DEQX Calibrated

DEQX Calibrated™
HDP-3.0 (Preamp Model only):-
Speaker, Room and Recording Correction Preamp/Crossover

Based on the PDC-2.6 Platform, the HDP-3 has been improved and put on some steroids. A new more robust power supply has been implemented to handle more power draw from future DSP software upgrades and to handle some new higher grade passive components added to the mother board. DEQX has upgraded many of the parts on the board to a higher grade. ALL op-amps (about 26) are changed to the LM4562, as are ALL electrolytic caps are upgrade, in addition to a few strategically placed new ones. There are also changes to the regulators, an EMI mains filter added.

A new bigger chassis was required for all the upgrades and now has the ability to be easily upgraded to any of the output options available, or all of them:)

The new unit is more resolving with bigger dynamics. A big improvement on an already incredible sounding platform.

Output options can be added quite easily on the new chassis. So future upgrades are easy.

Digital Speaker Correction (stereo, fully anechoic, amplitude and phase)
Realtime Digital Parametric Equalization
Detailed room measurement capability for optimum room/speaker setup
Room Correction (Automatically calculated based on detailed room measurements)
Custom correction of each playback environment
Stereo digital crossovers (6dB/octave steps to 300dB/octave)
32-bit, floating-point, 240-MFLOPS sustained processing with dual SHARC DSPs
Extremely low latency processing (from 1.9 msec)
Audiophile grade Op-Amps (Burr Brown)
Audiophile grade 96/192kHz generation 24-bit ADC (2 channel) /DAC (6 channel) converters
PC-based set up via USB or RS-232 for initial measurement, correction and user-defined options
Instant selection of 4 user defined target room/speaker curves
DEQX Basic Calibration Kit comprising DEQX Calibration Software and calibrated measurement microphone
Free downloadable software and firmware updates
Online and telephone support
Membership of DEQX Users Group (online)

Stereo analog inputs, balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)
Stereo digital inputs, S/PDIF and AES/EBU
Six analog outputs, unbalanced RCA
Digital volume control allows digital sources to be input directly
Mic input for optional DEQX Calibrated™ measurement microphone
Compact 1U design (1 3/4" H x 17" W x 11.5" D)
19-inch rack mount hardware available
100-240VAC auto sensing operation, 30VA
Options
Upgrade to DEQX Reference Calibration Kit (includes reference grade 30kHz measurement microphone)
Either
Six balanced analog outputs (XLR)
-or-
Six digital outputs - AES/EBU (XLR), S/PDIF (RCA phono)

DEQX Calibrated™
HDP-Express (Preamp Model only):-
Speaker, Room and Recording Correction Preamp/Crossover

Please welcome the latest addition to the DEQX line up, the all new DEQX HDP-Express pre-amp correction processor. There has neever been a better time to leap into the system correction realm.

There’s never been anything like DEQX’s reference HDP-3 DSP pre-amp correction processor. And it’s still the only audiophile component capable of delivering a four-fold improvement (that’s 400%, not 40%) in almost every parameter that helps make your audio
system sound ‘real’.

It directly corrects your system’s weakest link—your loudspeaker’s native (anechoic) performance, where over 90% of the distortion and inaccuracies in timing and coloration originate.

Yet, despite the HDP3’s modest pricing (from just US$3950) it has been out of reach for many serious music-lover audio enthusiasts and DIYs.

Enter the HDP-Express: from only US$1950 (plus cal mic and freight) when purchased factory-direct, the HDP-Express™retains the HDP-3’s key performance features, using the same DEQX-cal setup software for Windows (or Mac with Windows).

Steeper than 6dB/octave crossover filters required to reduce distortion don’t maintain linear-phase using traditional crossovers. Now they do.
Traditional active Butterworth and Linkwitz Riley, mild to steep crossovers and four ‘Profile’ presets lets you directly compare linear-phase advantages.
Using 48dB/octave or steeper linear-phase crossovers distortion vanishes, resolution increases, while volume can double or quadruple, 3 to 6dB.
When used with speaker correction, stereo 3D imaging, volume and dispersion improve markedly, making a centre speaker usually unnecessary.

Anechoically measure and correct your passive or active speakers using a simple measurement technique, even in your listening room.
Corrects anechoic (native) speaker frequency-response from typically plus/minus 3dB to plus/minus 0.3dB*
Corrects Group-delay (phase/timing errors at different frequencies) about tenfold* e.g. 2ms reduces to 0.2ms —especially noticeable in midrange.
Room Correction features and preference EQ:
One or more room measurements displayed graphically, allow manual, real-time, 7-band parametric EQ settings
Time-domain correction of subwoofers/bass speakers measured in-room.
Adjust delay between main speakers and subwoofers in real-time.

