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DSPeaker Anti Mode 2.0 evaluation

I have read all of the glowing reviews of this product and I just don't understand why I am not impressed. I have been lucky to find a very kind dealer to allow me to try one the DSPeaker Anti Mode 2.0 units.
I have 2 JL Audio F113 subwoofers that I have set up in stereo and are based on their own microphones measurement calibration.

So, with those sub settings and then switching out the LF Filter, I then used the DSPeaker unit to eq just my JL subs. That is, I tested the unit by playing my Andra 2 speakers full range via my Pass Labs Preamp and Amp and with the other Preamp outputs I plugged in the DSPeaker in and then the JL subs are plugged into the DSPeaker.

I ran the DSPeaker calibration. I used the DSPeaker in and out of the flow by using its bypass button and I really couldn’t tell much of any improvement. In fact I believe I like the bypass sound better.

Why is this? All of the glowing reviews and it is only marginal different if at all.

Now, there is an update for the DSPeaker in June 2013 but my Norton Virus control will not allow the download. Perhaps, if I was able to download that update it would be better, but I doubt it.

So, before I end my trial of the unit, is my configuration flawed , what do you guys think?
ozzy

Showing 17 responses by ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Kr4, What type of "ancillary equipment"?
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Doak, Thanks for your comments. Even though I am really only using it on my subwoofers, I am leaning the same way.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Thanks for all the posting comments.

Within the next few days I'm going to try another computer that does not have the Norton 360 installed to see if I can complete the DSPeaker update.

Also, it should be noted that the DSPeaker is connected to the output of my QOL unit not the Preamp as I previously posted.

Now, that may make a difference because the QOL uses the out of phase information. I believe the DSPeaker sums the subwoofer outputs into a dual mono output.
So, this week end I will use the Preamp outputs to the DSPeaker and see if that changes anything.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Well I was able to connect the DSPeaker direct to my Preamp. I still cannot detect any improvement using the DSPeaker calibration setting over just using the calibration from the JL Audio microphone.

Viewing the DSPeaker calibration graphs the correction is very minor except for a peak around 90-100 Hz. However, when in use the JL Audio Subs are crossed over at about 55 Hz so that peak would not matter.

Hopefully, once I try a different computer without the Norton protection I'll be able to download the latest June 2013 update there will be improvement.

Otherwise, the JL Audio Sub calibration appears to be pretty right on, making the DSPeaker irrelevant.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Thanks Al, I have now tried 3 separate computers and I was able to disable Norton. But each time I attempted the download at 6% and error message would pop up asking to retry but it never completes.
So, I guess that is that.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Well I have determined that the unit I have been trying out is defective.
I will be getting a replacement next week.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
I couldn't get it to update the June 2013 update and the before and after graphs were virtually identical after calibration.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Thanks, but I doubt it. We shall see with the new one.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Douglas_schroeder, I somewhat agree with you. That's why I am only using the unit on my Subwoofers.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Douglas_schroeder, Thanks for the help. I'm using 2 of the JL Audio Fathom F113 and they are forward firing.

But, I have never tried footers on the subs. I do have some Black diamond that I can try. But the subs are heavy...
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Kr4, Thanks for the reply. The Qol has 2 Balanced outputs. Only the sub information is coming out of the DSPeaker analog XLR output. The QOL output is still sending the same signal to the Pass Amp.
It sounds really good to me, the best bass i have heard, but I am always willing to experiment.
Please advise.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Kr4, But would not the calibrating with DSPeaker reduce any overlap?
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Doug, Somewhere down the line I will try the DSPeaker with a more direct path to my Amp. But, the Qol unit is a staple. I could not enjoy music without it in the chain.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Douglas,
Well I received the new DSPeaker. It is a 2013 model with a 12 volt power supply.
I first tried it as you suggested without the Pass Labs Preamp and the Bryston BDA-2 Dac. I used the DSPeaker as a Dac/Preamp. The sound was different and I can see what you have implied that less is more. But...
Unless the DSPeaker needs more breakin there was a loss in transparency compared to using the DSPeaker as what I believe it was intended for, that is to balance out the sound from subwoofers.
At this point it doesn't seem to be up to the task of replacing my Pass Preamp. Perhaps as I stated it needs more breakin time. So, I'll give it another try in a few months.
As a EQ unit for my JL Audio subs it seems to be very good.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
The best way to use the DSPeaker in my system is to place it after the BSG QOL unit utilizing one of the OOL 2 outputs. The first output goes to my main Pass Labs Amp. And the other QOL output goes to the input of the DSPeaker and the output of the DSPeaker to my JL Audio F113 subs.

I calibrated the system by setting the DSPeaker to 2.0 and running a Toslink cable into my Dac.
This way only the JL Audio subs are calibrated to fit in nicely with my main speakers.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
Koestner, Thanks so much for your reply. I'm not sure that I want my subs 3 feet more out in the room. Perhaps the 3 feet difference is meant to be 3 feet towards the front wall? Right now I have my JL F113 about 5 feet back from my main speakers and I have never had better bass.

I only demoed the Dual core so I cant really compare to the 8033. But separate channels for my subs is kinda nice.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,614 posts
 
I must say if there is any delay I sure can't tell. Still the best bass my system has produced.
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