Is DEQX a game changer?

Psag -- my preamp and my integrated don't have additional outputs for a sub so I'd have to use REL subs. This is sort of a blessing because I'm spared the additional expense of exploring this avenue.

For me the term DSP conjures up memories of Yamaha's church and hall effects. I wouldn't be surprised if audiophiles are turned off by DRC for that same reason.

For those who are steadfast against altering the signal instead of treating the problem (room, speaker, crossover, etc) I would say you should still purchase a DRC product. It's like a 3d virtual tour of what your system would be like if a team of Swedish engineers pimped your rig. You still get your money's worth even if you don't take the anechoic measurement or convolve each driver independently with bi/tri amplification.

I think in the future we'll see more audiophile DACs offering additional channels but less will be done in firmware and more will be done in software. Software will be able to operate the 3+ outputs to do bi/tri electronic EQ or steering 2ch music into 3ch audio, and DRC will be available on all channels. My interest in convolving a 3rd ch peaked a couple years back, but that didn't seem to be within my reach so I settled for DRC.

The DEQX home demo was completed last night. I am buying the DEQX.

Not being inclined to the use of vivid hyperbole, I do not think the DEQX is transformational. But I do think the improvements are considerable and significant enough for me to spring to buy the DEQX.

I will follow up with a more detailed report after I finish drafting and editing my thoughts.

More to follow.

BIF

Congratulations, Bruce! Glad to hear that the time and effort you've put into this assessment has paid off.

Best,
-- Al

For those thinking about measuring outside, for practical reasons I don't do it. The last DEQX calibration that I was involved was with a pair Apogee Full Range and at 300 pounds each they ain't going anywhere! Measuring outside lengthens the time it takes for the calibration microphone to hear the first reflection. Longer the time until the first reflection, the lower in frequency your calibration will be accurate. Recently, after talking with Nyal Mellor of Acoustic Frontiers, I normally don't try to correct anything below 500 or 600HZ anymore. I seem to get better results now rather than trying to correct all the way down to 250 to 300 Hz or so which is usually where the first reflection places its limit on lower-end calibration when measured indoors.

Normally when I do a DEQX calibration indoors, I move the each speaker (if movable) one at a time to the center of the room and perform a measurement then move it back. I also toss some blankets of the floor between the microphone and the speaker to be measured, then perform the measurement. The first reflection usually comes from the floor or ceiling.

What I saying is that by not measuring the speakers outdoors is by no means a deal breaker. You can get great result measuring indoors. Just use the Earthworks M23 or M30 calibration mic. If you have large speakers with large ribbon drivers or large array like Apogees, you will probably find that you will get the best results if you measure the speakers anywhere from 5- to 7-feet back rather than the recommended 3-feet.