Best ML crossover/processor?

[ScottGardner]

To give you an idea of what I'm doing this is my (current) signal path:

PC->Gina3G->DCX->Sunfire->Aerius i

So as you can see PC control is highly desirable in my case. It makes everything soo much eaiser.
Also notice that my signal path is balanced end to end so I don't use ISO boxes.

My next stps are probably:

Replace Gina3g with an RME unit (still investigating which unit may be best for me).

Replace the DCX with an Ashly Protea or, if I can get lucky, a used Lake Contour.

 

[ScottGardner]

I'm wondering if, in a simple installation as the one that I'm going to setup, the isolation benefits would really outperform the disvantages. Yes, I don't believe anymore that there is a free lunch! Apart from gain balanced and isolation matters, do this isolation transformers degrade somehow the sound quality? Two of them should be installed, so this is something that starts worrying me...

I've been thinking about this one. You may be better off getting a Behringer that has already been modified.

I would need to know more about your system to be sure but if you're thinking about getting 3 or 4 ISO boxes it would be better to mod a Behringer. Here's why:

A modified Behringer for you would likely have single ended outputs. So you would not need ISO boxes on the outputs. The cost savings would (almost) pay for the mod. You really need to modify (replace) the output anyway because the output section uses some relatively cheap op-amps and changes the balanced output coming off the DAC to unbalanced so the signal can be pulled to ground via transistor (for power on muting) then back to balanced and out. All of this circuitry needs to be replaced with a simpler signal path. You can get a pre modified unit here that should work for you:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/clt.pl?misceqal&1209507389&clout&3&4&

By the way I think this mod is made in France so its rignt next door to you:

http://www.dcx2496.fr/en/index_en.php#
http://www.selectronic.fr/dcx2496_us.asp#04

Now you can use an unmodified Behringer by simply using some adapter cables. Many people do this and are happy with it. You can always have it modified later.

 

[pidigi]

Thanks Scott!

I think that your conclusion is right, I can test how far can I go biamping and using a processor, spending not so much money, then I could upgrade later or even sell it and buy a high level unit if I will get the same improvement as Jonathan had!

Thanks also for the links: it is very interesting to see that even if the manufacturer of those modifications is near here, it is really more convenient to buy in US....

CLIO (http://www.mclink.it/com/audiomatica/) is an italian company that produces audio measuring tools. I own a very old model, but anyhow it is quite complete: 1/3 octave, MLS, waterfall, etc. The only hassle is that it is a full ISA size board, it won't fit in a notebook....

Ciao

Paolo