The Electronics
The front end was a Linux based HTPC that fed a SPDIF signal directly into the DCX2496.
The crossover between the bass and Unities was carried out by a Behringer
DCX2496. I was delighted to hear that a competitively priced digital
loudspeaker controller had been released, but was initially weary of it's
performance. I can confirm the fact that the unit does sound very good, with no
audible artefacts when compared to the analogue crossover it replaced. Levels
must be carefully set to optimise the dynamic range of the unit, but this is the
same as any digital processor. I am very happy with my purchase, and would not
hesitate to use one in a future system. It is easy to program and the sound is
excellent. People who say they are hearing artefacts from this unit in a pro
system are doing something wrong. It disappeared in my audio system. The ability
to store and quickly recall a number of different system configurations is a
bonus. This DSP was later changed for a MiniDSP 2x4HD with Dirac Live. I found Dirac Live made very little difference when used in an already well set up system, so I usually left it off.
The Unity horns were powered by an Australian Monitor 1K2. These
are some of the very best amplifiers available at any price, and are used
extensively in recording studios world wide. The amplifiers are capable of
400WRMS per channel into 8 ohms, 600WRMS per channel into 4 Ohms and 700WRMS per
channel into 2 Ohms. Sadly these Australian Monitor amplifiers
are no longer available. They became a victim of these lean economic times. I am
lucky enough to have owned three excellent examples that should last for a long time to come.
Low frequencies were handled by a QSC PLX3602. This
amplifier drove the bass section of my system and is capable of 1250WRMS per channel into the four ohm load the speakers present. It is capable of 1800WRMS per channel into 2 ohms. This amplifier is a two tier class H design that uses a switching power supply. The amplifier is very light and generates little heat. Sound quality is excellent.
The house was sold in 2021 with the speaker system intact, however the amplifiers were replaced with two Hypex ncore NC122MP modules and DSP was carried out by a MiniDSP 2x4HD. Sound quality is exactly the same, just maximum output is reduced a bit.
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