Behringer Ultracurve Pro DEQ2496 Digital 24Bit/96 kHz EQ/RTA Mastering Processor

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(w/ optional microphone), a nearly continuous stereo-width adjuster (from mono to extra-wide), a full-range expander and a Dynamic EQ - all implemented in the digital domain! Of course, it has ADC and DAC functions, or you can bypass either or both - although the ADC lacks an input-level control. As an audiophile who lives in an imperfect world - listening rooms of irregular size, shape and response, that must also be used as living spaces, and speaker cable and interconnects that can impart their own, not inconsiderable, tonal response on the set-up, not to mention budgetary constraints on all of the above - the lure of a good-performing, good-sounding, inexpensive, DSP-driven DAC offering digital room correction is pretty hard to ignore(!).

For example, in my case, the speakers I've got have a good response already, in my somewhat large-ish living room, but, they're also sealed-box types that can take a fair amount of amp power - perfect for modest EQ-ing. In fact, I can honestly say that since I got the DEQ, I no longer entertain the notion of ever buying a powered subwoofer(!) - a good, $1,200 savings, in itself. But, in addition to room correction, the DEQ could be used to intergrate a sub with its satellites - a common problem point - just as effectively, if you already have such a set-up. The Behringer, in my system, replaces an Audio Control Richter Scale, which, beforehand, I would have told you was an indispensible part of dang near any audio system - now it's more like "...a Richter who?" I mean, for many years now, I've been familiar at least with the theory behind analog parametric EQ's, although I suspect in real life they can leave something to be desired. But, I was unprepared for the amount of such surgically precise and nearly total control a completely DIGITAL implementation of it has. To me, this is everything that was promised by analog EQ, but was never delivered. Even though the price on this particular technology has dropped, I've yet to see it on a wider range of audio goods, like the type of AV Receivers that already include their own DAC, for example. I dunno why, but, it's an adoption of technology that seems over-due, especially since I can't find anything, quality/wise, that would preclude more manufacturers from doing so. But, in the meantime, this powerful implementation is availible now and has some major bang for the buck!

As a DAC, I'm only familiar with its performance as a RAM-modified machine, but, after its (rather long) break-in, I am extremely pleased with it. Without any of the features engaged it has the best soundstage of any digital source I've ever had, albeit that's been a long string of entry-level Hi-Fi gear - the one prior to my rather ordinary Onkyo being a Marantz 63 SE. The Marantz had slightly better rhythm, but only at times, and, in nearly every other respect, the basic-level RAM DEQ walks all over it. Much better separation of the image from the speakers with a good amount of air around the instruments. This was key, in my system, of creating better than ever before the illusion of separate musicians playing together with distinct instrumental lines that were 'out from under each other' that suggests everybody playing in a cohesive whole - not just a homogenized one. There is also a somewhat wider soundstage. Furthermore, while there is slightly better depth to the soundstage, there is a much better impression of the size of the acoustic venue, as sustained sounds hold on longer as they fade into silence or reverberate off the hall walls - a more cohesive sense of place. There are slightly smoother highs, better bass detail and much better overall transparency. Moreover, the digital glare and grain is seemingly absent altogether - a first for me - so, that, combined with a new-found lack of compression, I now enjoy playing the rig louder than ever before - though it sounds better at any volume. The much-increased transparency of the source means I can now plainly hear the difference in sonic character between the two different amps I own (main and back-up), especially at higher volume levels. That's because, beforehand, the digital glare and compression of lesser sources swamped the sonic differences between the two amps. In other words, I had a decent main amp/speaker combo all along, but, I'd never been in a position to realize how much so - but, as with any existing hi-fi system, it's always the most rewarding when you upgrade that last bottleneck in the audio chain, I'm sure. In absolute terms I'd rate it at least an 8.5-out-of-10. Not perfect, but, RAM offers more upgrades if you need (their jitter-reduction solutions have me sorely tempted - my next target, for sure), plus they will modify your DEQ no matter who you buy it from. I have no connection with them, other than being a satisfied customer, and although this represents my only purchase from them, I'd buy from them again in a heartbeat, actually. But, you may end up preferring the stock unit's sound and pocketing the difference - many others have - so, don't let me make you feel like you can't consider it, by any means. Although I haven't heard it with my own ears either, I understand there is an option, cheaper than modifying, that involves buying, in addition to the DEQ, a Behringer SRC2496 Ultra Match Pro, that streets for about $130, that purportedly offers a better-sounding DAC section than a stock Ultra Curve. It does, btw, include an ADC input-level control (some folks have bought two - one before the DEQ and one after).

The inputs and outputs are AES/EBU, XLR or Toslink - no RCA. If you're tweaky enough, you can reconfigure the XLR-to-RCA adapter pins to accept the RCA output from your transport since all the digital inputs accept S/PDIF. I simply tried the Toslink with a $40 optical cable with unexpectedly terrific results - no complaints! Simple XLR-to-RCA adapters you can get at Radio Shack will be fine for the co-axial digital in and the main analog outs - no need for the high-dollar types.

I wish the manual went further into the "why" and "when" of using it, rather than just "how", but, I muddled through - most of it anyway. If you're the kind of enthusiast that thrives on that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you've exausted the manual for a newly obtained device that tells you there's nothing left, feature/wise, to uncover about it, then this component could prove a little daunting, at first, to say the least. But, there are web forums with threads devoted to this machine if you still need pointers. All you may need, is a little willingness to experiment and try their advice. Although I thought it would be harder to get used to than it was, once I got the hang of it, I found the control layout rational enough.

I think you should Google the DEQ as much as possible for its pro's and con's, before you buy, whether you intend to get a modified version or stock. Including the early reports that speak of reliablility issues (firmware versions 1.1 thru 1.4, at the very least). My version is a 2.1 bought from RAM in February, '07. No problems with it except for the fact that it intially blew the 1-amp fuse every time I turned the unit off(!). I was told I could substitute a 2-amp fuse without harm. Since then it has been just fine. I suspect you should not try to save the extra bucks by getting a "B-stock". It usually, these days, streets for about $300 new, in stock form, so if it's going for significantly less, my advice is to be suspicious and pass it up altogether. There are many "B-stock" units online, which only confirms my suspicion of (at least initial) reliability issues (where else did so many refurbished units come from, if not from reliability problems, to begin with?). I can only wonder if Behringer has attempted to correct any on-going reliabililty problems, at some point along the line of successive firmware updates, I dunno, but, here's hoping. In retrospect, maybe the most sensible action to recommend is to buy a new, stock version and evaluate its reliability (and sound quality, for that matter), for the duration of the warranty, and only then consider modifying, if that's your thing.

But, even if all you intend to do is use it in stock form between a CDP and a DAC, this is a STAGGERING amount of control and flexibility to have in your system at a ridiculously low price! Do NOT let the low price fool you - just try to confirm the firmware version BEFORE you buy, avoid the refurbished ones and, with a little luck, I think you'll be fine. Way recommended, all things considered.