AudioSmile Modifications for the Behringer SRC2496

The SRC2496 is an affordable DAC and ADC with sample rate conversion facilities and capable headphone output. Studio engineers commonly use this unit to interface between any digital or analog equipment. The units ability to convert from a digital input to an analog output has found it a home amongst many audiophiles, who are now using the SRC2496 as an affordable good quality DAC.

With the right changes though, the SRC is capable of extremely high quality sound that rivals DACs and ADCs many times its price tag! This means the modded SRC is an ideal option for anyone seeking the impressive sound quality of an AudioSmile unit, without the additonal features of the DEQ or DCX.

The Standard Input / Output Stage is the main bottleneck in the quality of the SRC2496 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 the 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 offer 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 weak link. While it is not a swich mode supply like the DEQ and DCX, it can still be improved by the addition of LC filtering. This benefits all the components in the SRC by reducing high frequency transient noise.

Recommendations for compatibility:

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

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

 

Cost: A brand new... SRC2496 with PSU and either output or input mods £285 inc.VAT SRC2496 with PSU, output and input mods £365 inc. VAT Send us your unit... Modification of PSU and either outputs or inputs £186 inc.VAT Modification of PSU, outputs and inputs £266 inc. VAT (VAT on brand new modified unit, is chargeable only to EU customers. VAT on modification services only, is applicable to all customers) Order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read a review of the modified SRC

or

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