Yes, the software, user manual etc are available to download from the DEQX site (you will need to ask by email: alangford@deqx.com for the latest login & password to do so).
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Hi Al and thanks for the quick reply. Your interpretation is correct. It does sound quite good without my preamp, but I really like the tubes I have in it, adds a little “warmth” to the overall presentation, so I’m not ready to discard it. The preamp isn’t super finicky, but confirming that the analog out into the preamp should suffice, has me stumped. |
Todd, if I understand correctly you are supplying the Premate with a digital input, and when you connect the analog "main speaker" outputs of the Premate to your (monoblock?) amplifiers everything works fine. But when you connect the analog "main speaker" outputs of the Premate to analog inputs of your preamp, and connect the preamp’s analog outputs to your amplifiers, you get nothing. If that is a correct interpretation, the only possibilities I can think of (assuming you are using similar settings of the Premate in the two cases) are that the preamp’s input select switch is not set to the right input, or there is a connection problem, or the preamp has a problem. In any event, as you alluded to I suspect the cause of this problem will turn out to be something simple. Wondering if any could share their connection setup.FWIW, I use my DEQX HDP-5 as my preamp. Good luck, and enjoy! Regards, -- Al |
Wondering if any could share their connection setup. I’ve been attempting to integrate my preamp into the chain, with 0 luck. I pulled my DAC and inserted the Premate and am not able to get a signal to pass through my preamp. Sounds/works great without my preamp, connecting my amps directly to the DEQX, but getting the processed signal to pass thru my premamp, no bueno. It may be something as simple as selecting the correct input, via the DEQX, though I’ve selected “auto” and every input, via the remote. Any help is greatly appreciated. |
Both the HDP5 I own and the Premate+ are described as using low noise switching power supplies, and I suspect that the same supply is used in both. The power supply in the HDP5 is a commercially available sealed unit capable of supplying a maximum output of 30 watts. Since it is a switching supply and since the power drawn from it is undoubtedly somewhat less than 30 watts I would expect that the unit's AC consumption is not a great deal more than that amount. Which means that it won't run particularly hot, and will just get a bit warm as I have found with my HDP5. That said, 0.35 inches of clearance by the vents does sound a little uncomfortable to me. My guess is you'll be ok over the long term, but I'm unsure. I have no specific knowledge regarding your second question. Good luck. Regards, -- Al |
I've been following this thread for a long time and even weighed in last year with a bunch of questions. After moving from the west coast to the east coast and briefly owning a PS Audio DirectStream Junior DAC, I've now made arrangements to buy a used DEQX PreMate Plus. The DSJ has been phenomenal, but I feel the DEQX can help me overcome issues with my room and subwoofer integration. In my new room, I want to reduce some of the hotness in the treble, and uneven bass. I can keep the group updated as i go through the process of setting it up but for reasons I won't get into, it won't get here until early December. Does the DEQX get very warm to the touch when left on continuously? I’ll be placing it in a 4-sided shelf that’s open to the front and back. There is plenty of clearance above the unit (6-7”), but only a measly 0.35" of clearance on either side (the vents are located on the sides of the PreMate Plus). The user manual calls for at least 2” of clearance on either side. Should I be worried. My current DirectStream Junior has no vents and gets along just fine in this shelf. I heard from another DEQX owner that the company does have speaker correction filters already completed for some speakers, like the KEF LS50. Lucky owners of those models can download the correction filters from DEQX instead of having to them at home. I've reached out to the company to ask if they have a speakers (Revel F208), but haven't heard back yet. Does anyone know what speakers they've tested? |
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I have recently completed new Open Baffle speakers utilising both DEQX processors as mentioned in previous threads. Linking master-slave by RS232 + digital cabling was straight forward. The HDP-5 controls the main speakers, the HDP-3 two subs at <50hz. Currently I have only measured outdoors at a relatively low height because of the weight of these speakers. At a later date I will re-do this at 1m height. Rather than move the entire system outdoors I used 15m speaker cables and two interconnected 7m microphone cables (to Earthworks M23) from the music room. New images are posted in my Audiogon profile |
