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expired Posted by undisturbed316 • Dec 14, 2023
expired Posted by undisturbed316 • Dec 14, 2023

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

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.
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.
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.

175 Comments

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Dec 17, 2023
124 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Dec 17, 2023
SpearmintRhino
Dec 17, 2023
124 Posts
Quote from FranksAndBeans :
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.
Exactly! The fanfare about Dirac seems over hyped especially at the added cost. This will all be built in completely with even more budget AVRs in a few years. Why over spend now for such a marginal value.
1
Pro
Dec 18, 2023
11,048 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
Dec 18, 2023
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 18, 2023
11,048 Posts
Quote from SpearmintRhino :
Exactly! The fanfare about Dirac seems over hyped especially at the added cost. This will all be built in completely with even more budget AVRs in a few years. Why over spend now for such a marginal value.
From personal experience I disagree.
DLBC is just as good as DL if not more and not a marginal difference.

If you look at the brands that carry DL now, you sacrifice a few features to get it.
So you do "pay" for DL, it is not free.
More importantly they do not offer DLBC imo!

The new models added some of those benefits AND the option for DLBC.

Dirac has been around for years, only available with higher end products.
DLBC has always been a purchase option.
Most the people I know that bought those premium products purchased DLBC because of the benefit.

I find it odd on how often people say Dirac Live in heads and shoulders better but Dirac Live Bass Control is a marginal value!
Especially from people that haven't had any personal experience with it!

But everyone believed the RZ70 was a great buy for $1839! 🤣
1
Dec 19, 2023
3 Posts
Joined Aug 2012
Dec 19, 2023
twylight
Dec 19, 2023
3 Posts
Quote from supermanrob :
Your math is off, it's $560 for both DL & DLBC.
If you don't think that's a great price, you may not be as big a fan boy as you think! 😜
I already own Dirac , this is worth about $200 tops, not the msrp on the site. Other processors include the multichannel license in their base price. For 3500 (4800 plus all software) just go to a 16 channel processor and get it over with.
Dec 19, 2023
11 Posts
Joined Dec 2013
Dec 19, 2023
RichR8899
Dec 19, 2023
11 Posts
I've read that Dirac ART is the end game processor at this price point and XT32 and DLBC are comparable. Again this what I've read. I'd be buying DLBC as a cheap entry point to getting Dirac ART later. The gamble being as of yet ART has not been product mapped for the 3800 or 4800.
Pro
Dec 19, 2023
11,048 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
Dec 19, 2023
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 19, 2023
11,048 Posts
Quote from twylight :
I already own Dirac , this is worth about $200 tops, not the msrp on the site. Other processors include the multichannel license in their base price. For 3500 (4800 plus all software) just go to a 16 channel processor and get it over with.
I think you are a little confused Dirac splits their RCs.
How ever you have "Dirac", you paid for it, as you mentioned "in the base price".

Dirac Live isn't offered as "multichannel", it's limited or full bandwidth!

This Dirac Live Bass Control isn't "multichannel" either, it's single or multi sub!

"processor" and receiver are two different products.
Either way there is no "processor" that includes this(DLBC) in it's base price.

Why would I buy a 16 channel "processor" when I only need 9 channels! Scratchhead

I could just buy the 3800 for $900 and buy the bundle package for $560 and have pretty much to same thing for MUCH less!
1
Pro
Dec 20, 2023
11,048 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
Dec 20, 2023
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 20, 2023
11,048 Posts
Quote from RichR8899 :
I've read that Dirac ART is the end game processor at this price point and XT32 and DLBC are comparable. Again this what I've read. I'd be buying DLBC as a cheap entry point to getting Dirac ART later. The gamble being as of yet ART has not been product mapped for the 3800 or 4800.
A little clarification Dirac and XT32(AKA Audyssey) are room correction algorithms.
XT32 includes speakers & sub/bass correction.
Dirac is split: DL for speakers, DLBC for sub/overall bass.
D-ART is the new algorithm that works on top of DLBC.
For optimal performance highly recommended 4 subs & core speakers be full/reference range speakers.

low probability it will be offered on these mid level AVRs like the 3800/4800.
As you can see most people don't think DLBC is worth the purchase and many that get these AVRs don't follow those recommendations either.
Last edited by supermanrob December 19, 2023 at 08:48 PM.
2
Dec 20, 2023
35 Posts
Joined Dec 2014
Dec 20, 2023
maxsnacks18
Dec 20, 2023
35 Posts
In case anyone was wondering, the offer ends on Jan 15.

