Behringer DEQ2496 - worth using in hi-end system?

Great, thank you very much Eldartford!

Kenn39...You raise a good point. Being aware of this I have set up low gain power amps, so that my "pre-out" signal level is as high or higher than the CDP output signal level. This is why a TAPE loop, if you have one, is the best place to put any signal processor, BehringerDEQ2496 included.

I've decided to give the Behringer DEQ2496 a try. It will be necessary to install the unit in my tape loop, so I'm ordering adapters.

What do you owners recommend for interconnects? I'm more likely to purchase something neutral in tone and reasonably priced...not my usual Purist Audio stuff.

Also, I presently use my tape loop output for another purpose. Does the Behringer have a second set of outputs that I can use ? All I saw in a photo were phono jacks. Do I have to purchase Male Phono/Female RCA adapters? If so, from where?

Finally, the best price I've found is $299 on Zzounds.com, or Musiciansfriend.com. Any better sources?

You might want to try using it between transport and DAC. Actually, I know you can't do that, Grant, so use it between transport and preamp.

Don't forget to order the microphone.

06-11-06: Drubin
You might want to try using it between transport and DAC. Actually, I know you can't do that, Grant, so use it between transport and preamp.

What are the benefits of this method over the tape loop method, other than freeing up the preamp's tape loop for another purpose? I was thinking the tape loop method offered the flexibility to completely bypass the EQ if I so choose. Placing it between the CDP and preamp does not offer this as the signal still runs through some EQ circuitry even if the bypass switch is engaged, correct?

Also, placing the EQ between CDP and preamp dedicates the EQ to just the CDP, and my other sources do not benefit from the DEQ2496.

If I'm not mistaken, it's a digital EQ, so putting in the tape loop means it will have to perform AD and DA conversion. Placing it between transport and DAC avoids those extra conversions.

Yes, Dan, but I do not own a transport and DAC. I own a Denon 3910 with balanced analog outputs. Therefore, whether I place the EQ between the Denon and preamp, or in the preamp's tape loop, I will still be required to utilize the Behringer's analog XLR inputs and outputs.

For those who own transport/DAC combos, I can see the advantage of keeping the signal processing in the digital domain.

I understand. If the Denon has a digital out, you might want to try that at some point, just to see if it makes a difference.

06-11-06: Drubin
I understand. If the Denon has a digital out, you might want to try that at some point, just to see if it makes a difference.

It does and I might try it, but doing so would completely bypass the Exemplar tubed output stage...and what would be the point? Kind of like bypassing the APL circuitry. Might as well own a stock Denon, but never say never, and your point is taken.

I take it you use the digital output/inputs. What cables do you use?

Hey guys...don't waste a lot of energy avoiding use of the DEQ2496 A/D and D/A. They are good 24 bit devices, and if you keep the signal level up they will handle your 16 bit CD signal very well. One reasonable application of the DEQ2496 is as an "outboard DAC" (using its digital input) which just happens to also do room correction. However, this would limit use of the DEQ2496 to the CDP.

It does and I might try it, but doing so would completely bypass the Exemplar tubed output stage...and what would be the point? Kind of like bypassing the APL circuitry.

Which is why separate DACs are making sense again, unfortunately.

My preference for one-box solutions derives from space issues. I simply don't have room for an additional box. I realize I'm in the minority, and most audiophiles do what's necessary to accommodate however many boxes are needed for their systems.

I, like many audiophiles, have many sources that I use to listen to music. DVD player, CD Player, Record Player, Ipod, PS2, ...

I would like to explore the possibility of using the Behringer for all sources.

For those of you who have just set this up in your preamp's tape loop, how "transparent" is this piece?

In other words - in YOUR opinion, do the gains from room correction outweigh the negative effects of adding this piece to the chain and feeding in analog, and getting analog out.

Thanks
Goatwuss

Goatwuss...Why do you ASSUME that there will be audible "negative effects" which need to be outweighed by room correction? If your system is good enough to worry about this sort of thing the $350 cost of the DEQ2496 and mic will be a trivial expense. Buy one and listen for yourself. No one but you yourself can tell you what you will think of the "transparency". On the other hand, the benefits of room correction are well established.

Guys, just think about it, we all care enormously about getting as perfect DAC as possible, it comes to serious numbers... And you want to pass your good analog signal through good-for-the-price but ultimately not refined AD stage, and then again thorough the same kind of DA, which may sound more then acceptable, but deteriorates refinement - and refinement is all what this hobby about.

Dmitrydr...Have you tried it? Refinement is not price.

If you insist, RAM will mod your DEQ2496 to the ultimate of refinement, with output through silver wire Swiss audio transformers, for about a grand.

And what's the point of a superb system, if the room screws it all up?

Like I said before, if the unit was 3500.00 many people would think differently.

Ridiculous markups benefit the seller not your ears.

refinement is all what this hobby about.
Dmitrydr (System | Threads | Answers)

Enjoying music is what the hobby is about to me. I no longer give a damn about refinement.

In fact, the more refined my system has become, the less I have enjoyed it.

Bravo Tvad, Eldartford and Warrenh

Could not agree more. I actually use the PEQ from the Behringer (feedback destroyer pro) . It works great. It is even cheaper! I manually set this up and just use it for ultra LF frequency adjustments but there is software that can allow this to be controlled automatically using a PC, mike and a MIDI controller.

