I've had a pretty heavily modded DEQX for a couple of weeks now. Steve added USB and i2s inputs, a SuperClock, modded the single ended and balanced analog outputs, modded the balanced analog inputs, modded the power supply and internal cabling ... among other things.
It's still burning in, I'm using an old multichannel Sherbourn amp and cheap (almost zip cord quality) interconnects and speaker wire, and haven't even begun the tweaking process. But even at this very early stage ....
This is an extremely impressive unit, particularly via the USB input (source is FLAC via J River MC12 running at 24/96) and the modded single ended outputs. It's got tremendous power and impact, coupled with deep black quiets and nuanced tonality. Imaging is amazing. Details galore. Dynamic range that's startling. Everything I'd hoped for, and a whole lot more.
It's appreciably better than my Meridian 861v4, which is no slouch in the D/A and preamp departments. It reminds me, a LOT, of the AR Ref2 Mk2 preamp I had a couple of years back, only better.
The balanced analog inputs are pretty good, but not amazing. The balanced analog outputs are a lot better, actually pretty nice, but not really close to the single ended analog outputs which are very special indeed.
Thanks Steve.