I'm presently using a Behringer DCX2496 as crossover for some active speakers. Analogue inputs from a Lynx Two-B soundcard.
I'm wondering how much of a bottleneck the converters are in the Behringer. Anyone who has done a direct comparison with something else and can describe what the difference is?
I'm wondering how much of a bottleneck the converters are in the Behringer. Anyone who has done a direct comparison with something else and can describe what the difference is?
Thanks. Apart from noise, did you hear any difference and how would you describe it?
What MiniDSP are you using by the way? Looks like there are different ones with different converterts. Right?
Hi Omholt
last night for the fun of it i used my dcx2496 using the aes/ebu input with digital input from the PC . (coax straight from motherboard digital RCA output socket)
this by passed my preamp (temporary harsh sounding pioneer).
it also bypassed the analogue input of the dcx and the ADC of the dcx .
The difference was amazing! (much better - harshness gone - i thought it was some on the recordings on my PC.)
Also FWIW using Jriver media center software with ASIO output.
try it - you might like it....
BTW i suspect the converters at least the DAC may be part of the crossover process of the dcx and may possibly not easily be bypassed - (some one correct me please ).
sites on the net show how to bypass the analog output though.....
BE WARNED -Volume control is via the PC software
Good luck
last night for the fun of it i used my dcx2496 using the aes/ebu input with digital input from the PC . (coax straight from motherboard digital RCA output socket)
this by passed my preamp (temporary harsh sounding pioneer).
it also bypassed the analogue input of the dcx and the ADC of the dcx .
The difference was amazing! (much better - harshness gone - i thought it was some on the recordings on my PC.)
Also FWIW using Jriver media center software with ASIO output.
try it - you might like it....
BTW i suspect the converters at least the DAC may be part of the crossover process of the dcx and may possibly not easily be bypassed - (some one correct me please ).
sites on the net show how to bypass the analog output though.....
BE WARNED -Volume control is via the PC software
Good luck
I have one of the first batches of the 2x4 with MiniDIGI and MiniAMP.
With considerable less noise, I naturally have more dynamics. With DCX i did not have an ideal gainsetting since the noise would be too audible. This is not an issue with MiniDSP. DCX is not that bad at all. Stereoimaging, hight and depth was fine, so it's mostly increased dynamics and more clean sound. But as always it's hard to describe a sound difference between two products.
With considerable less noise, I naturally have more dynamics. With DCX i did not have an ideal gainsetting since the noise would be too audible. This is not an issue with MiniDSP. DCX is not that bad at all. Stereoimaging, hight and depth was fine, so it's mostly increased dynamics and more clean sound. But as always it's hard to describe a sound difference between two products.
Are you using the onboard converters in the MiniDSP?
I assume they aren't top notch and that the difference between DCX2496 and high-end converter solution would make the difference larger.
I recently tried a DEQX HDP-4 unit. Comparing it do my Lynx Two-B just using it as DAC and preamp on passive speakers, the difference was quite obvious. The DEQX sounded good but not as transparent as the Lynx connected straight to power amps. I want that transparency.
With the DCX, gain structure is ALL. When set up correctly, the noise is inaudible. Problem is, it's designed for pro levels, so you can't just drop it into a standard consumer system and get its best. For true diyers, this is no problem because gains and sensitivities in the chain are easily modified.
Performance limitation is the output stage (though still very good), which is very easily replaced by a passive RC- see Jan Didden's excellent article for details.
Performance limitation is the output stage (though still very good), which is very easily replaced by a passive RC- see Jan Didden's excellent article for details.
Here is good link to DCX2496
Why modify the Behringer DCX2496 ?
I tried both analogue and digital input, and no input. I always had background noise in speakers. It was clearly from the analog input and especially the output
Upgrading it with all Pilgham is offering isn't exactly cheap.
Pilgham Audio - DCX Lin. Power Supply
Pilgham Audio - DCX active upg.
Pilgham Audio - SRC/Clock
Pilgham Audio - Vreg 5V
Not sure if this is worth is compared to buying something else.
Pilgham Audio - DCX Lin. Power Supply
Pilgham Audio - DCX active upg.
Pilgham Audio - SRC/Clock
Pilgham Audio - Vreg 5V
Not sure if this is worth is compared to buying something else.
Also my conclusion - I sold mine for little less than I gave for it. Better to buy something that suits you needs without to many changes. MiniDSP have a 100% digital board, and then it's up to you how good DA and AD converters you like.
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