Question about equalizers

[squire.10@osu.e]

I just purchased a Rane SSE 35 Home Theater Equalizer on eBay (only $140 after shipping!). Maybe I should have done more research before bidding, because I'm not really even sure I'll be able to use it in my system. So, can anyone tell me if I am going to be able to use it with my Onkyo TX-SR503? I was planning to buy analog audio interconnects to run from the 5.1 analog outputs on my DVD player to the Rane, and then an additional set connecting the equalizer to the receiver. Is this going to work, or do I need to have more of a component setup, i.e., a separate preamp/processor and power amp? Thanks for the help. If it doesn't work, you'll probably see a Rane SSE 35 back on eBay pretty quick!

 

[zildjian]

That should work, but it will only eq the signal from the input source (in your case the DVD player) that you run through the eq to the receiver. Other signal sources that aren't running through the eq before going to your receiver will remain uneq'ed.

That's a big limitation that 99% of new receivers have IMO; the lack of preamp outs and main in's, and also the lack of a tape-monitor loop.

You are right in that a separate preamp and external amplifier would not have this problem, but those start at a price point higher than many want to spend.

Receiver designers: Bring back preamp outs and main in's!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

You will only be able to eq two channels, in analog. You cannot eq a digital surround source before it hits a surround AVR - unless you use a "fake" dsp mode like 7 channel surround. You may be able to eq the subwoofer from the rca "out" of the AVR to the eq, then "in" to the subwoofer input.

The proper way to setup that eq is to place it between an AVR and a separate surround amplifier. That way you can eq all channels after digital decoding has taken place.

AVR tape loops don't work on newer surround AVR's because of the analog/digital switching modes. You can loop a two channel analog signal, but not a surround digital signal. That is the reason you don't see tape monitor buttons on newer AVR's.

 

[zildjian]

This model of Eq allows you to adjust the front 3 channels: left, center, and right channels, as well as output to a left & right sub if you desire.

Since he's using the 5.1 analog outputs on his DVD player to the Ranethe eq, the DVD player is doing all the decoding via it internal decoder and just sending the decoded analog signals through the eq then to the AVR. Just by reading your post, it sounds like this is how you have it set up, isn't it?

Again, you'll only be able to eq that one source, the dvd player, in this type set up, and you won't be able to eq the surround channels.

Again, Receiver designers, Bring back preamp outs and main in's! or at least stereo (of course analog) source tape loops!
Brad

 

[squire.10@osu.e]

Zildjian--You've pretty much nailed down what I intend to do. I realize that I won't be able to eq other sources, but that's ok right now because my DVD player functions as my CD player for the system. 2-channel stereo music listiening is my biggest concern, and I was more than happy to win this auction as this eq more than meets my needs. The only other sources I'm using include a Nintendo GameCube and occasionally my little brother's iPod. I don't yet have digital cable--or even a cable box with A/V outputs--so I still have to watch TV sans home theater setup. That sucks, but I'm not ready to spend the extra money each month for digital cable--maybe soon. I figure that I probably could run other sources through the equalizer if I were to get RCA Y-adapters from Radio Shack or something, but I'm not sure how well this would work. I'm relatively new to home theater and audio, but I'm quickly finding out that half the fun is doing a bunch of ridiculous tinkering and Holy Grail upgrading. Now I have to make the investment in 2-1/2 sets of audio analog interconnects. A single full set at Blue Jeans Cable is still like $80!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Now I have to make the investment in 2-1/2 sets of audio analog interconnects. A single full set at Blue Jeans Cable is still like $80!

Seems like a lot. Try this place.

http://www.cablewholesale.com/

 

[corey]

I still have to watch TV sans home theater setup.

No you don't, just run the audio out from your TV to your receiver.

 

[squire.10@osu.e]

No, won't work. My TV has no outputs--only inputs. It's a 19" Panasonic POS. HDTV someday...