Room correction and speaker quality has such a HUGE impact to what I hear that I am not ashamed to say that I am quite satisfied with the non-audiophile DAC's in my Sony mega-changer CD players. (Yes, I know, many audiophiles may laugh that I have professional studio speakers but CD sources that you can probably find in Sears. However, my chained mega changers and software controllers allow me to browse, select and cue music from an electronic menu and, after, all, for me it is about LISTENING to music and not fiddling around with 100's of CD cases to feed a single CD transport!!!)

Who gives a damn about refinement; Blu-Tak and a this PEQ are probably some of my best value for money audio improvments!

If it sounds better and you enjoy the music ...that is what counts!

Good on Tvad, Eldartford and Warrenh for daring to speak out frankly and claim that a cheap PEQ can make significant improvements to mega-dollar systems!

Enjoying music is what the hobby is about to me. I no longer give a damn about refinement.

In fact, the more refined my system has become, the less I have enjoyed it.

That's quite a statement, Grant. Can you say a little more -- why do you suppose more refinement = less enjoyment? Come to think of it, what does refinement mean to you? It's a term I use frequently, but I wonder if we would all agree as to its meaning.

Dan, more refinement leads to placing my focus on the equipment...on the minutea in the sound...and to general dissatisfaction as 95% of the sound is perfect, except for That One Thing.

I am slowly coming about, and considering setting a new course for less resolution, less detail...and less focus on the gear.

See my long-running thread, How does one get off the merry-go-round?

How is it as a DAC? Does it simultaneously output from both its analog and digital outputs?

By that I mean: I have Denon universal player as my CD transport (with a Dac-AH doing the redbook decoding). I use the Denon's DACs for DVDa and SACD decoding.

I would be hoping to go from the digital out on my universal player to the Behringer. I'd like to keep using the Dac-Ah for Redbook, but if the Behringer is a good DAC, I'd like to use it for LPCM stuff. But, I can only do that if it outputs from both the analog and digital outputs at the same time (so I could choose between them based on whether I was playing a cd or DVDa disc).

The Behringer would have an added bonus for me as a musician (using it as it was intended, as a mastering tool).

Hudsonhawk...Yes. The DEQ2496 can walk and chew gum.

I realized tonight that I can take a digital ouput via toslink from my old but trusty Sony CDP77ES changer and input the signal to the Behringer's DAC. I can do an easy A/B comparison between the Behringer's output and the Sony's analog output. This should be fun to try.

I had been all fired up to buy a Monarchy M24 tube DAC, but I think I'll slow down just a bit and test out the Behringer first.

One interesting comment made by CC Poon of Monarchy was his suggestion of using the Monarchy DIP jitter reducing unit in conjunction with the Monarchy M24. I see that Behringer has a similar unit...the SRC2496...for about half the cost of the Monarchy DIP. Has anyone any experience with one of these reclocking units? Do they provide an audible benefit?

One interesting comment made by CC Poon of Monarchy was his suggestion of using the Monarchy DIP jitter reducing unit in conjunction with the Monarchy M24.

Couldn't edit my post.

CC Poon suggested the use of the Monarchy DIP Upsampler, not the Monarchy DIP. They are different units, and I just wanted to clarify.

[QUOTE=Eldartford]
Dmitrydr...Have you tried it? Refinement is not price.[/QUOTE]

I'll be ordering it soon. But I just don't see any reason to use it as DAC, it worths its price just for its digital abilities.

I'll be ordering it soon. But I just don't see any reason to use it as DAC, it worths its price just for its digital abilities.

I've been using mine as a DAC for a couple weeks now. I admit it took over for my Harmon Kardon DVD25, which "supposedly" had decent converters for a relatively inexpensive DVD player. The difference is huge, especially in the high frequencies. The Behringer will be staying right where it is. For the time it takes you may want to give it a try.

Dmitrydr...Actually, it is worth the price just for the RTA, even if you do not put it in your signal path. I originally bought it for that purpose, but learned through experience how good it sounds, and how much improvement to the overall system is realized by room correction.

Controlling your Beheringer DEQ2496 from listening position to optimize the sound of your home Stereo System
By I.G and A.R - Rev.0 June 14, 2006
issi.geier@yahoo.com
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See complete article and picturs:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=81500
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Many audiophiles around the world are integrating the Beheringer DEQ2496 with there home sound system for optimizing the sound by room correction, system sound correction, sound imaging and "on the fly" improvements for far from perfect recordings.
Optimizing the DEQ2496 for room correction, system correction and sound staging should be done from listening position for best results.
Our ear and brain is very good with identifying a relative change in sound and imaging. Moving from our listening position in order to tweak and make a change with the DEQ setting interrupts with our ability for identifying relative sound change and resulting with frustration with our sound optimization process.
We want to keep the DEQ physical location close together with our CD / DVD players and our amplifiers. This enables us to have it connected using short high quality interconnect cables for best sound.

The solution is to have a remote control to our DEQ2496!!!

Two methods of remote control are presented; both were tested and used by us:
1. Separating the DEQ front panel and extending it with a long flat cable (5Meter) - It has a Low WAF (wife acceptance factor) -
2. DIY remote control using 12 Channels IR control Infra Red remote circuit, DC motors, solenoid actuator and Tape Recorder rubber belts - High WAF .
see:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=81500

Ingenious!! Now I just need to get someone to do this for me!