Equalization: Suggestions For Leveling The Playing Field?

First of all, damn, I hope I can get used to this new, updated forum. I always enjoyed using the search feature most of all in the past, but so far, I'm 100% unsuccessful with my searches. I've even entered information which I'm positive should yield results, but no such luck. That's all of my bitching for now--after all, this is my favorite site on the internet.

To the main point of my post: I currently have a modest set-up. Just the standard pair of speakers, a late 70s receiver, a DVD player serving as my CD player, and I'm about to add a TT very soon (I'm still checking it out). I want to know if you folks have any suggestions for an eq I can add to my system. Once in a blue moon (sarcasm greatly implied) I'll throw a CD onto the plate, and it may have a slightly irritating/trebly boost to it. Shocking, isn't it? I figured an eq would assist me in smoothing out this occasional problem.

I'll periodically encounter a compact disc which may not have enough low end for my tastes as well. Here again, I'm thinking an eq could assist me somewhat.

Any suggestions on a modest EQ that I could purchase to help me with these "problems?" I'm strongly considering buying these Grover interconnects that I'm reading so much about, so since money is tight, I don't have the funds for some expensive equalizer that can perform miracles. Just something that can basically get the job done for the time being.

Although I'm always on the lookout for some lucky finds here & there, I'm probably 2/3 years away from significantly upgrading any of my equipment. What I have now is more or less what I'll be working with.

Thanks to all of you in advance.

MJM

 

You people are a wealth of information. No suggestions on an eq, or some eq info to assist me? Just in case, I thought I'd bump this MoFo.

MJM

 

An EQ is just what you need for the problem you describe. I wouldn't be without one. Essential when I do compilation CD-R's to get a more consistent sound and correct the egregious EQ's some producers build into their CD's and think sounds good - especially on reissues of older material.

Anyway, mass merchandizers have Yamaha and other such EQ's available in the $200 neighborhood which should do the job you're looking for. You don't need a thousand-dollar parametric contraption for that. But by the same token, stay away from the $99 junk. If you can swing it, I strongly suggest you move up to the Audio Control C101, available for $400 and change last time I checked. It can make a very major improvement in what you hear. It's a 10-band unit - info and photo available at audiocontrol.com. I'm quite happy with mine.

 

Eq

hey MJM,

Sorry for the delay...I wasn't sure how to respond to your "budgetary concerns." How much is "Too Much?" Anyway, here are a few ideas...

Do you want a parametric EQ? Or just something like a 10-band graphic? Casino has some good suggestions, above...

The least expensive parametric EQ I would feel comfortable recommending is the Speck ASC...a MONO 4-band parametric equalizer, at about $550. Note that you need two of them for stereo EQ...and now we're talking about $1100...

Ouch. (I'm thinking about putting together a budget mastering setup at home, and these are on my list.) Any suggestions, Steve?

Too expensive? How about the Rane PE-15 or 17...mono 5-band parametric EQ at about $299 or $399 each? Again, you need two of them...

Still too much? Look at some used gear...the Orban 624 or 642 is a STEREO 4-band parametric in a 2-space rack mount case...should be $500 or less...

Check out your local "pre-owned dreams" Hi-Fi Emporium...I saw a monster of a Technics 10-band stereo graphic down there on Audio Row for less than $200...I may have to grab it, just because...

best of luck,

 

HZ was looking for an EQ recently.

You should check out TL Audio stuff. It's tube (hybrid), it's decent and it's cheap.

http://www.macmidimusic.com/level.itml/icOid/1301

 

Thanks guys. For my current set-up, I was hoping to stay in the $300 price range. However, I can swing $400-$500 for my needs right now if it'll make a huge difference, so that's basically where I stand. The whole "parametric eq" topic really interests me, and although I've read bits & pieces about it over the past few years, my limited knowledge on the subject is quite obvious.

I appreciate the responses. If you have anything else to add, please do so.

MJM

 

Hi MJM --

The search feature is offline right now - I need to reindex the 500,000 posts that we have, and it'll take a few hours and will bog the server down something terrible, so I've been delaying it.

jeff

 

Thanks for the reply Holy Zoo. I completely understand. I started to believe I was going crazy, or suddenly didn't know how to use a search feature. I can't really complain, since you guys do a nice job here, but the search feature on this site is a great tool. This is definitely my favorite site online, PERIOD!

MJM

 

yeah, I have something to add. I think you'll find many of your sonic problems would vanish or greatly diminish if you spent the money on a decent CD player, such as NAD's new 542.

An equaliser in most hi-fi systems is a band-aid. Fix the problem instead of trying to cover it up. (You'll enjoy your music more, too!)

 

hey Michael,

no disrespect, but I believe MJM is looking for anEQ to help fix bad sounding CDs...(i.e., mastering)...and NOT looking for an EQ to help fix a bad-sounding ROOM...(a "band-aid," as you say.)

(You and I know that Room EQ is a BAD IDEA...and Steve himself has told us so...many times.)

Your suggestion of a better CD player is a good one; though in this case it may help a bad disc sound BETTER...there are some discs out there that just need MORE HELP...and Steve can't do everything...

peace,

 

Agree with GT40. What we're talking about is not fixing up or applying a "band-aid" to a poor-sounding system. There are scads of no-bass, harsh, shrill and topend "tizzy" Cd's out there. AND THEY WILL SOUND BAD ON THE BEST OF SYSTEMS. An EQ can work wonders on those many discs produced by tin-eared producers and "mastering engineers."

 

Oh So Sad

Yes, exactly, Casino. That was my thought from the start. I have some CD's that literally make me want to cry. I'll really enjoy the selection of music on these CD's, but the mastering will DEVASTATE me!

MJM

 

I agree with Michael. Spend the money on improving the system as a whole. Put that $400 to one side and get yourself a plan.

I understand that some CDs "make me want to cry" but the hard-edged digital sound is being made far worse by the cheap DVD player (as your CD player) and the late '70s receiver. Resist the urge to waste money on another component in the chain.

You say you are thinking of buying a cheap turntable too. This may actually sound better through your old receiver than what you have now, but how many records do you own compared to CDs?

It's probably true that the Grover i/c may help relieve the edge. Since you can return them if you don't like them, that seems like a good step.

 

Well, not be be insulting, but considering MJM's system I don't think he'd see any negative impact with an EQ, and probably would see some benefit. I agree with Geoff that I'd start saving up for better, so that I could replace the receiver with an integrated and the speakers at the same time. But if you really want an EQ, I'd say go for it. You could look into the Behringer line of EQ devices. Most are unser $400. Here's a nice looking Yamaha on Audiogon: http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?misceqal&1081123780 for a shade over $200. Mr. Juki is a very reputable seller, from what I have read.

John K.

 

Got some of those myself MJM. There's where the EQ will help. Nothing wrong with upgrading the rest of the system as well, but the best CD player made and the best cables in the world will not help correct a bad CD. An EQ will. I've made CD-R's of discs where I've cut or boosted bass and/or treble and without a doubt, they sound better than the original "offending" disc.

So the bottom line is: if you're trying to get great CD's to sound their best, upgrade your components. BUT your original post had to do with the harsh, trebly discs we've all come across - and for that an EQ will help immensely. Cables and such won't do it.

 

Thank you all once again... You've given me plenty to ponder during this weekend. I always appreciate the responses from the forum.

MJM