Need Advise on Equalizer to Existing System

[blodg8]

Hi All,

I currently have a Denon AV3803 reciever and currently using this receiver to Power five Klispch RF series speakers and a pre-out Subwoofer.

My Main Two is the Klipsch RF-25. everytime I listen to Music and running it thru the Denon it sounds under-powered or my Treble is not high enough. I decided to get an Equalizer so I can control the tones. Is there a Brand and model that you guys would recommend? I'm on a budget so please give me some Brand names and model that I can look into. Don't know much about Equalizer. If there is site or forum I can read pls advise. My Denon doesn't have any Balances connection in that back but would like to have that for future upgrades. thanks.

 

[no. 5]

what about turning the treble tone control up?

 

[markw]

I don't really think you can incorporate an equalizer into your receiver. You need a way out of the receiver and a way back in, right where you took the signal out.

In olden days, this could be accomplished via an "external processor loop" or a "tape loop"* but these have disappeared on today's HT receivers.

you could conceivably connect it to the "pre-out" of your front channels but, not having any way to return the signal to your internal power amps, you will need to get hold of an external power amp.

*this is not the same as the jacks labelled "tape out" and "tape in" on today's receivers. ...big difference.

 

[Nuglets]

It doesn't seem like an equalizer will help your situation anyways. There is probably a better explanation as to why your sound is muffled. Maybe placement, connected wrong, receiver set up wrong, speaker's not very good, etc. If you give a bit more information we may be able to narrow it down and help you improve what you have.

 

[Methodical]

Blodg8, I too felt like you do/did. However, all I wanted to do was EQ my 2 front main speakers for music. Here's what I did. I purchased 3 behringer amps; I bridged the front L/R channel speakers and the center channel speakers - one amp each channel. I incorporated a Behringer EQ (FBQ3102 into my system by connecting the Front L/Rs preouts to the EQ and from the EQ to the Amps. Sounds good to me. I have not had time to use my SPL meter and Rives CD to test and measure my system yet - kids and wife at home and I can't do all that I want yet. But they will not be here at home next week so that's probably when I go to work. Got 2 weeks off of work 'til 1/8th.

Amps - $179
EQ - $129

Parts express, ZZounds (free shipping)

 

[blodg8]

Blodg8, I too felt like you do/did. However, all I wanted to do was EQ my 2 front main speakers for music. Here's what I did. I purchased 3 behringer amps; I bridged the front L/R channel speakers and the center channel speakers - one amp each channel. I incorporated a Behringer EQ (FBQ3102 into my system by connecting the Front L/Rs preouts to the EQ and from the EQ to the Amps. Sounds good to me. I have not had time to use my SPL meter and Rives CD to test and measure my system yet - kids and wife at home and I can't do all that I want yet. But they will not be here at home next week so that's probably when I go to work. Got 2 weeks off of work 'til 1/8th.

Amps - $179
EQ - $129

Parts express, ZZounds (free shipping)

Hi All & Methodics,

I did turn up the tone and it is max at +10 for Treble. some how it is still muffled. I hear more of the bass end then the treble.

here is my setup:

I have the 5 speakers and all are connected to the Denon AVR3803. My main are connected and when I use it for playing Music like those Karaoke dvd's it doesn't sound too good. now, does it sounds like I'm having an underpower Pre-amp receiver powering my Main? Also, wouldn't the pre-out be the connection for sending signal out to Equal and back into the Denon for better sounds? some mentioned that the newer receiver had eliminate that and is there another way of connecting it?

Hey Methodics,
how do you setup yours with the Berhinger A500 and the Behringer FBQ3102? The A500 has the balanced XLR, is there any difference with regualr connection like the rca cable? the reason why I'm asking is that I want to get the better sound and does Balanced XLR helps. My whole reason to get this sound better is for mostly Karaoke and music. Also, I might add in some wireless microphone system. will just an equalizer work for that or do i need the amp also? or should I just get the amp first then the equalizer later? please help. did I missed anything? please ask. thanks

 

[Nick250]

Room treatments provided the best improvement in sound quality if you are willing to take that path.

Nick

 

[highfihoney]

This problem is a new one for me,usually people with horn speakers ask how to turn down the highs because they are too bright especially klipsch owners,are you 100% sure you have the speaker wires connected in their proper phase & that there isnt a setting somewhere within the recievers set up menu that is not right,before you spend any money on an eq you should investigate for proper set up & to see if the tweeters are damaged.

 

[AVRat]

It does sound like a tweeter issue. A few things to try.
1) Do you have a set of bookshelf speakers that you can try instead of the 25s?
2) On the 25s, try connecting the speaker wires to the top two terminals on the speaker.
3) Disconnect the connecting straps between the terminals and use only the top two terminals on the speaker to see if the tweeters are working properly.

