Is DEQX a game changer?

I've been a DEQX owner since 2012 and I'm now on my second DEQX (HDP Express II) and I completely agree with Drewan77. The DEQX is truly a unique product. For me it was a total game changer coming from a very good analog electronic crossover, but you cannot just plug the DEQX in your system, power it up and start enjoying it. In fact, if you are doing it yourself, it takes quite a bit of time and with a complete understanding of the process with its pitfalls as well as the parameters that are to be adjusted in order to get a truly successful calibration. Making a DEQX calibration attempt with an "entry level" understanding may yield noticeably better results than without the DEQX, but almost assuredly you will have left a great bit of improvement on the table that you can try to recover bit more on your next attempt. I've probably done ten DEQX calibrations now on two different systems, and I still learn something new about the process each time.

For a better understanding of exactly what the DEQX does and how it does it, Kim Ryrie, the inventor of the DEQX, in interviewed in a series of YouTube videos you may find to be informative. In one of these videos Kim states that with the DEQX, speaker designers should focus on producing the lowest distortion driver possible and not to worry about phase and group delay issues since the DEQX is quite capable of successfully managing these issues on its own.

One thing that I should point out when you, or even if you are using the DEQX-Expert service to set-up your DEQX is that you really need to use the Earthworks M23 or M30 calibration mic with its associated proprietary DEQX calibration file loaded. The basic Behringer calibration mic and its generic calibration file will get you started, but really doesn’t yield the results that anyone here would probably be looking for.

I have my DEQX configured (currently) as follows:

Apogee Duetta Signature main speakers with GR Research/Rythmik subs
Bi-amp with stereo subwoofers
Apogee ribbons crossover: 920 Hz - 96 db/oct linear slope
Subs to Apogee bass: 80 Hz - 24 db/oct Linkwitz-Riley slope.
Subs time aligned to the Apogees.
Speaker correction above 500Hz.
Conservative amount of room correction below 110 Hz.

Thanks Forrestc ... still trying to drag the DEQX rep out to my house. Maybe he's using a strategy of sales foreplay. Dunno. Hopefully this week.

Btw, your point that "Kim states that with the DEQX, speaker designers should focus on producing the lowest distortion driver possible and not to worry about phase and group delay issues since the DEQX is quite capable of successfully managing these issues on its own" makes much sense.

My Paradigm S8s (v3) use well made drivers that produce very low distortion. My main gripe has been the crazy impedance and phase angle curves. Fortunately, my Ref 150 has the muscle and robust power supply to handle that roller coaster. I use the 4 ohm taps which "taps" (pun) down voltage output variations as a function of frequency response to a small amount.

I am optimistic that the DEQX will make a big difference ... if I can get the rep to engage.

Hopefully, will report back soon.

^Makes one wonder; if they're this lackadaisical about a potential sale, how are they going to be, should they be needed for assistance after the sale?

Bifwynne and Unsound. I'm absolutely amazed the DEQX rep even considers bringing a piece of stereo gear to anyone's house. If this is their sales model it's very expensive. I would have expected brick & mortar dealers and online. Am I out of touch with present day audio sales?

Unsound and Ptss ... the DEQX demo is scheduled for Monday the 15th. Holding judgment until then.

@Unsound ... you raise a fair comment and I will ask the rep on Monday about post sale service.

@Ptss ... what choice does he or I have. It's the same basic genre of question about the meaningfulness of B&M store auditions. At least I'll have a chance to see the DEQX perform on my system in my house with my speakers.

Yes, this is an expensive model. But because the device is NOT plug and play, there is no choice. The devise needs to be custom calibrated remotely by the tech who resides in Colorado.

Part of me says, waive bye-bye to my money when the rep leaves my house with my check. Another part says that I may be making a very important and worthwhile upgrade to my system.

I'll be back. It's been slow going, but I'm getting there.