Remote controlled Low-shelf, Midband-fully parametric and High-shelf
Low, mid and Hi frequencies adjustable in octaves and semitones
Adjustable Q from one semitone to four-octave wide
99-memory storage for instant recall

Four profiles for instant selection of crossovers, correction and EQ
Four inputs: S/PDIF, AES3, analogue unbalanced and balanced.
Integrate one or two subwoofers
Remote controlled Input and profile selection.
Six unbalanced outs: Stereo low, mid, Hi (mid used for passive speakers)
Optional balanced outs (6 x XLRs) transformer or active.
Dual 32-bit SHARC DSPs provide minus 140dB THD digital transparency.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Introduction to DEQX Concepts

	1. What is DEQX Calibrated™? Answer
		• DEQX PDC-2.6 Applications
	2. Is DEQX Calibrated™ room correction? Answer
	3. What's the difference between speaker and room correction? Answer

Why do I need DEQX?
	4. What problems does DEQX Calibrated™ address? Answer
	5. Why are speakers the 'weakest link'? What about microphones? Answer
	6. What is the "being there" experience? Answer
	7. What about room treatment? Answer

How good is DEQX Calibrated™?
	8. What accuracy improvement is possible with DEQX? Answer
	9. Does a flat frequency response translate to sounding better? Answer
		• Flat- but what about phase errors?
		• Flat - but what about time alignment?
		• Flat - but what about room effects?
	10. What advantages do DEQX's digital crossovers provide over normal active speakers? Answer
		• Lower distortion
		• Power handling
		• Dispersion
	11. Does DEQX Calibrated™ correct phase and how is this possible? Answer
	12. Does DEQX Calibrated™ add distortion or noise? Answer

Installing DEQX
	13. Who can use the DEQX Calibrated™ PDC-2.6? Answer
	14. How do I setup the PDC-2.6 - do I need a PC? Answer
	15. Can the PDC-2.6 be used as a pre-amp? Answer
		• Volume Control
		• Source Selection

The time machine that works!!

Although all frequencies from a live music performance arrive simultaneously to our ears, this is not the case for sound from your loudspeakers.

Different delays are introduced at different frequencies due to a loudspeaker’s mechanical drivers and construction, as well as its passive crossovers. Consciously or subconsciously this tells us that what we are hearing isn’t real. This phenomenon is called group delay, or group delay error.

The DEQX Calibrated™ PDC-2.6P Preamp/Processor measures the performance of your loudspeakers and corrects group-delay errors by delaying ‘earlier’ frequency groups up to several milliseconds so that the slower frequency groups can catch up. In fact, phase, timing and amplitude (frequency response) are corrected automatically at thousands of frequencies by precisely the right amount for each. The result is more natural time coherency without introducing distortion.¹

The PDC-2.6P’s active crossover feature also allows you to properly integrate one or two subwoofers. Introducing essential time-alignment and steep high-pass filters to the main speakers provides a clean transition, while reducing bass induced distortion from your main speakers. Frequency response, phase and group-delay errors are all corrected automatically.

You can also measure your room response with the PDC and automatically set parametric correction, and/or manually set up to seven EQ bands, adjusting frequency, amplitude and band-width (Q), graphically and in real-time. The PDC’s remote control even lets you set three variable bands of DEQX Media Correction EQ that allows up to 100 settings to be saved for particular recordings or soundtracks. Or you can simply use it as a quick bass, mid, and high tone control.

If you’re feeling adventurous you can also implement the PDC’s 3-way active crossover to provide the ultimate active implementation of your speakers.² A typical configuration is to use 2-way for the main speakers and the third for the subwoofer/s. DEQX’s critically-acclaimed linear-phase crossovers are chosen by audiophiles and makers of the world’s best loudspeakers. ³ You will notice further improved imaging and realism, better power handling and dynamics, and a larger sweet spot due to more natural dispersion than passive crossovers allow.

You choose if you want a little bit of DEQX or a lot. All software features come with the standard PDC, so your upgrade path is ready when you are.

To find out how to get your (or your customer’s)
audio system DEQX Calibrated™ Contact us

¹ Measured digital path THD+noise is –140dB
² If you are not technically experienced assistance by a suitably qualified person is recommended. Contact your local DEQX representative or sales@deqx.com
³ Most recently chosen for the “Magico Ultimate” $230,000 reference system. See quote below from Robert Harley, Editor-in-Chief, The Absolute Sound

State-of-the-art… “…I’ve now heard from numerous highly placed sources in the audio engineering world that the DEQX DSP process must be considered the current state-of-the-art bar none”
Read more...
Srajan Ebaen, Editor, 6moons.com ‘The Future of Loudspeaker Design?’

