[DS-21]

I'm interested in replacing the bulk my HT stack (Marantz AV600 pre-proc, six channels of Adcom amplification) with one of these new "digital" receivers, such as the Panny or one of the new JVCs. I like the idea of having equal or greater functionality in a single small and cheap box that uses less electricity for a given power output. The sources I plan to use are my existing DVD player (Toshiba 6-disc with HDCD decoding) and, when the Powerbook G5 emerges, my current TiBook will be re-appropriated as the HT's digital file server.

However, if I'm going to upgrade my system I'm also going to want to incorporate equalization. I notice that none of these (or ANY receiver at the big boxes) has preout/main-in loops any more, and the back of the Panny does not seem to offer any kind of digital or analog "tape loop". I'd prefer 3rd-octave and parametric EQ, so the octave bands provided by iTunes are inadequate. What, if any, are the options (hardware or MacOS) to use the internal amps and apply serious EQ?

[timbley]

Hi,

I've used, the Behringer DEQ2496 with my Panasonic SA-XR50 receiver. It has optical digital input and output, so you can think of it as a digital source for your receiver. It has analog inputs as well, although I've never used them.  The Behringer gives you lots of EQ power, with 31 band graphic per channel and 10 band parametric. You can use one or the other, or both at the same time.
I think it's great, and still use it, along with a Behringer DCX digital crossover to tri-amp my RF-7s using two JVC - RXF10 receivers.

[DS-21]

Thanks for the reply! However, I'm a little confused about your signal path. If I'm reading right, your signal path goes like this: source -> Behringer box 1 (DEQ?) Behringer box 2 (DCX?) -> receivers -> speakers (2? 5.1? 7.1?).

How does the DEQ "know" which part of the digital bitstream goes to which channel in different surround formats? Also, how many channels can a single DEQ2496 EQ?

[ryno]

The DEQ is 2 channel, with digital in/out. It could be used between your source and receiver, but would only eq 2 channels, and only for that source. It has both 31 band graphic, and 10 band parametric.  The receiver would need pre out/main in to eq for all channels. The DCX is also 2 channel, some eq I think, and xover. Only analog in/out, so an AD and DA conversion.
Some of the better denon and yamaha receivers  have built in eq for all channels. Comes with a mic and push button eq. I don't know how good it is, or if it's adjustable, also not a digital amp.
A plug in, or different software for the mac would be perfect, That would make me consider a mac for a server.
I hope someone has an answer.
Ryan

[timbley]

Everything Ryno said is correct, except that the DCX has digital input, but only analog output. So I've got one D/A converter in the chain before it goes to the JVC amps. I too have a Mac, and was hoping for a computer based solution for EQ and active crossovers. But I got tired of waiting, and I kind of like being able to listen without the computer being involved. I'd love to have full active crossovers and EQ for surround.

I'm sure it's coming! And at an affordable price.