Biggest bang: add Behringer or replace CDP?

The DEQ 2496 will make an amazing improvement to any system because, as your equipment becomes better and better the listening room becomes the dominant flaw. Even if you don't pass your signal through it, and use it only as a RTA, it's worth the $300. No reliability problem with my two units.

As usual Warren , your thoughtful useful and extensive answers are enlightning to many of us who shop for studied opinions on the Gon . Its great members like you that keep many of us here and not completely engulfed at the Asylum . Thanks again !

I guess you already know all the good things about DEQ2496. It is a also a very good DAC. If you are a tinkering type, the Behringer will give you the most enjoyment and you may even like its DAC over your CDP.

For $1,200, Benchmark DAC1 or TRL/Sony 2000 would represent higher level of sound reproduction, in two different flavors.

Good luck.

Brainwater: You're welcome. I just want to help and in this case I know by much experience that my opinion is more than likely the right one. After looking at your system I noticed that you have several which are very nice but nothing to help with this same issue. Try a Tact or even this Behringer, wait til you hear what you can do. I think you'll be impressed. After I tried it I wondered what the heck I had been waiting for and would have happily paid full retail as it's worth every penny. I now consider having a digital signal processor like this a necessity.

The Behringer DEQ2496 will make a wonderful improvement to your system. The AKM dac offers good sound quality out of the analog out. I highly suggest an additional Behringer unit to be placed in front of the DEQ. The SRC2496 is a jitter unit that allows resampling to 24/96. The SRC should be considered a swiss army knife of digital products. It can also convert S/PDIF rca to AES/EBU xlr and visa versa. Highly recommended combo.

Alan