[JLM]

I picked up a Behringer DEQ2496 and matching microphone with the idea of:

1. Replacing baffle step and zobel circuit to my single driver speaker to allow a direct amp/driver connection;

2. The typical room correction stuff.


I currently run just a CDP but wanted to run the signal in and out of the DEQ purely in the digital realm to maintain the best quality.  I've not picked up a DAC so I've not messed with it.  But I don't see coax inputs, coax outputs, or RCA outputs.  (I know this is professional stuff.)  I really don't want to spend money on balanced to single ended or 1/4 inch to RCA cabling.

Then I found Scott Endler's site:  http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/index.html

And I thought, why not have Scott do the single ended version of his mods for $195 and save money on cables and DAC?  His stepped attenuators are well respected.  (Besides I have a problem with too much gain in my system and I thought I read where he also offers in-line resistors that hopefully he could provide.) 


Anyone have experience with his modification work (or know of Endler in-line resistors)?

TIA

[richidoo]

Not dealt with Scott yet, but I just read his site, wow, lots of great info there. I've been looking at Behringer mod options lately. This looks promising!
Rich

[TheChairGuy]

Good find, JLM 

John

[TomS]

He also has some mods for the DCX2496 to eliminate the op amp output stages and cheap caps, installing new high quality coupling caps, as well as replacing the AK4393 DACs with AK4395's and a new 5v regulator.  Tom

[Brucemck]

I had a 2496 modded by Reference Audio Mods ... they did a very nice job ... albeit more money than you're contemplating here.

http://www.referenceaudiomods.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=Behringer_2496&Category_Code=MODS&Product_Count=25

PM me if you're interested in the unit, as it's currently sitting in storage (since replaced by a modded DEQX)

[JLM]

Thanks for the reply Brucemck,

RAM East is driving distance from me (a nice plus) but the cost increase is a minus.  Seems like they swap the same parts on every mod they do (another minus in my book).  Multiple levels of mods to choose from (another minus to me).

Did you have a chance to compare stock versus modded and how did it compare?

Not clear from their description if the mods affected the EQ and DAC.

[Brucemck]

JLM ... modded unit sounds a LOT better.

They didn't change out the DAC (I suspect the one in your earlier post would be quite a bit bettr) or change any of the EQ functionality.  I didn't have the silver output transformers installed, but did do everything else.

My primary complaint was that the stock unit sounded "tizzy" ... similar to the sound of mp3 compression ... particularly in the midrange on up.  The mods made that go away entirely. 

The modded unit is not an all out assault audiophile level preamp, but it's fine for a pretty nice system.

I'm currently using an Empirical Audio modded DEQX.  It's very, very nice -- and priced accordingly.