[Lazz]

Hi just wondering if anyone has any experience comparing the dbx 260 with the dcx 2496 with open baffle speakers. Which one is the more versatile and better sound quality. I know there are many mods for the dcx2496 but here in Australia by the time we get it modded the $ reaches and surpasses the dbx. I know emerald Physics uses the dbx in the top end model.Thx.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I've never used the DBX, but I am currently using a DCX with four of the output channels going to OB, and one channel going to IB. The DCX is remotely operated via an RS-232 cable to my PC. Works fantastic. As far as versatility is concerned, I can't think of anything it doesn't do that I need. Between having the ability to adjust overall gain, individual channel gain, crossover points and time delay, there's not much more I'd ask for.
The sound quality is pretty good, I have no complaints. But the "sickness" I have is forcing me to mod it regardless of how happy I am with it's current sound quality. 

As far as modding it, there is a fellow in Norway who is selling a hotrod digital input circuit board/clock for $9 (including shipping). Rumor has it, that the components that go on it are about $50. I've not received the board yet, so can't speak if it's performance. Also, I was told the signal path goes through a ribbon cable. Replacing the cable with a coax would improve the sound quality noticeably. So there are a couple mods that shouldn't cost much regardless of where you live.

Also, (and I may be lying here?) the Emerald Physics uses the DCX, not the DBX.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Hope that helps.
Bob

[Russell Dawkins]

I believe the dbx 260 is an upgrade option.

[sfdoddsy]

I've used both. The answer depends on the type of open baffles you are building and the amount of EQ you will require.

I didn't notice any difference in sound quality, but the dbx is better built and should be more reliable. DCX's are not noted for this. The dbx also has the Auto-EQ function which can be useful.

However, the DCX is considerably more flexible in the amount and type of crossovers and filters that can be applied. You can overlay multiple shelving filters and get steeper slopes in crossovers, with more types supported. The dbx is limited, especially when using shelf filters. What this means in practice is that you cannot get more than 12dB of boost or cut using a shelving filter. Given dipole boost sometimes requires much more than this, you may have do a few kludges.

So if you need, or think you'll need, multiple shelving filters then the DCX is the way to go. It is also, of course, cheaper.

I have Linkwitz-style dipoles and need the ability to boost considerably so the DCX is right for me. I have a spare on hand in case it is needed.

[guest4954]

Bob,

The upgrade sounds interesting!
 Who is the guy and under what name is he sellinh?

Thanks

Michiel

[Bob in St. Louis]

There's a thread on the Yahoo DCX board where a Norwegian fellow named Eivind Stillingen has sourced the PC boards. So far, I know little about everything I need for the project...
Except that for $9, I can't pass it up. He mentioned the parts list can be found on "the freeriders site". I'm not sure what that is, and haven't found it yet.
Here's the thread: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DCX2496/message/2531

Hope that helps, sorry I don't have more info.
Bob