I am a newly minted PreMate owner examining the possibilities. A couple of thoughts: 1) I know I will want Roon capability so is it possible to upgrade to the 4th gen processor? 2) Earthworks m23's are widely available at sub $500. I would be interested in a group buy to drive that price lower if others care to participate? 3) Has anyone attempted to use a USB converter from the 232-ComPort w Flirc to have wireless display & control?? Great thread & I appreciate the education. I am way behind the curve but will be contacting Larry Owens soon. |
well i've been looking at accourate. seems like it can do everything deqx does. One question that bothers me about deqx tho- people say it is 'transparent'. but is it really? With so many golden ears around here who can tell the difference between a schiit gungnir and yggdrasil, you'd think having a round trip A:D, DSP,and then D:A would really make some irritating noise? |
No, but when you create a profile and do a "file/save" (which updates the .mzd file that is currently open on your computer) or a "file/save as" (which creates a new .mzd file on your computer), and then at a later time you create an additional profile and do a "file/save" or "file/save as," when you "save all to DEQX" what will be uploaded to the DEQX are the four profiles that exist (or don’t exist) in the .mzd file that is currently open. So you can create a profile, store it in a .mzd file via a "file/save" or a "file/save as," and at a later time create an additional profile in that same file, and then a "save all to DEQX" will upload both profiles to the DEQX. Regards, -- Al |
Hi Ozzy, I believe these paragraphs from version 2.98 of the manual may explain the issue you referred to just above. (I assume version 3.02 of the manual provides similar information, but I haven't looked for it there): Note - when the Save All to DEQX button is clicked, all four profiles from the open configuration are saved to the DEQX. Since all profiles of a new configuration are disabled until you change them, if you install a correction filter in just one profile of a new configuration, then save it to the DEQX, the other profiles of the DEQX will be disabled, irrespective of what those profiles may have been before. HTH. Regards, -- Al |
This could progress into quite a lengthy exchange & may take a while, depending on our relative time zones. What I've normally done in situations like this is have the user send me their .mzd file which I can interpret properly, make initial time alignments etc & send it back with four different profiles set - If you want to do that, use the address below andrewd@stockton92.freeserve.co.uk I'm happy to help as I well remember the frustration that can come during the initial learning process - there are a lot of parameters that interact with each other. The software also has a lot of details that aren't totally documented. Andrew |
drewan77, I am stuck trying to complete the Bypass profile 0. It seems basic to set up different profiles and be able to select them from the remote, but I can’t seem to get it. It seems that I can only select one profile from the remote that will play. That is, if I finished the bypass installation on profile 0 it will play on profile 0 but then my corrected profile that I have on profile 1 does not. When I go back and again set up the profile 1, from the remote I can select the corrected profile 1 but when I push profile 0 (bypass) there is no sound. I’m missing something, can you understand and help? Thanks, ozzy |
Yes those confidence levels should be fine. Only 3dB between L & R main speakers means your mic was fractionally off centre so look at the impulse response of both in one viewer window, zoom in and take the mid point timing as the reading. (It will probably be no more than 1 or 2 fractions of a ms difference between the two main peaks & only really visible at a high zoom level). The best way to set mains to subs is first to align the faster sub (usually nearest to your listening/measuring position) to the slower sub, then align the pair of main speakers (average reading as above), also with the slowest sub. Finally, take another measurement afterwards to verify & you should see both subs initial peak at the same point & the main speakers main peak now also at the same time alignment. I always find it best to open two viewer windows, one for the pair of mains, one for the pair of subs. If you try and see all 4 measurements in one viewer, the scale usually makes the sub measurements look almost flat and impossible to interpret accurately. |
drewan77, Thank you. I did place the QOL before the DEQX and I did do a complete calibration including speakers, subs and the room. At the end of the room measurement I got these confidence levels. L sub 27 R sub 26 Right 30 Left 33 Is this acceptable? I must say I ’think" I have an understanding so far and I am up to chapter 12. But, there are so many confusing graphs and flash forwards, flashbacks. I have taken deep notes and each time I revisit the settings and notes I understand a little more. |