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Dec 20, 2023
1,331 Posts
Joined Jun 2011
Dec 20, 2023
Madanshah16
Dec 20, 2023
1,331 Posts
I reached out to dirac on refund policy and ownership transfer.

They mentioned that the 30 day refund policy still applies if one isnt happy with Dirac results.

Also, the license when purchased is tied to AV processor model. Means if purchased license for a Denon 3800H, it cannot be transfered to a Denon 4800H if you end up selling 3800H.

Also you can transfer ownership of DIRAC license to your buyer if you end up selling your AV receiver.
1
Dec 20, 2023
147 Posts
Joined Oct 2009
Dec 20, 2023
bcoulter
Dec 20, 2023
147 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
Its still available for $900, there is a new code: CYBEWE03
Dec 20, 2023
28 Posts
Joined Nov 2023
Dec 20, 2023
JollyBuffalo537
Dec 20, 2023
28 Posts
Quote from bcoulter :
Its still available for $900, there is a new code: CYBEWE03
This promo is expired. Thanks
Pro
Dec 20, 2023
11,048 Posts
Joined Jul 2010
Dec 20, 2023
supermanrob
Pro
Dec 20, 2023
11,048 Posts
Quote from maxsnacks18 :
In case anyone was wondering, the offer ends on Jan 15.
This would be good info for OP to add to post.
1
Dec 20, 2023
338 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
Dec 20, 2023
java568
Dec 20, 2023
338 Posts
Dirac Live vs Audyssey Review on Denon / Marantz Receivers:
https://simplehomecinema.com/2023...receivers/
Dec 20, 2023
272 Posts
Joined Nov 2017
Dec 20, 2023
pjorland
Dec 20, 2023
272 Posts
Are you kidding me?
1
Dec 20, 2023
729 Posts
Joined Aug 2009
Dec 20, 2023
rexian
Dec 20, 2023
729 Posts
Quote from Madanshah16 :
I reached out to dirac on refund policy and ownership transfer.

They mentioned that the 30 day refund policy still applies if one isnt happy with Dirac results.
This is great information. Thanks for reaching out and posting the update here! Their EULA [dirac.com] is certainly confusing - how does one not use the software and determine s/he is not happy with the result? shake head
Quote :
3. Refunds. To be eligible for a limited refund, you (i) must have acquired a license to the Software from
Dirac or from an authorized distributor; and (ii) must not have used the Software; (iii) must provide proof
of payment for the Software; within thirty (30) calendar days of your receipt of the Software.
ACQUISITIONS OF LICENSES TO SOFTWARE ARE NON-REFUNDABLE FOLLOWING THE
EXPIRATION OF THE 30-DAY PERIOD AND IN THE EVENT THAT THE SOFTWARE HAS BEEN
USED
. SHIPPING CHARGES AND CREDIT CARD FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
I am planning to take the plunge as Dirac was the primary reason I went with X4800 over C40 - $1k saved will pay for this entire upgrade. Hopefully it turns out measurably better than XT32 otherwise will have to deal with the return.

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Dec 20, 2023
1,702 Posts
Joined Jun 2023
Dec 20, 2023
LovelySparrow901
Dec 20, 2023
1,702 Posts
Quote from rexian :
This is great information. Thanks for reaching out and posting the update here! Their EULA [dirac.com] is certainly confusing - how does one not use the software and determine s/he is not happy with the result? shake head


I am planning to take the plunge as Dirac was the primary reason I went with X4800 over C40 - $1k saved will pay for this entire upgrade. Hopefully it turns out measurably better than XT32 otherwise will have to deal with the return.
You haven't found a custom xt32 target curve using the app that you're happy with?
1

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