Should I get an EQ? Check out my numbers!

[jamie2112]

How are you suggesting to use the DCX? I have one, and I use it in a specific manner, but I don't run my mains through it generally. Please elaborate.

The DCX is a very powerful unit. How are you using it now?

 

[Gov]

I would consider waiting for the SVS AS-EQ1.

Disclaimer: I'm a big Audyssey MultEQ XT fanboy. That said, hundreds of filters, time domain, measures reverberant field, delayed reflections, stuff I wish I could understand.

I've seen new SMS-1 now dropped to $400, but its pretty elementary compared to some other options IMO. I'd see what the new SVS will retail for. I believe your MCAAC only corrects down to 63 hz, IIRC.

Yes, speakers run "small" MCACC only goes to 63hz. Thanks for the SVS heads up!
Do you think the SMS is a better option than the anti-mode?

 

[OttoMatic]

The DCX is a very powerful unit. How are you using it now?

Hey there.

OK, I run separate configurations for movies and music. I run mains full range for both.

For music, I send L & R to the DCX (on A and B inputs) and mix them to mono. On that I apply a 40 Hz LPF and then parametric EQ as needed, per REW. That mono signal is output to a preamp as a balanced signal. I made cables that break the + and - of the balanced to L and R RCA and I feed them through an unbalanced preamp on one pair of stereo inputs (note that if you go to that link, I'm no longer using the Chase RLC-1 preamp; that thing went nuts once it got around my new PC -- the remote control feature got very unpredictable).

For movies, I send the LFE signal to the "C" input on the DCX. To that, I simply apply paremetric EQ as needed. I made the same type of cable that feeds a different unbalanced stereo input of the same preamp.

The inputs and output of the preamp are normal, unbalanced, RCA connections. But since I break out the + and - of the balanced output of the DCX, and I send them through the preamp as a stereo pair, I can recombine them into a single balanced cable at the output. That then goes to the mono input of a Behringer EP2500 that feeds a 2x18" IB18 Fi sub, which is more than enough to rock my relatively large room. I used to have four Mach5 18" drivers in there, but so much displacement wasn't really necessary, so I sold them and bought two better quality drivers.

The preamp deal allows me to quickly and easily switch between two different filtering and PEQ setups, as well as change sub volume directly. Also, the volume control is after the DCX, so I don't worry about clipping or dropping too much level at the input of the DCX.

I would like to better understand the input gain controls of the DCX. I have played with increasing it, but it shows no increase on the level meter. Also, since inputs A and B are mixed to the sum, controlling input gains for A and B don't seem to affect anything; controlling the sum input gain does. That kinda makes sense, but it would be more logical to me to see an adjustment in the A and B input gains affect a change in the sum output. Comments on the input gains settings, techniques, experiences, etc. are welcome.

Sorry about the thread hijack.

 

[jostenmeat]

Yes, speakers run "small" MCACC only goes to 63hz. Thanks for the SVS heads up!
Do you think the SMS is a better option than the anti-mode?

I would imagine so. AFAIK, XT applies hundreds of filters. Cost will be the main issue, as well as having to wait indefinitely.

I've been led to believe that one should get the room as good as possible before applying RC, so that the unit can use its processing powers where it's really needed, and not for certain issues easily addressed by positioning of unit and listener, or treatments and their placement. On that note, I would suspect that the XT in a subwoofer-only application could better apply its powers in a concentrated manner, but that's surely just a hopeful guess. Also, while the info is not disclosed, there is a minimum performance benchmark for XT, but the true performance will actually vary from model to model in both resolution and implementation.

One would have to guess that SVS will implement this tech in the best way possible for a sub-only correction system.

Some complaints about this tech include:

-"just don't like the way it sounds"
-lack of fine tuning post-calibration (but you can always add a device, sms1, whatever)
-irrelevant to your present needs, but there are those who love what it does for subwoofer, but not as keen on the upper freq correction. Such persons are interested in Trinnov, where the upper correction can be turned off at the wish of the consumer (above 300hz).

There is also not much documentation by the mftr about how tests were performed, nor their measurements. On one hand they are secretive about their propiertary tech, arguably a cop-out, but OTOH, there are those who have measured post-calibrated results, and state that this tech does indeed succeed at its goal.

Back to comparing units, unfortunately, there aren't any tests that I'm aware of where they put different RC models head-to-head in a controlled environment.

Still, I'm led to believe that Audyssey XT is the best consumer choice available for noobs like me and you (no offense); anything outside of requiring a pro to come to your home, or obtaining a laptop, software, extensive measurements, and building custom filters. AFAIK. Then, OTOH, there are those who are adept at such things, and have found that they still prefer what Audyssey does compared to their own involved calibrations. Many of these folks disable everything else in possession, other EQ, SMS-1, built-in sub's EQ, etc, because they believe Audyssey trumps them all by itself.

YMMV!

 

[Gov]

Results with Anti-Mode 8033

Here is what Anti-Mode is doing in my room, sorry no graphs I have a single HSU VTF3 MK 3, no ports plugged in maximum output mode. I used sinewaves I burned to a CD off the internet. Just the subwoofer was playing, receiver crossed at 80hz, master volume at -20db (MCACC calibrated). Numbers were taken with a Rat Shack analog SPL meter and corrections were made. Listening position 12 feet away.

EQ off:
16hz = 67db
18hz = 72db
20hz = 79db
22hz = 86db
25hz = 90db
28hz = 92db
31.5hz = 98db
36hz = 87db
40hz = 90db
45hz = 87db
50hz = 83db
56hz = 85db
63hz = 80db
71hz = 81db
80hz = 77db

EQ on:
16hz = 66db
18hz = 72db
20hz = 77db
22hz = 82db
25hz = 78hz
28hz = 79db
31.5hz = 79db
36hz = 79db
40hz = 82db
45hz = 85db
50hz = 82db
56hz = 85db
63hz = 79db
71hz = 77db
80hz = 78db

The only thing I question as to the small peak at 22hz. Is that because the HSU 3.3 is tuned at 22hz?

Lots of input and opinions welcome

 

[Gov]

^^^
One more thing I forgot to say was that the EQ numbers are a 3-position calibration in the listening area. The EQ numbers were taken in the main position.