2. digital
  3. 1408492712

Is DEQX a game changer?

Just read a bit and it sure sounds interesting. Does it sound like the best way to upgrade speakers?
ptss

Showing 4 responses by kingrex

kingrex
107 posts
 

Hello all.  I have been reading this thread and have a question.  I just purchased a Mate.  Good deal on dealer demo as it is discontinued.  I have not had any calibration done, but I inserted it into my system in bypass.  There is some noticeable top end glare.  Not huge, but definitely there.  I have spent months, if not years tuning my system to get rid of just that noise.   I looked at the DEQX website.  The Chinese SMPS in my unit appears to be in all units accept for the HDP-4.  The HDP-4 is Linear.  My question is, has anyone upgraded their unit from stock. I see there are a couple aftermarket companies who do just that.  I tried to contact 2 and neither got back to me.  I also called a small shop I have worked with in the past.  They made my music server and a  Linear Power supply for my DAC.  The power supply upgrade was a huge improvement to the DAC.  I can only "assume" it would be the same for the DEQX.  They say it is no problem to replace what I have.  About $600 or so.  Has anyone tried to upgrade the unit from stock?  New power supply, clocks, DAC chips, analog inputs/output etc.

Thanks 

kingrex
107 posts
 

Update, I just spoke with Larry Owens.  He calibrates the DEQX, and modifies them.  He said my unit does have a potentially noisy SMPS.  The 4 is Linear, the 5 is a high end SMPS that does not have the same issues.  Other hardware in my unit is not on the same level as the 4 and 5.  I am not sure how mine differs from the PreMate.  I mostly listen to music via my Core Audio Kryptos music server.  His suggestion is to try and keep everything in the digital realm for me.  That way the power supply will not affect my sound near as much.  I had to send him some pictures of the mother board in my unit.  He is looking to see if he can add a SPDIF input/output to my unit.  Boards differ on the year they were built.  I would then install the Mate between my music server and my DAC.  He believes that would get me a lot of bang for the buck.  If I want Digital to Analog/Analog to Digital, I am going to need to isolate that part of the system from the noisy power supply, and add a new clean power supply.  Something he can do, but more money.   Just an FYI.

kingrex
107 posts
 
Kingrex here again.  Some more insight if I may ask.  I am interested in experiences with people using their unit as SPDIF in and SPDIF out to the DAC.  For a very reasonable price I can get my Mate upgraded to process the signal in the digital domain only and it should have the same sonic quality as the higher level models.    I am interested in what others have experienced with tonal shifts when installed this way.  I currently have a First Sound Preamp and Transition Audio Monoblocks.  My gear is all tube and has a lot of harmonic warmth and richness.  My system is not designed to be high in analytical clarity.  Its all about a big warm engaging blanket of good clean sound.  In others experience, if you are using tube equipment, did you feel you lost any of the warmth and harmonics, or was it so transparent nothing changed when in bypass as compared with physically pulling the unit out of the signal path.  You know, compare the tone with the DEQX in the system, in bypass, then take it completely out.    Once again this would be with digital in and out only.  Thanks for any input.
kingrex
107 posts
 
Well recently I upgraded my Mate to a Premate.  What a world of difference.  The loss of harmonic warmth and fullness with the Mate is no longer and issue.  When I received my Premate, I actually pulled my DAC out of the signal chain and utilized the premate as the DAC between my music server and preamp.  This was suppose to be an initial test of quality but boy was I surprised.  With the premate in bypass I was instantly aware the signal was more clear and presenting firm pratt.  My existing DAC was no slouch.  It was a Bel Canto 1.5 with a $700 linear power supply replacing the wall wart.  Shall I say my hot-rodded Bel Canto is a little smoother with a touch of bloom.  The Premate is as I stated above plus articulate.  This may be a bit much for some systems, but it blended perfect with mine.  I have 135 watt 811A tube push pull monoblocks and a tubed preamp.  I already have warm rich harmonic tone.  A bit of clean clear signal did the setup well.

I am particularly excited to start utilizing the actual room correction features of the DEQX.  I have not done anything yet because I just ordered a new set of DIY speakers.  I purchased the PureAudioProject Trio 10 with AMT and Mundorf silver oil crossovers.  The gentlemen at PureAudioProject are very professional and easy to work with.  I ordered just the drivers and crossover.  I have a decent woodshop so I am going to build the baffles my self.  Yes these are open baffle speakers.  Once I ordered my parts they provided very detailed plans along with some picture on how to make my baffles. 

In the future I may utilize my DEQX more fully by byamping the system, but for now, my equipment takes up enough room, and amps cost $. 

I did start reading the manual.  It is pretty clear on how to open projects and measure the speakers.  That is about as far as I got.  Larry is going to calibrate the setup once I have it complete.  I am doing the preliminary work to save time.  I have been laboring over where to do the outdoor measurement.  I live in a city so my fence is about 22 feet from my deck.  I have trees and shrubs in my yard plus some rock walls.  The front porch/yard is more open, but I feel a little funny having my gear on the lawn for all the neighbors to see.  I'm sure the calibration sound would call some people from their houses to see what going on. 

Thanks all for putting this page together.  This forum helped push me to get the DEQX.  So far it has improved upon my setup and I only have it in bypass.  In time I will try and put links to the build of my speakers and post on how the calibration goes. 
More to discover