Behringer DEQ2496 as EQ Only?

I am using Neutrik Impedance Transformers (on the XLR in/out digital connectors) to provide a 110-75 ohm conversion , then some BNC-RCA cables from Cullen Cable which then allows to connect equipment RCA to RCA SPDIF. This seems to me very transparent, but I only use cut (no boost) and currently no need more than 3 db...

At last, I am closing in on this project as depicted in my new system photos.

I have just rewired the Behringer as discussed above with Elizabeth: still HDTV / Cablebox and PC into a Digital Optical splitter.

Therefore Digital Optical out into the DEQ2496, and in turn, DEQ2496 out into the Zodiac DAC - using optical cables all around.

The good news is

1) The signal path seems to be working, sounds fine and I can switch between sources successfully

2) Although I NEVER remember how to do it, I somehow had the pink noise, microphone and RTA working this morning - at least to the extent I could see the EQ curve adjusting itself and hear corresponding tonal changes in the pink noise.

The bad news however, is when I turned off the pink noise, I can still see the adjusted curve when I press GEQ, but can't hear the EQ in the signal path with the music.

My usual EQ / curve test: when I toggle the Behringer BYPASS button on and off there seems to be no change (?)

My hearing is not what is was as a kid, but pretty sure it's not yet that bad if anyone who has mastered this complicated beast can comment or help.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading but problem solved!

I am using not only a PC but also a Mac and the Zodiac was set to the USB input (Mac) not the Optical input (PC and HDTV) so did not at first realize I was listening to music from the other computer and bypassing the Berhinger entirely.

As I keep better music files on the Mac, perhaps I should just add it to the optical switcher (assuming it also has an optical out?) but in the meantime assumed the USB out to USB in on the Zodiac was a higher quality connection....

So nonetheless, appreciate any thoughts / advice / suggestion on this configuration and device.

Cheers,

Cwlondon, what is your experience around the overall resolution with and without the DEQX ?

Arj,

DEQ2496 not DEQX....but generally (and as a neurotic audiophile since the late '70s who still owns ARC and Levinson components, amoung others...) I have had good experiences with Behringer.

I use it more casually for desktop, computer and television listening, but have had several Behringer components - many of which I have left on 24/7 quite literally for years at a time including power outages and they all still work fine.

The highest resolution and high frequency transparency are not as important to me as midrange, coherence and imaging but for the applications I pursue, the DEQ2496 sounds perfectly good, clear and transparent.

Others on Audiogon are also fans - the device has a bit of a cult following for being a bargain basement device and suprisingly clean in the signal chain.

I might not use Behringer in any state of the art main system but otherwise good fun and a good deal.