"Thanks, If the QOL is placed before the DEQX Premate would I need to run the measurements again?" No, the DEQX processor measures the effect of the speakers/cabling/amps downstream & the QOL is going to address source material upstream. This has nothing to do with in-room measurements. The PreMate microphone measurement is based on a rising frequency plot created by the processor & will have no correlation with anything beforehand in the rest of your system (which is the correct way to do this). Then, during normal listening, it will be fed a ’corrected’ source signal & it will phase & time correct everything for the speakers & room afterwards based on the chosen calibration. .....If you added it after the PreMate (especially if you then took a measurement), the two separate phase corrections may give strange results & it’s definitely not as DEQX intended. |
drewan, Though the Premate unit was purchased as used, I was told that it was never used just the box was opened up. Perhaps it was used as a demo. Everything about it looks brand new. Thanks for your comments on the BSG QOL. Tomorrow, I will try the high analog output from the DEQX into the QOL with the QOL then going to my amp. My logic is that I have the speakers and room set up with the DEQX, so I should be able to hear what the QOL adds. But, I also intend to try it the other way too, that is before the DEQX. I changed the fuse to the SR Black, but I am confused. The unit says to use a 2A fuse but what was in it was a 1Amp. I also changed the jumpers settings, while inside I noticed that the mother board says HDP-4 which is perhaps a good thing. But, on the power cables going to the IEC there is a cheapo snap on RCA ferret, perhaps a bad thing. ozzy |
Does anyone think if there is a breakin time for the unit? I am using it as a Preamp so I assume like most things audio 200 hours of use time seems to be about right. Ozzy, I see from your earlier post that you purchased a 'used' Premate so I would expect it is already broken in (if there is such a thing - the process of setup, measuring, calibrating and experimenting over the first few weeks will probably take long enough). As for the BSG QOL, I have never seen this item before & I'm not clear what it would achieve after the Premate has done its processing. From a very quick look at a few web pages, it seems to work with phase shift. However the DEQX algorithms will correct phase and timing automatically for everything upstream anyway (via the mic measurements). If you do plan to try this out, I would suggest downstream (before) the Premate but I recommend you set the system up without this and experiment later. |
Ok, I've done the speaker measurements and with the dual JL Audio subs and the room calibration. What I found was that it is better to calibrate the JL Audio subs with there own microphone before using the DEQX with them. I still need to figure out the delay functions and many of the other tweaks. Does anyone think if there is a breakin time for the unit? I am using it as a Preamp so I assume like most things audio 200 hours of use time seems to be about right. I also ordered a SR black fuse to match with all my other equipment. |
Thanks everyone for your help. I emailed DEQX yesterday and they emailed me back the download file for the mic. After fiddling with that download for a while and rebooting it now shows the mic installed. However, dummy me, the volume setting was set too high (max) and I blew out a tweeter. I hope to have its replacement tomorrow. So, I measured the good speaker and then copied those results to the other, then I did my subs. Once the replacement tweeter is installed, I’ll do the room correction. But, I can already tell that as I get more familiar with the screens and settings I will redo the tests. Almarg, The mic I have is good to start with, perhaps down the road I will either rent or buy the more expensive one. |
Ozzy, if it isn’t on your CD, you can also download your mic file by going to the DEQX website: From the bar across the top of the page, choose: Owners, then upgrades from the dropdown box, scroll down to Dayton mic files & Dayton all Microphones - download (mic). You will be asked for authentification..... User name = beta Password = nyquist (all lower case). Once you unzip the folder, the file "6780EMM6-INV.mic" is in there. As for the two different mic types, I originally used a Behringer ECM8000 (DEQX predecessor to the Dayton) with the HDP-3 & later upgraded to an Earthworks M23 before I purchased the HDP-5. I would not worry too much about the different mic’s because the critical frequency range is going to be somewhere between 200hz & 10khz & the reference mic really comes into its own at the highest frequencies, although measurements across the board do appear to be a little more precise. My measurement routine, calibration and setup is quite OCD and therefore the benefits gained by the M23 proved worth it (I am able to use much lower levels of smoothing & greater accuracy in calibration across the entire frequency range if I choose to). Listening to music via the same speakers based on an outdoor measurement, there is definitely an audible improvement for the M23 but it is not that great. If I had never made the later calibrations, I would still have been extremely satisfied with those from the lower cost microphone. |
