Regarding selection of a dealer, I would highly recommend Nyal Mellor of Acoustic Frontiers. He carries both DEQX and Trinnov. I purchased an HDP-5 from him about four years ago, and I could not have hoped for a better purchasing experience. He is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and sincere, and will go out of his way to be sure his customers are happy with their purchases. He also provides a free one hour or so consultation/tutorial following purchase, via the Internet + telephone.
As far as the microphone is concerned, I purchased the optional Earthworks-based "reference calibration kit," which I would highly recommend vs. the much lower quality mic that comes with the HDP-5 as standard. Also, you'll want to purchase a mic stand separately, if you don't already have one. B&H Photo/Video is my go to place for that sort of thing.
IMO the only downsides of the HDP-5 are:
1) The learning curve that is required, at least if you choose (as I did) to do it all yourself and not utilize their DEQXpert service.
2) If you choose to utilize the speaker calibration/correction function (as opposed to the room correction function), which as you probably realize requires measurements to be performed with the mic positioned within about 2 or 3 feet of each speaker, room reflections reaching the mic during those measurements must be minimized. In my case I did that by moving the speakers to the center of the room, one at a time, placing sound absorbent panels (ordered from B&H) along the nearest walls or other reflective surfaces (which were about 6 feet away), and placing a pillow on the floor just in front of the speaker. That worked out reasonably well, although measurement in a larger room (mine is 22 x 13 feet) or even outdoors would have been more ideal.
Good luck. Regards,
-- Al
As far as the microphone is concerned, I purchased the optional Earthworks-based "reference calibration kit," which I would highly recommend vs. the much lower quality mic that comes with the HDP-5 as standard. Also, you'll want to purchase a mic stand separately, if you don't already have one. B&H Photo/Video is my go to place for that sort of thing.
IMO the only downsides of the HDP-5 are:
1) The learning curve that is required, at least if you choose (as I did) to do it all yourself and not utilize their DEQXpert service.
2) If you choose to utilize the speaker calibration/correction function (as opposed to the room correction function), which as you probably realize requires measurements to be performed with the mic positioned within about 2 or 3 feet of each speaker, room reflections reaching the mic during those measurements must be minimized. In my case I did that by moving the speakers to the center of the room, one at a time, placing sound absorbent panels (ordered from B&H) along the nearest walls or other reflective surfaces (which were about 6 feet away), and placing a pillow on the floor just in front of the speaker. That worked out reasonably well, although measurement in a larger room (mine is 22 x 13 feet) or even outdoors would have been more ideal.
Good luck. Regards,
-- Al