Why modify the Behringer DCX2496 ?

Why should I tweak it, what should be tweaked ?

As we have seen the DCX2496 has be designed for pro users (essentially DJs and small PA). For this reason it has the specifications those users are expecting : balanced inputs and outputs, input and output levels up to pro values, etc... All of this lead the designers to chose solutions far from our audiophile needs :

output format : the DCX2496 has balanced outputs and circuitry. Few of us are using these, then you need to fabricate adapters to "unbalance" the signal to RCA connectors.
output level : +22dBU (10 volts peak to peak) is far too much for your amps . This results in the risk of overloading your amps which have an input sensitivity about 1,4V, or your will use too little level at the input of the DCX which in turn will increases noise by degrading signal/noise ratio.
that thing is noisy in domestic hifi : being the result of using low price parts in too many active and passive circuits in the output stage . Admit it : transparency is not the main character of the DCX2496, remember how you have been disapointed first time you inserted it in your system ? Well, to be honnest also remember the price you paid for it...
there's room for improvement in essential parts of the circuit where some shortcuts have been taken by Behringer : the internal clock and the DACs power supply .

Of course all of the tweaks proposed here are to be much more audible if the DCX2496 is used through it's digital input as explained in the previous page. A simple diagram will certainly help to visualize what the optimal configuration is.

Here is a functional diagram of the Behringer DCX2496. We won't touch the grey areas, actually they are perfectly matched to our needs and extremely well designed. Areas to be improved (a lot) are the input stage for those who shall use the analog inputs, which I do not recommend and above all the ouput stage. The system clock and the DACs power supply are not represented.

At the very center of the system, the main role is played by the DCX2496 : crossover and digital to analog converter.

Mission accomplished !