Behringer DEQ 2496 help

Ok doh...now I get it?

The EQ and room correction is also digital, and only taking place in the digital domain?

Therefore, the only way to bypass the converters in the Behringer is to bypass or go straight through the device altogether?

Cwlondon...You can bypass the A./D input converter, and the D/A output converter if you feed digital in and provide an outboard D/A converter connected to the digital output. Within the Behringer the EQ processing and other processing is done by digital algorithms using a purpose-designed (for music) 32 bit floating point module, so all the usual digital phobias don't apply.

Frankly I think that all the complexity and cost of your proposed setup is a waste. Although many audiophiles just can't accept it in a $300 piece of electronics, the A/D and D/A converters used in the Behringer are darned good. Unless YOU can hear better results with an outboard DAC, your money would be better spent on superior recordings.
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Hi Eldartford

My reservations regarding the build quality and long term reliability aside, I think the Behringer stuff is surprisingly good and certainly amazing for the price.

As described in other threads, I also think the DEQ is versatile, useful and a lot of fun.

So I have no problem accepting that I dont need an outboard DAC. In fact, I would be delighted to discover that in addition to all the EQing and processing power of the DEC2496, it is also a giant killer as a DAC?

Does this mean you would nominate the device for the myriad best DAC under $________ threads?

As usual, thanks for all help and opinions.

Cwlondon...If price is any consideration, the DEQ2496 certainly ranks high simply as a DAC, and the RTA, the equalizer, and all the other features can be considered a bonus! I am not going to tell you if it sounds as good or better than DAC X, Y, or Z, because the only opinion that matters for you is your own.

Regarding build quality and reliability I think these are better than average. I have three of them which have been performing flawlessly for several years. And, FWIW, if one should develop a problem I could buy a new one for less than the cost of repairing the typical audiophile unit.
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Sorry I am a slow learner here....

* So if I go SPDIF into the Behringer and then SPDIF out into an external DAC....

I would have the option of leaving the EQ set to flat, thereby passing straight through the Behringer?

* Or I could use the EQ features but the signal would not go to analogue until it was output from the exteral DAC into my preamp or amplifiers?

* It seems the only argument in this scenario is that USB to optical out of the computer, and then optical in AND optical out of the Behringer is not "best practice" according to some? Here I was wondering about some of the new DACs which have USB inputs.

Eldartford, don't get me wrong - I am a fan of the Behringer components.

But as I continue to tinker with PC based music, I want to experiment with just how good I can get it to sound.

So although I see the DEQ 2496 as an invaluable tool for the EQ, I can't imagine its DAC for straight 2 channel would equal a Levinson # 30, ARC tube DAC, new Bel Canto or Lavry etc?

Maybe there is another solution to use both the 2496 and a high end DAC in various configurations with and without the digital EQ feature?

Oh....and Eldartford, excellent point on the cost of repairs.

Yes, I think I spent more on UPS, insurance, and packing alone getting my Levinson amp repaired than I did on the price of an A500?!?!?

I now have 2 with 2 more on order, havent turned them off and have used them every day with no problems.

Best

Cwlondon