people are conditioned to appreciate boomy sloppy bass vs clean tight bass.
2
Dec 15, 2023 03:19 PM
163 Posts
Joined Jun 2011
zubikovDec 15, 2023 03:19 PM
163 Posts
Quote from malba2366 :
I would be willing to bet that Dirac removed the boominess of the bass, and you are taking that to mean it underpowered the sub. Most people are conditioned to appreciate boomy sloppy bass vs clean tight bass.
Dirac didn't remove sloppy bass; it removed most bass, period. From EDM, to rap, to Nolan movies, everything sounds really weak on the low end, and definitely not how it was intended. At the end of the day, you buy a subwoofer for....it's power and ability to supplement your fancy speakers on the low end. What is the point of having a big rattling sub that's castrated by Dirac. Mine was cut off by 14.5dB!! from a level that I've previously calibrated to sound good to "my ears". It was barely audible during any music or movie. I love the sound signature of my speakers out of the box, and I sure don't want third party software messing with the curve that the manufacturer built for me. We buy this expensive home theater / audio equipment to enjoy it, not to sit there and be happy that we're conforming to some theoretical curve. I have an RSL Speedwoofer, and I want to hear some bass!
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 04:28 PM
12,626 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 04:28 PM
12,626 Posts
Quote from grayguy1 :
If you are confusing the multiple levels of Dirac they try to sell you on, you're not alone. There are four levels of Dirac you can purchase, the first two cover your full range speakers, not the crossed over sub channel outputs. The second two cover the subwoofer(s), either a single or multiple subwoofers.

For everything with two plus subwoofers on a Denon receiver, that looks like $799 retail if you buy them bundled at the same time. More of you buy them separately.
https://www.dirac.com/online-stor...vc-x3800h/

Then, there's Dirac Live Active Room Treatment, which is exclusively on Storm Audio ($$$) equipment at the moment but will come to other companies. It's currently $299.
https://www.dirac.com/live/dirac-...treatment/

Here's the info on the two subwoofer (bass control) tiers:
https://www.dirac.com/live/bass-c...management.
So here is my basic term take from personal experience of both Dirac RCs(Dirac Live/Dirac Live Bass Control) & Audyssey(all versions) and the complicated question on how they compare/worth.

1st DL does not include their sub/bass RC integration(DLBC).

If you read Dirac's description of what DLBC offers in that link you will get a good understanding of its benefits, it is not just marketing.

I would add if you consider how much bass management and its integration plays in a well implemented system, should give you the importance of it.

People often say you can just calibrate your subs(and whole system) and you're good.
Yes with A LOT of time, learning, some extra cost you can calibrate where you're happy.
Is it the "same" as DL/DLBC, I have to agree with Dirac.
It's nearly impossible to do as good a job as their algorithms, imo not even comparable.

So is Dirac worth the extra cost over XT32 + Editor App, it depends on many things but ultimately comes down to how well versed/comfortable you are with Audyssey.

Both well implemented they are pretty comparable especially if you exclude DLBC. Imo DLBC pushes Dirac ahead.

Like people often say about DL vs DLBC, you can be happy with XT32 + Editor App
and not need to purchase DL and or DLBC.
Especially since you don't lose sub/bass integration with XT32.
As a matter of fact you gain another one called directional integration.

The great thing is Denon(Marantz ) gives you both options and you don't have to pay for Dirac unless you want to!

Personally(& several others I know), I/we weren't going to get Dirac until/without DLBC.

I will admit I/we aren't as worried about a budget but getting the best RC.
Dirac(DL/DLBC) is one of them and $560 for both is a really good price/investment for it imo!

Had there been a Processor a few years back that offered what the 3800/4800 offers for $900/$1299 and could add both DL/DLBC for $560, I would have jumped on it in a heartbeat!

Hopefully some find this "helpful information", just thought I'd give my opinion on this!
2
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 04:37 PM
12,626 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 04:37 PM
12,626 Posts
Quote from konster :
Its not just for the Denon. I was able to use on the Marantz Multi bundle.
Yes looks like they released it for both Denon and Marantz models that were scheduled for the release!
Glad it came early! 👍🏻

$560 for both Dirac Live and Dirac Live Bass Control is a great price imo!
1
2
Dec 15, 2023 04:53 PM
345 Posts
Joined Jun 2006
kamiller42Dec 15, 2023 04:53 PM
345 Posts
If I have two subs in one case, do I need dual sub control? Or, would one do?

