The DEQX Pre-8 is an advanced HD-Active preamp processor designed for high-end audio systems, particularly for those using active speakers.1 It serves as a central hub for your audio setup, combining multiple functionalities into a single, state-of-the-art chassis.
Key Features and Capabilities
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All-in-One Preamp Processor: The Pre-8 integrates a high-quality preamp, DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), and a streamer with Bluetooth and network connectivity.2
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DEQX HD-Active Crossover: It includes the DEQX-HD-Active linear phase crossovers, which can handle up to a stereo 4-way active system. This allows for precise digital crossover settings and provides digital outputs for all channels.
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Speaker and Room Correction: A key feature of the Pre-8 is its ability to correct your speakers' native impulse response errors and then perform room correction.3 It uses precise measurements of each speaker to create a correction filter that restores amplitude and time coherence, and then corrects for acoustic modes and resonances in the listening room.
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High-Performance Components: The unit is built with high-quality components, including an ESS Sabre Pro ADC and DAC, a hexacore ARM processor for enhanced processing power, and ultra-low noise power supplies.4
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Modern Usability: It features a 5.5-inch HD touch-sensitive AMOLED display, a large volume control, and a web browser-based UI for cross-platform, zero-install speaker calibration and room correction via the new DEQX Cloud.5
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Comprehensive Connectivity: The Pre-8 offers a wide range of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog inputs and outputs, multiple digital inputs (USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES-EBU), and digital outputs for each speaker channel. An optional Dynavector phono preamp module is also available.
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The DEQX Pre-8 is a solution for audiophiles seeking to achieve a truly transparent and realistic audio experience by addressing the performance limitations of both their speakers and their listening environment.
What is DEQX?
DEQX is an advanced digital audio processing technology that corrects for errors in an audio playback system, with a specific focus on the speakers1. The process adjusts the time, phase, amplitude, and frequency of the audio signal sent to amplifiers and loudspeakers2. DEQX technology aims to make the sound arriving at the listening position more accurately represent the original recording, even when compared to expensive audiophile systems.
How DEQX Works
DEQX employs a multi-step process to achieve its calibration:
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Speaker Correction: Using a calibrated microphone, DEQX takes pseudo-anechoic (near-field) measurements to correct phase, group delay, and frequency response for individual speaker drivers. This process isolates the speaker's native behavior from the room's acoustics. The result is a loudspeaker with a frequency response typically within ±0.5 dB on axis.
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Active Crossover: For speakers with an active design (where each driver has its own amplifier), DEQX provides linear-phase, high-order digital crossovers. This can effectively eliminate crossover distortion, including comb-filtering and lobing, while improving dynamics and dispersion.
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Room Correction: After correcting the speakers, DEQX addresses acoustic issues in the listening room. It uses multiple bands of minimum-phase parametric equalization, which can be set manually or automatically based on measurements from the listening position. This is particularly beneficial for the lower two or three octaves (bass frequencies), which are often difficult to treat physically.
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Media Correction (Preference EQ): The DEQX processor also includes "Preference EQ," which provides precision tone controls to adjust for variations in mastering quality across different CDs or soundtracks. The processor offers 100 presets of a three-band, minimum-phase equalization that can be controlled with a remote.
The Benefits of DEQX Calibrated Technology
When a full suite of DEQX processes is implemented, the system can provide significant performance gains, including:
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Improved three-dimensional resolution and a wider listening area.
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Accurate harmonic balance.
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Improved imaging and sound-staging.
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Improved frequency response and realism.
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Better integration with subwoofers.
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Reduced crossover distortion and improved dynamics.
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Better bass management and resolution in the room.