Behringer DEQ 2496 help

Hi Eldartford

My reservations regarding the build quality and long term reliability aside, I think the Behringer stuff is surprisingly good and certainly amazing for the price.

As described in other threads, I also think the DEQ is versatile, useful and a lot of fun.

So I have no problem accepting that I dont need an outboard DAC. In fact, I would be delighted to discover that in addition to all the EQing and processing power of the DEC2496, it is also a giant killer as a DAC?

Does this mean you would nominate the device for the myriad best DAC under $________ threads?

As usual, thanks for all help and opinions.

Cwlondon...If price is any consideration, the DEQ2496 certainly ranks high simply as a DAC, and the RTA, the equalizer, and all the other features can be considered a bonus! I am not going to tell you if it sounds as good or better than DAC X, Y, or Z, because the only opinion that matters for you is your own.

Regarding build quality and reliability I think these are better than average. I have three of them which have been performing flawlessly for several years. And, FWIW, if one should develop a problem I could buy a new one for less than the cost of repairing the typical audiophile unit.
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Sorry I am a slow learner here....

* So if I go SPDIF into the Behringer and then SPDIF out into an external DAC....

I would have the option of leaving the EQ set to flat, thereby passing straight through the Behringer?

* Or I could use the EQ features but the signal would not go to analogue until it was output from the exteral DAC into my preamp or amplifiers?

* It seems the only argument in this scenario is that USB to optical out of the computer, and then optical in AND optical out of the Behringer is not "best practice" according to some? Here I was wondering about some of the new DACs which have USB inputs.

Eldartford, don't get me wrong - I am a fan of the Behringer components.

But as I continue to tinker with PC based music, I want to experiment with just how good I can get it to sound.

So although I see the DEQ 2496 as an invaluable tool for the EQ, I can't imagine its DAC for straight 2 channel would equal a Levinson # 30, ARC tube DAC, new Bel Canto or Lavry etc?

Maybe there is another solution to use both the 2496 and a high end DAC in various configurations with and without the digital EQ feature?

Oh....and Eldartford, excellent point on the cost of repairs.

Yes, I think I spent more on UPS, insurance, and packing alone getting my Levinson amp repaired than I did on the price of an A500?!?!?

I now have 2 with 2 more on order, havent turned them off and have used them every day with no problems.

Best

Cwlondon

As an update to this thread, I have just discovered how to RESET the DEQ 2496.

It is a very simple procedure:

1) Turn off the unit using the power switch

2) With the unit off, press and HOLD "COMPARE" and "MEMORY", located just to the right of the VU meters.

3) Holding COMPARE and MEMORY, turn the power back on....

4) You will be prompted to accept the factory reset, which you can accept by pressing the "B" button, which is just to the right of the MEMORY button.

Many people have discussed the steep and intimidating learning curve for this device.

At times, I have been resisted experimentation, while fearing that I would get lost within the multiple menus and not know how to fix a mistake.

I hope this quick and easy reset will help others learn more about the device and look forward to further discussion.

Cheers,