Here's the one that compared analog and digital operation - this is the DEQX's predecessor - the 8024 - it was double the price then, and had nowhere near the digital advances of today, yet he rates it as "value for money" of 200% ! It's one of the better reviews because he really concentrates on room problems, which is what it's all about.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0101/behringer8024.htm I've had the ESL 57's for 15 years, although in that period I also had the 989's briefly. Waaaaay too much bass on the 989's, had to sell them - I'll never live in a room big enough - plus they didn't have the midrange immediacy of the 57's, nor the low volume full fidelity. The ESL 57's took me out of the speaker chase 15 years ago aside from trying the 989's, never would I replace them. Plus with even the old solid state Quad 303 they're great - safely run too - but low power tube amps, which I also have, are great - but not so much better that I want 10 roomheating tubes any more. But you are right about the room required for Quads - mine are 8' from the rear wall, and they absolutely have to be at least 4' and even then the bass can be boomy. 8' is awesome. The WAF on mine is good though - because they sit between rooms - between the living room and the dining room, so they're not really visible when in the LR, and certainly aren't in the way. What a break! BUT, the left quad is only 1' from the wall to the left of it, and there's a wall and sofa between them which collected a lot of bass. Plus, although I sit 13' away, there's a wall right behind my listening couch, and corners to either side albeit 23' apart - corners are corners. Even with this setup, there was unacceptable bass boom clouding the whole thing - it was awful. "Room problems are serious and I think under considered" - you're soooo right they're underconsidered - here's a perfect example. I moved from a 26x40 room to my current 23x13 room - plugged the same stereo in, and it was a COMPLETELY different stereo - no roomboom in the 26x40, massive roomboom in 23x13. I couldn't believe the difference - and it was the worst on CD. I took a chance on the Behringer and wow - what a difference. For my tuner it wasn't so necessary because radio stations EQ a lot already - but CD was awful in my new room. Even with good MP3 streams with the SB, I prefer to use the Behringer. PLUS, living in a condo, it's very good for neighborly relations. As for the real traps, I agree about the WAF - they and others don't even pass the MAF (Male Acceptance Factor) for me, much less the WAF. I used to have ASC tube traps, 12 roomlens, 2 shakti's, and other crap all in one room. I couldn't stand it - that's no environment for listening to music, I want to be in a nice room, with a glass of wine or a cup of tea - not some hobby room littered with stuff like that. If I was smart, I'd have bought the Tact back then, even though it was about $4500 US - I'd have never had to go through the room treatment nightmare, and it would have worked better anyway. If I'd known I'd end up spending that much in room treatment in the long run, I'd have taken out a loan and got the Tact. "There is no way such a treatment will exist anywhere near my living space" - agreed, that's where I am now. Put it this way - next time you're considering a fancy $300 interconnect or some such audio tweak for hundreds of dollars - ask youself - why not give the Behringer a shake? It will give you an education on your room that's worth the price alone, the fact that it sounds so good is just a bonus. You can also buy a microphone so it will auto-EQ your room, but I won't dare EQ above bass - that's too sensitive an area to the ear. Another eye opener for me was the Creek OBH-12 passive preamp - that's what the Behringer feeds and it's an awesome combo (the Behringers output is VERY VERY high as per pro audio gear, so the Creek probably made things far better just because of that). -- quadguy _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
