dbx Model 21 Decoder Operation Help

Ive used DBX products in the past , way back in the seventies and eighties, the unit was a DBX 3BX and the 3BXDS, you do not need special records to obtain the benefits from using this device, it cleans up the sound and reduces surface noise it was amazing back in the day.

Matt M

Hmm, line level. Bummer. Using an integrated amp so that doesn't help me. OK. Provided I play it through another system with a separate preamp and power Amp, how do I run the rca's? I don't understand how to connect to the back panel. Thx. 

Did you ever get this sorted out for playing back dbx encoded records on the dbx 21?  And yes, you can also play Non-dbx Encoded records through this dbx Model 21 unit. It states so right in the owners manual.

I just bought and received one of these nifty dbx 21 units - NOS this month March of 2026. 

I am trying to figure out what Input I am supposed to run my Primaluna EVO 100 Phono Preamp into it, and then what Output I am supposed to come out of to send to an AUX Input on my Primaluna Dialogue Premium Integrated Amplifier for playing back dbx Encoded records.

Here is a link to Vinyl Engine to download a copy of the Owner's Manual: https://www.vinylengine.com/library/dbx/21.shtml. 

For Playing back dbx Encoded records I believe that what I need to do in my situation where I do NOT have a Tape Monitor or an External Processor Loop is this: 

1. Run the OUTPUT of my Phono Preamplifer into the dbx 21 RECORD INPUTS (FROM PREAMP TAPE OUTPUT).

2. Run out of the dbx 21 PLAY OUTPUTS (TO PREAMP TAPE OR MONITOR INPUT) to an AUX Input on my Primaluna Integrated Amplifier.

TO PLAY A NON dbx ENCODED DISC/ RECORD: On the front of the dbx 21 leave the Model 21 NOISE REDUCTION and MONITOR switches in the OUT position.

Let me know if I am on the right track. If not, have any of you figured out how to install a Phono Preamp into the equation for playing back dbx Encoded records?!  Thanks - Dana