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Pro
Dec 15, 2023 05:24 PM
12,626 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 05:24 PM
12,626 Posts
Quote from kamiller42 :
If I have two subs in one case, do I need dual sub control? Or, would one do?
A little confused but if they are receiving separate outputs then multi if parallel/mono then single if that makes sense.
3
Dec 15, 2023 05:44 PM
994 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
TheSchlafDec 15, 2023 05:44 PM
994 Posts
Quote from JollyBuffalo537 :
I missed the sale on Denon X3800. If any of you want to return your receiver, I'll pay your full price + shipping. Make sure you send me the receipt that you've bought so I can register for warranty.

I'm going to return the Yamaha rx-a4a that I bought Frown
Just buy a refurb x3800h with a 3 year warranty.

https://www.accessories4less.com/...eos/1.html
2
Dec 15, 2023 07:22 PM
103 Posts
Joined Dec 2013
JustinP3030Dec 15, 2023 07:22 PM
103 Posts
Question for my slickdeal audiophile friends... I have an x4800h with some decent KEF r3 speakers and two PSA 18'' subs. Is it possible to use Audyssey xt32 for the speakers and only buy the dual subwoofer DIRAC live service? Does this make any sense or am I better off going with the full-blown "bundle offer multi" for $799?

I've heard so many good things about the dual sub version of DIRAC that I want to give it a try.
Dec 15, 2023 07:50 PM
994 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
TheSchlafDec 15, 2023 07:50 PM
994 Posts
Quote from JustinP3030 :
Question for my slickdeal audiophile friends... I have an x4800h with some decent KEF r3 speakers and two PSA 18'' subs. Is it possible to use Audyssey xt32 for the speakers and only buy the dual subwoofer DIRAC live service? Does this make any sense or am I better off going with the full-blown "bundle offer multi" for $799?

I've heard so many good things about the dual sub version of DIRAC that I want to give it a try.
The receiver only uses Dirac or Audyessy. It can't use parts of both.
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 08:03 PM
12,626 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 08:03 PM
12,626 Posts
Quote from JustinP3030 :
Question for my slickdeal audiophile friends... I have an x4800h with some decent KEF r3 speakers and two PSA 18'' subs. Is it possible to use Audyssey xt32 for the speakers and only buy the dual subwoofer DIRAC live service? Does this make any sense or am I better off going with the full-blown "bundle offer multi" for $799?

I've heard so many good things about the dual sub version of DIRAC that I want to give it a try.
No you can't mix those two RC's.
If there was a good time to try/get Dirac this is it.
Btw have you tried directional sub integration on the 4800?
3
Dec 15, 2023 08:17 PM
103 Posts
Joined Dec 2013
JustinP3030Dec 15, 2023 08:17 PM
103 Posts
I haven't tried anything beyond a super basic Audyssey correction. The theater is a new build and the walls aren't up yet so it wasn't really worth doing anything beyond making sure everything worked. (the x4800h amp died in testing though so I'm still waiting on the replacement). I'm going at this blind since I'm just going on internet recommendations.
Quote from supermanrob :
No you can't mix those two RC's.
If there was a good time to try/get Dirac this is it.
Btw have you tried directional sub integration on the 4800?
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 09:20 PM
12,626 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 15, 2023 09:20 PM
12,626 Posts
Quote from undisturbed316 :
So Dirac offers a 14 day trial to try any of their packages out. However you cannot see those trial links via the link I sent you. If you use this link, you are able to see the 14-day trial link.

However, it lets you buy a trial for $0, but doesn't guarantee your 30% off for the paid subscription. You have to separately buy the bundle and use the discount code in a separate transaction (who knows how long this code will be active)

https://www.dirac.com/online-stor...ion-suite/
FYI you should see if you can modify the post to reflect this applies to all Denon & Marantz models that were scheduled to get the offer.
3

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Dec 15, 2023 09:34 PM
1,702 Posts
Joined Jun 2023
LovelySparrow901Dec 15, 2023 09:34 PM
1,702 Posts
Quote from TheSchlaf :
Just buy a refurb x3800h with a 3 year warranty.

https://www.accessories4less.com/...eos/1.html
Why buy refurbished when it goes on sale for new at that price (or lower) every few weeks?
2

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