Is DEQX a game changer?

I have recently completed new Open Baffle speakers utilising both DEQX processors as mentioned in previous threads. Linking master-slave by RS232 + digital cabling was straight forward. The HDP-5 controls the main speakers, the HDP-3 two subs at <50hz.

Currently I have only measured outdoors at a relatively low height because of the weight of these speakers. At a later date I will re-do this at 1m height. Rather than move the entire system outdoors I used 15m speaker cables and two interconnected 7m microphone cables (to Earthworks M23) from the music room.

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I've been following this thread for a long time and even weighed in last year with a bunch of questions. After moving from the west coast to the east coast and briefly owning a PS Audio DirectStream Junior DAC, I've now made arrangements to buy a used DEQX PreMate Plus. The DSJ has been phenomenal, but I feel the DEQX can help me overcome issues with my room and subwoofer integration. In my new room, I want to reduce some of the hotness in the treble, and uneven bass. I can keep the group updated as i go through the process of setting it up but for reasons I won't get into, it won't get here until early December. 

Does the DEQX get very warm to the touch when left on continuously? I’ll be placing it in a 4-sided shelf that’s open to the front and back. There is plenty of clearance above the unit (6-7”), but only a measly 0.35" of clearance on either side (the vents are located on the sides of the PreMate Plus). The user manual calls for at least 2” of clearance on either side. Should I be worried. My current DirectStream Junior has no vents and gets along just fine in this shelf. 

I heard from another DEQX owner that the company does have speaker correction filters already completed for some speakers, like the KEF LS50. Lucky owners of those models can download the correction filters from DEQX instead of having to them at home. I've reached out to the company to ask if they have a speakers (Revel F208), but haven't heard back yet. Does anyone know what speakers they've tested?

   

Both the HDP5 I own and the Premate+ are described as using low noise switching power supplies, and I suspect that the same supply is used in both.  The power supply in the HDP5 is a commercially available sealed unit capable of supplying a maximum output of 30 watts.  Since it is a switching supply and since the power drawn from it is undoubtedly somewhat less than 30 watts I would expect that the unit's AC consumption is not a great deal more than that amount.  Which means that it won't run particularly hot, and will just get a bit warm as I have found with my HDP5.

That said, 0.35 inches of clearance by the vents does sound a little uncomfortable to me.  My guess is you'll be ok over the long term, but I'm unsure.

I have no specific knowledge regarding your second question.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al
  

Thanks, Al. A well-reasoned response. I’ve been thinking the same thing. It pencils out alright, but it’s not ideal. I’ll have to keep a watchful eye on the heat during listening sessions and place it somewhere else if it gets to be too much.