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DEQX Beginner seeking advice

Hello DEQX Users,

I have a demo PreMate on loan for 2 weeks. That is not much time, given the complexity of setup. For now, I am skipping speaker calibration and trying to get room EQ running well. It is the bass in my sealed basement room that's the problem most in need.

1. Is there an online tutorial on this?  I looked at Nyal Mellor's YouTube entry, but I'm looking for something a little more detailed (but less than the manual).

2. Is it true that DEQX room EQ (unlike the TacT 2.2X I own) is applied to both channels, and can't be used to equalize each channel independently?

3. Is it also true that (unlike the TacT), a DEQX main/sub configuration does not automatically set time delays and levels relative to the mains? If so, how do most users accomplish this?

I will appreciate for any tips/help. At first impression, the DEQX DAC and xover sound considerably cleaner than the old TacT, but the complexity of setup is rather daunting.

Thanks!
Mike

P.S. I trust that starting a new thread is the right thing here, rather than hijacking the long, interesting, existing one.
mike_in_nc
jeffrubin
14 posts
 
Hi Blang.  Per Barry the Soundoctor's strong recommendation, I plugged the ports on my Raidho's and never looked back.  Barry's explaination of the impact of the secondary output from the ports and their detrimental effect on phase optimization was pretty convincing.  I gather this is an important, if not under appreciated, consideration with the DEQX.  If/when I pull the trigger on the HDP5, I do not expect to unplug the ports.  Of course, the ports are far less critical when electronically crossing over.  I'm crossing over at about 90hz so the low bass in the mains is irrelevant and I think sealing the box tightens the upper bass and definitely improves the timing considerations.  

Per your question regarding the room optimization on the JL sub, I plan on bypassing it and letting the DEQX handle it all.  

I was at a very similar place as you are now -running the mains full range.  Per Barry's superb instructions, I plugged the ports, added an inexpensive yet adequate dbx electronic crossover (a critical piece), carefully aligned the placement of mains and subs, and painstakingly set the phase on the sub.  The results were stellar.  I have not tweaked the system in months and had no desire to until I discovered DEQX.  The HDP5 has everything to take every one of these settings to the next level, while providing a major DAC and crossover upgrade over my Oppo and dbx respectively.  There are some compromises such as not having a critical home theater passthru and the same concern about MQA.  On the other hand, the new support for on-board Roon is the icing on the cake.  
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Actually, plugging ports is a good thing to do when using active EQ. :)

It reduces the acoustic order from 4th to 2nd, and increases dynamic range. 

The end result is a 4th order electro+acoustic high pass instead of 6th order, not to mention the group delay effects caused by the port.  This is why THX specifies sealed satellites.

It's not absolutely mandatory, but if you want the absolute highest dynamic range and easiest integration it's good practice.

Best,

Erik
jeffrubin
14 posts
 
Erik, can you elaborate on the acoustic order principals?  I get the group delay and dynamic range concepts, but I would like to understand more about what you refer to as acoustic order.  
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