Feature:
A tremendous amount of features.
Quality:
Mine has been without problems since I got it in February, '07, it's now June, '07. Well, just one problem. When new, out of the box, my DEQ blew it's 1-amp fuse every time I turned it off(!). I was told I could substitute a 2-amp fuse without harm. Since then it has been fine, but, it remains a curiousity, to me, all the same. I suppose this machine to be reliable, but, I've read some comments about aggregious failures. My firmware version is 2.1 and I can only wonder if Behringer has been working on reliability issues, all along, ever since version 1.2 - I dunno, but, here's hoping.
Value:
This RAM-modified version has transformed my system. My speakers are three-way towers with twin 8" woofer per side, but, moreover, they're sealed-box designs (26-28k)+or- 3db. That means I can EQ them without the usual problems with boosting response with vented designs (below the 3db-down point), such as drastically increased driver distortion and audible port noise. My point is this, the very good response of my speakers to start with, together with the precision afforded by such a great DIGITAL, parametric EQ, means, in my case, I no longer have to consider buying a good, powered subwoofer(!) - probably saving myself about $1,200. A Swiss-Army kife, when it comes to DSP, and a great-sounding, RAM-modified DAC section. For $725?? Are you kidding me? I'll take it!
Desirability:
One of the most desirable feature sets for Hi-Fi.
Sound:
My DEQ is a RAM-modified (Reflection Audio Mods, in California) unit that cost $725 US and is used as a DSP-powered DAC in a 2-channel, low-end, Hi-Fi. I've never heard this machine in stock form, but, read debates online as to whether or not it had stock high-frequency problems, so I played it safe. After break-in, I was extremely pleased. Compared to my $200 Onkyo Changer (now the transport), the soundstaging is much improved 'cause of 3 things: A) the image was far better separated from the speakers than ever before - most welcome - B) the DAC's response alone, below 30hz or so, while lacking in the Onkyo, was completely restored, and, in combination with C) the extras, like the sheer flexability of the digital parametric EQ and the digital stereo width control, make for the most solid and widest soundstaging (and the most control) I've ever had. The digital glare seems gone altogether and I can enjoy playing the system louder now(!). Plus the digital expander works very well, too - not a hint of clipping or "breathing", also called "pumping", as with analog desingns.
Ease of Use:
I thought this unit would be harder to get used to than it was. Rather logical and intuitive, once you get the hang of it. The manual gets you pointed in the right direction, but, doesn't go far enough into the details of "when" and "why" you use it - only "how", mostly.
Support:
Have not had to use it, yet, but, from what I gather, it's fine if you want to ask a question, but, if your equipment needs repair...
Overall:
In absolute terms, the RAM-modified version's sound quality is very, very good - awesome features.
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