 

[Nick250]

You may find something of use from the Audioholics setup section:

Tips to Combat Loudspeaker & System Brightness​

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/loudspeakers/systembrightnessloudspeake.php

Nick

 

[blodg8]

It does sound like a tweeter issue. A few things to try.
1) Do you have a set of bookshelf speakers that you can try instead of the 25s?
2) On the 25s, try connecting the speaker wires to the top two terminals on the speaker.
3) Disconnect the connecting straps between the terminals and use only the top two terminals on the speaker to see if the tweeters are working properly.

Thanks AVrat & Nick. I will give it a shot tonight. I doubt my connection is wired wrong. Its currently connected with the top terminal with the strap on. I will try the top terminal only without the strap and see if my tweeters work. I'm pretty sure it works though. How can I tell if it doesn't? Also, I don't have another bookshelves speakers but I have a pair of a Mini System that I have laying around. However, I don't want to connect to my Denon because it might blow it out with too much wattage to it. What do you guys think? I really think an EQ will help tho. The reason why I know is that my Cousin has a pair of AR Mains and he is running from a Pioneer Integrated Receiver. (its pretty old model) He also has a EQ and his Treble is so high and clear. is it because his speakers are better? do I need a better Speakers? If so, what speakers should I get that I can use for Music and Karaoke. I'm sort of in a budget so please give me some list of speakers. thanks all for the advise. I'll post back with my results of testing tonight.

 

[blodg8]

I don't really think you can incorporate an equalizer into your receiver. You need a way out of the receiver and a way back in, right where you took the signal out.

In olden days, this could be accomplished via an "external processor loop" or a "tape loop"* but these have disappeared on today's HT receivers.

you could conceivably connect it to the "pre-out" of your front channels but, not having any way to return the signal to your internal power amps, you will need to get hold of an external power amp.

*this is not the same as the jacks labelled "tape out" and "tape in" on today's receivers. ...big difference.

Hi Mark,

I think my receiver has the VCR in and out will that work.

 

[AVRat]

The Mini system speakers should work fine to see if the receiver’s doing something that affects the highs. How does your center sound? By connecting to just the tweets you’ll see 1) if they’re working at all and 2) what they sound like without bass/midrange. It’s hard to believe both tweets would be defective, but it’s possible. Regarding the EQ, the VCR in/outs won’t work either. As I stated recently to another member and Markw restated earlier, generally these days, the EQ needs to go between the pre-amp/receiver and outboard amp or source and pre-amp/receiver.

 

[no. 5]

Also, I don't have another bookshelves speakers but I have a pair of a Mini System that I have laying around. However, I don't want to connect to my Denon because it might blow it out with too much wattage to it.

as long as the mini systems speakers are of an inpedence that the Denon can handle you should be fine.

 

[markw]

Well, good luck then.

Hi Mark,

I think my receiver has the VCR in and out will that work.

I have no idea what that is, but I wish you well.

 

[no. 5]

I have no idea what that is, but I wish you well.

I think he's talking about a AV loop, of corse those are ment for recording.

 

[markw]

Again, good luck.

I think he's talking about a AV loop, of corse those are ment for recording.

But, you do know that merely having an output and an input does not necessarially a "loop" make, don't you?

of corse you did, right?

Here's an excerpt from crutchfield. If this thing fits the description then he's good to go.

"Q: Do all receivers have inputs and outputs for connecting my external equalizer?

A: No. To enable use with all of your A/V components, EQs (and other external sound processors) require that the audio signal flow out of the receiver, through the equalizer, then back into the receiver before it's amplified and sent to your speakers. To add an equalizer to your system, you'll need a receiver with either a tape monitor loop or a preamp-level output/main-in loop. Look for a front-panel button on your receiver labelled "Tape Monitor," or preamp-out/main-in jacks on the back panel to make sure a graphic EQ will work with your system.

If your receiver doesn't have a tape monitor or preamp-in/main-out loop, you can still connect a graphic EQ for use with one specific component in your system. If you want to use the EQ with a cassette deck, for example, just connect your cassette deck's output to the EQ's input, and the EQ's output to the tape input on the back panel of your receiver. You'll then be able to equalize the sound of any tape you play. "

...end of quote

Here's the whole shooin' match, just in case ther are any other questions. I believe in attributing my sources

http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/learningcenter/home/receivers_faq.html

 

[no. 5]

But, you do know that merely having an output and an input does not necessarially a "loop" make, don't you?

was that ment for me?

 

[markw]

Yes.

was that ment for me?

But, in all fairness, it seems that you're not the only one around here who could benefit from understanding what it said.

 

[no. 5]

But, you do know that merely having an output and an input does not necessarially a "loop" make, don't you?

of corse you did, right?

um, yes I did (I should have posted that sooner ).

it's just that I have always heard the recording output and input refered to as an "A/V loop".