AudioSmile Modifications for the Behringer DCX2496

The DCX2496 is an affordable digital crossover that offers great functionality essential for all loudspeaker designers and live-sound engineers. Although good value, the sound quality of the units analog outputs do not achieve their full potential. However, with the AudioSmile output modifications, the DCX sound quality is superb and can rival any loudspeaker management system available.

Fed from a source with digital volume control (squeezebox for example) you have a one box solution as a top quality DAC and highly functional digital crossover!

The Standard Input / Output Stage is the main bottleneck in the quality of the DCX2496 and other similar Behringer products. As everyone knows, the more components a signal goes though, the more it is degraded. So, it is understandable that the sound quality is not at its best when the high quality signal from each DAC chip has to pass through as many as three low quality op-amps (small amplifiers) and a large number of other low grade components before it can reach the output. (see circuit left)

In modification, the entire standard output stage is removed from the signal path. The audio signal is then taken directly from the output of the high quality DAC chip and passes through only one resistor (with a capacitor in parallel) and a single transformer per channel. The components used are of the highest quality - the transformers are made in England specifically for audio use, the resistors are 0.1% high tolerance and the capacitors are high grade polypropylene. These changes improve every aspect of the sound.

AudioSmile now offers similar modifications for the analog inputs. By replacing the analog input circuit with high quality transformers coupled directly to the ADC chip, the DEQ becomes incredibly transparent, and could be used with the best turntables or other analog sources.

The Power Supply is the next weakest link in the DCX2496. Switch-mode power supplies, as found in the DCX, emit high frequency switching noise which can contaminate the purity of the power and leak in to the audio signal. Making matters worse in stock form, critical sections of each DAC, the ADC and Digital Input Receiver are run from a poorly unregulated line.

To remedy this, AudioSmile add LC filtering to the output of the critical power lines, greatly reducing high frequency switching noise. The digital sections of the DACs, ADC and Input Receiver are then isolated from the standard supply altogether by giving them a compltely new regulated power line fed from the filtered outputs.

Recommendations for compatibility:

Source impedance feeding the analog modified inputs should be <1K ohms.

Load impedance driven by the analog modified outputs should be >10K ohms.

During modification all attempt is made to keep stored settings. All rear connectors are retained, with floating balanced output via XLR and single ended outputs available by shorting XLR pin 3 to ground. The unit even gains a lovely solid bronze AudioSmile badge to show it is an upgraded unit :) These modifications are not available as a kit with instructions.

Read a review of the modified DEQ

or

Read a review of the modified SRC
(Both units use the same mods as the DCX)