Star Component Award…
"What I heard was truly amazing, jaw dropping, illuminating, eye opening, ear opening…well, you get the picture...Height, width and depth were all bettered. Instrumental layering became clearer, as well as their separation. Air around instruments took on a more vibrant quality and at the same time the instruments themselves took on solidity and three dimensionality that was beguiling...” Read More…
Martin Appel, Reviewer, Audiophilia, June 2006

The Bugatti Veyron of Hi-Fi…
"The most striking aspect of the Ultimate’s sound was a palpability and immediacy that went far beyond anything I’ve previously heard in reproduced music…it was particularly stunning on voice… The second quality of the Ultimate that is unprecedented in my experience…was its reproduction of exceedingly fine detail…This ultra-high resolution was anything but analytical, cold or clinical. This was resolution beyond any system I’ve previously heard…Delineation of individual instruments, and the impression of space between those instruments, was extraordinary…
The Ultimate setup at Wolf's home (with the DEQX crossover) had a more convincing sense of size, space, and depth on large-scale orchestral music."
Robert Harley, Editor-in-Chief, The Absolute Sound, "Magico Ultimate Loudspeaker: The Bugatti Veyron of Hi-Fi", Issue 160, March 2006

The best thing to come down the pike in a long time…
“As the designer…switched from the passive factory crossover to the active DEQX crossover, I was amazed.”
“The NHT Xd is the best thing to come down the pike in a long time…Because the Xd’s performance is competitive at the highest levels, anyone interested in high-quality music reproduction must hear it.”
Kalman Rubinson, Reviewer, Stereophile Magazine, Equipment Report on the DEQX Calibrated™ NHT Xd loudspeaker system

“I agree with Kal Rubinson – the Xd system is the best thing to come down the pike in a long time…”
John Atkinson, Editor, Stereophile Magazine, Equipment Report on the DEQX Calibrated™ NHT Xd loudspeaker system

Stunning performance…
"…DSP speakers from Sonicweld and Wasatch were using the DEQX digital box to good advantage. Both systems used crossover slopes much steeper than usual, taking advantage of digital filters with steep slopes but linear phase. Both speakers have very flat frequency response and excellent phase behavior. The also have very wide dispersion patterns…It sounded very smooth all the way up, and indeed offered quite stunning performance. Neil Gader called it "lovely," and it seems an apt word. I had the sense of hearing very exactly what was on the recordings…"
Read More…
Dr. Robert E. Greene, Reviewer, The Absolute Sound Magazine, Issue 161, April/May 2006

The future…
“DEQX (pronounced "decks") has been successfully showing their active EQ system for several years now, and each time, they push the envelope forward with a better product and better demo. This year they topped themselves again and have teamed up with newcomer Wasatch Acoustics to create a state-of-the-art system comprised of a modular speaker system with amplification and active digital EQ. ..Even in a small room, the demo was most impressive as we ran through our "torture CD" demo tracks. As Wes Phillips commented as we left, "I think we've just been given a glimpse into the future."
Jon Iverson, Editor, Stereophile Online, 2006

Spectacular…
"DEQX is positively spectacular. Before DEQX my system was pretty refined, but the 'rightness', the 'correctness' and coherency of the sound through DEQX is amazing.The sound is significantly better - more correct, balanced, detailed, and live sounding.I found myself listening to every CD I had, hearing more of the music than I have heard before, and enjoying it more than I have for years... This amazing piece of gear is everything promised and frankly even better than I had hoped for. I am now convinced that for years I have been chasing flat frequency response at the expense of destroying time coherence. DEQX delivers it all. Bravo DEQX"
Read More...
Ray Weikel, Director - Strategic Planning, Audio Products, Logitech

Dynamic…
"The sound is incredibly dynamic, and retains the excellence in timbre, soundstage and imaging that audiophiles covet."
Anthony Kershaw, Editor, Audiophilia, CES 2006 Report - Runner Up for Best of Show: Wasatch Acoustics’ DEQX Calibrated™ Musina Music System, January 2006

Incredible…
“...an audio system that virtually eliminates speaker distortion...the end result is expansive, clean sound that doesn’t require you to sit in a “sweet spot ” to hear incredible stereo or, if you choose, multichannel audio.”
Ramon G.McLeod, Editor, PCWorld.com on the DEQX Calibrated™ NHT Xd loudspeaker system

Powerful…
"The DEQX system was incredibly flexible and powerful in terms of EQ and room correction."
Jerry Del Colliano, Editor, AudioVideo Revolution.com

Impressive…
“The PDC was transparent enough not to mask any of the delicate transient micro detail or breathy inflections… Bass guitar on this CD is well recorded and the PDC reproduced it with high levels of detail and tautness… climaxing guitar riffs in unison with the rest of the band's frantic antics did not turn to a lump of mush… separation and nuance were retained pristine… the PDC captured the "liveness' superbly… localization of the track's multitude of percussive effects was impressive, with sounds seemingly jumping out of the mix from everywhere…”

“Quite apart from my observations of improved dynamics, detail, soundstage size and image accuracy, a word that came to mind when room calibration and manual EQ were applied correctly was coherence. The music sounded gelled - not a sum of disjointed instruments manifested as an amusical phenomenon but a coherent singular event made up of said instruments in individual existence as spokes on a wheel and in unison as the wheel itself. The result just felt/sounded right.” Read More…
Edgar Kramer, Reviewer, 6moons.com

Abbey Road…
"We are mainly using DEQX Calibrated™ for fine tuning the low frequency issues of the room..."
Peter Mew, Senior Mastering Engineer, Abbey Road Studios, UK

DEQX™ Calibration Kit

Step 1 - Measure

Step 2 - Calibrate

Step 3 - Configure