Is DEQX a game changer?

I'd be very curious to hear about other folks who are using the digital output too, and curious to hear what DACs seem just comparable to DEQX (similar sound or a sideways move), and those that are a big upgrade over the DEQX internal DAC. 

As some of you may have seen, John Darko is doing a multipart review of the DEQX Premate+.

Part 1 (with popular KEF LS50):
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/06/next-level-kef-ls50-with-the-deqx-premate/

Part 2 (with ELAC B6): 
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/07/get-a-room-deqx-correcting-the-elac-debut-b6/

One more part (on room correction with LS50) to come. 

I'd asked Darko to comment on the DEQX DAC quality compared to others he's tried or has in house, but he said that it wasn't likely that he'd do that as part of these reviews. He chose to focus on the speaker and room correction functionality. 

Hi all,

I recently became interested in DEQX and discovered this epic thread.  I read through most of it and it has been very helpful.  I am seriously considering an HDP-5.  The weak links in my system are my Oppo BDP105 which I use as my DAC and a dbx 223 crossover that I use with my JL f113 sub.  I've been considering upgrading both the DAC and crossover and in a discussion about DIY speakers, a knowledgeable friend mentioned DEQX.  

I am a pretty knowledgeable audiophile, but I had not heard of DEQX.  It is a revelation!  I immediately realized that not only is the HDP-5 an upgrade on my Oppo as a DAC and a vastly superior crossover, but it can also replace my preamp (offsetting about half the cost of the HDP-5) and adds amazing time and room correction -both of which should be highly beneficial to the challenging sub integration process.  What an incredible machine.  

Then there is the icing on the cake.  I just discovered that the HDP-5 supports the incredible Roon server on board, without a PC and USB!  This is a terrific feature.

My one concern remains putting my signal though digital processing, although most everything I've read indicates this is a non issue.   My only other concern is the lack of home theater prepro passthru.   I run a hybrid system and frequently switch between 2 channel and surround.  Any suggestions on how I can best create a passthru set up with the HDP-5?   Thanks!

Hi Jeff
Although I do not use my HDP-5 & HDP-3 processors in a home theatre setup, you have the facility to use one of the four (remote control selectable) config setups as a bypass.

If the Main Filter is set to "Bypass correction or crossover for this loudspeaker, but still use filters" & then against Limit Filters, untick both low & high pass filters (a new config defaults to this anyway), the speakers will still operate but in bypass fashion.

Any further queries, I recommend you contact Alan Langford at DEQX to confirm: alangford@deqx.com

Please also note that Roon for DEQX is shown as 'coming soon' on the Roon site.

As a largely analogue listener, digital processing is undetectable in my setup. Clarity/transparency is outstanding & I suppose that the things DEQX corrects have far greater benefits than any DSP impact, even if it's there.

Let us know how you get on.....

Andrew

Thanks Andrew.  That's extremely helpful on the bypass question.  My other concern though is having to max the volume on the prepro source and the risk of switching sources forgetting to turn the volume back down.  One solution I thought of is putting my current preamp between the HDP5 amp outputs and the amps.  I would run all of my two channel from the HDP5 to a passthru input on the preamp and the prepro directly to another passthru input.  The preamp would essentially just act as a line level switch between 2 channel and surround.  The problem is that I HATE to put an additional piece in the chain and I was hoping to sell off the preamp to mitigate the price of the HDP5.

Another option is simply to add another pair of main speakers and a dedicated amp (I have a set up in another room that I never use) and literally run two separate systems in the same room only sharing sources.  This is kind of cool, but a bit cluttered and I'm not sure if the additional speakers in the room will cause unwanted resonances when I'm listening to just 2 channel.

My third option is to just go all 2 channel.  I read somewhere (maybe here) that the fully corrected system sounds so good and the center is so optimized that surround is not critical.  I watch regular TV and am not critical of theater sound at all while being fanatical about my 2 channel music.  I know that I could also work a profile to optimize the voices as well, that is key.  So this may be a good option and would let me sell off even more gear...maybe get a nice 'table! 

Thanks also for the validation regarding sound quality.  this is what I am hearing pretty much everywhere, but best when it comes from a long term user.  I will definitely post my journey when I decide to move forward.

Thanks!

Jeff

Output volume levels from the DEQX can be set higher or lower on any or all of the four configs so you can adjust accordingly. 

If 2 channel is your priority then in my experience nothing comes close to DEQX, especially if you are able to conduct initial measurements outdoors. 

Andrew