P.S: I just took a look at the CD that came with my HDP-5. Viewing the files on it via the File Explorer in Windows I see that there is a folder called "Microphones," and under that "Dayton," and under that "Dayton" again, and under that "6780EMM6-INV.mic" among many other listings. If you can find that file on your CD, copy it to a location on your hard drive and proceed as I indicated above. Regards, -- Al |
Hi Ozzy, I can't answer your question about the download CD you referred to. I was provided with the calibration file for my microphone by the dealer from whom I purchased my HDP-5 together with the mic kit (see below), Nyal Mellor of AcousticFrontiers.com. The microphone calibration file would have a .mic file extension, and if it is not on the CD I would expect that the person you bought the Premate from should be able to email it to you. Or perhaps DEQX could supply it, if you were to ask them via their support link. Once you have that file on your computer, the mic would be "installed" into the calibration software by selecting "Install Microphone" under the "File" menu, and then navigating to the calibration file for the particular mic. That said, it appears that the EMM-6 is the cheapie (approx. $50) microphone that is included with the DEQX units as standard. I chose the much more expensive ($745) Earthworks "Reference Calibration Kit" alternative. Based on my experience with mics in those two price ranges for unrelated applications I suspect that you would get significantly better results if you were to purchase the Earthworks kit. A good source from whom to purchase it would be Nyal Mellor: http://store.acousticfrontiers.com/Digital-Signal-Processors/deqx-earthworks-m23-cal-kit.html Good luck. Regards, -- Al |
Help!... I received the Premate today and I'm stuck on installing the microphone. There is no dropdown box to select the microphone. My mic is EMM-6 6780. The mic works because I can tap it and the Control panel responds and you can hear it through the speakers. But the control panel shows no mic installed. Why did the download CD not provide the list of microphones to choose from as per the instructions? Help! ozzy |
The DEQX really does sound like a game-changer. The reviews so far indicate it provides a very large improvement in sound quality and it makes good engineering and bio-acoustic sense as well. Room interactions have always been one of the most major impacts on sound quality, and top speaker designers have been working on group delay and related problems for at least 30 years. |
Good to hear that you are joining the DEQX ’club’ Ozzy. When I originally purchased an HDP-3, I used it in the same way as your forthcoming PreMate - in that case using Shahinian Obelisks (including their passive crossovers) with a Miller & Kreisel MX200 sub. The fist time I measured, corrected, time aligned & listened was the most significant ’wow’ moment I have had with hifi & even though the quality of my setup is now a long way beyond that, I will never forget that first session. You should be in for a treat & if you need any assistance, then please ask. As with Al, I used the expertise of my dealer, supported by several emails to Alan Langford at DEQX and then an extensive period of research, questioning and self-learning. Quite a few other DEQX users have also emailed me their config files over the years & I notice that various DEQXperts had originally set them up in a very similar fashion.... which has been reassuring for me :) |
Ozzy, no, I didn't use the DEQXpert service. I did, though, receive a useful 1 hour walk-through of the calibration software that was provided via web + phone by Nyal Mellor of Acoustic Frontiers, from whom I purchased the unit. And I then spent several months patiently and methodically further familiarizing myself with everything, performing measurements, re-doing some measurements, tweaking settings, listening to a variety of material, etc., before I considered the process done. And my application is simpler than most of the others that have been mentioned in the thread, with just a single pair of speakers, a single stereo amp, and no sub. My experiences during that process are documented in posts on pages 6 through 9 of this thread. The amount of time I invested in this process would obviously have been far less if I had chosen to utilize the DEQXpert service, and obviously I have no way of knowing whether the results of doing that would have been better than, worse than, or similar to what I ended up with. But personally I feel that the learning experience resulting from doing it all myself was sufficiently valuable that I don’t regret not having utilized that service. Good luck. Regards, -- Al |
