DBX 5BX-DS DYNAMIC RANGE CONTROLLER

[OLDSKOOL916]

Hey all, I am new to this site but liked how there is quite a bit of info on my old school gear. I am a die hard DBX user and acquired most of my gear while in Japan some years ago. I have the BX-3 AMP, CX-3 PREAMP and an ADC SS-525X EQ... I have been looking for a DBX 5BX-DS for the last year and finally found one. I guess my question is ....how much is one of these units worth. The ad is for $1700.00....that seemed really high...so maybe someone could give me some feed back ....this unit would complete my system and enable me to do more with my sound quality....here's the ad I saw ......

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281874921886?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

let me know ....thanks

 

[soundmotor]

...on my old school gear. ,,,I have the BX-3 AMP, CX-3 PREAMP

That is the last gasp of dBx consumer gear. I had the CX-1/TX-1 combo, neat stuff.

5BX-DS bring top dollar but I think that is optimistically high. Even with the original packing & remote.

 

[OLDSKOOL916]

thanks, soundmotor....I am thinking about making an offer...what do you think would be reasonable?

 

[swechsler]

FWIW, a set of 4 DBX components, including this one, closed at $1435 in October. IMO you're paying collector value rather than actual functional/quality value, but if that's what you're after, more power to you.

 

[sKiZo]

^ ^ ^ What he said ^ ^ ^ <G>

Your call, but I think what would be more reasonable is going with a 3BX for a whole lot less dollars, and not a lot less performance. There's something to be said about the sound quality of the older analog units - I've always been pretty amazed with mine. $200-350 seems to be the going range on those currently.

One thing I'm sure you're aware of ... dbx's micro switches tend to get flakey over time and are a PITA to clean. You can almost expect to hear noise when switching on any used unit.

* Main difference I'd think is the DS units have "impact restoration". Way I understand it, this affects only the low 20-50hz band. I think I get pretty much the same thing using a dbx BoomBox as well as the 3BX to add punch ... only better, as that's also adjustable to the source AND can synth any missing bass at least one octave lower than what's present AND allows you to control the amount of synth injection. I also don't see the point in the memory feature ... Mine has been pretty much locked in at one setting for 30 years now with just very slight tweaks to the sliders for some material. I also haven't had much luck with memory features ... they tend to go away when you least expect them to ... so take copious notes!

 

[OLDSKOOL916]

Thanks for the info. I looked into the 3BX and that will be a last resort. I really wanted the 5BX...but the cost is crazy....I am willing to offer 1k...but that is because I am looking to complete my set and I guess there is a bit of collector value in what I am trying to do....

 

[swechsler]

One other thing to keep in mind: old digitally-controlled electronics do not age well in that they are difficult to find someone willing to repair, and some parts may be unobtanium.

 

[sKiZo]

Same could be said for most any equipment with ICs in them, but dbx does seem to go out of their way to make it difficult for a restorer. Lot of customized chips, and if they're stock items, they still tend to be custom labeled ...

They're not all that helpful with schematics if you're trying to locate a generic substitute either.

 

[soundmotor]

I guess there is a bit of collector value in what I am trying to do....

The dBx collector is an increasingly rare breed like the okapi.

Keep that in mind when you have the inevitable "What the hell was I thinking?" buyer's-remorse moment.

As an aside, I loved my 3BX-DS and never should have sold it. (Poorly considered, not thought through.)