The Current Relevance of Graphic EQs (in 2-Channel Systems)?

[PearlcorderS701]

I was thinking of adding a two-channel, multi-band graphic EQ to my 2-channel system, running between the CD changer and the receiver (as my Onkyo 8555 has no Tape 2 loop monitor), as in previous systems, I always liked the way the audio sounded "goosed" with an outboard EQ, especially when running in the inaccurate but popular "smiley face curve"...

But, I DO realize this is not the reason EQs were designed for (goosing the frequencies and overall impact of the audio system) and that they're really only supposed to be utilized to correct room issues and the like; my question is, does it make sense to add an EQ to the 2-channel system just for this reason, or should I enjoy 2-channel audio the way I have been with the new 8555, that is, bass and treble controls flat? The system sounds fine like this, but I know the whole output would be "jazzed" greatly by adding an equalizer.

Any thoughts? Anyone else running an EQ in their 2-channel setups?

 

[markw]

Hey, it's your steak.

You can add all the salt, pepper, steak sauce, mushrooms and onions you like.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

You can add all the salt, pepper, steak sauce, mushrooms and onions you like.

Damn it, Mark! Now you got me HUNGRY!!

Seriously though, I realize it colors the sound -- and ironically enough, I feel similarly about my steak; that I do not like any sauce added to it (but sauteed onions are another thing) -- but in terms of "audiophile"-style approaches, would it be "best" to leave an outboard EQ out of the (no pun intended) equation and run the system as-is?

 

[markw]

"Best" is a relative term in this hobby.

One would hope that you would have figured that out by now, what with your participation on this site for some time now.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Okay -- perhaps "best" wasn't the ideal term here, as it is indeed relative, but I don't think heavy positive participation on this forum is a bad thing, eh?

Any other thoughts on graphic EQs at least with regard to 2-channel setups?

 

[AJinFLA]

Seriously though, I realize it colors the sound

A (Behringer) DEQ2496 will not "color" the sound, it will change amplitude at various frequencies....specifically those in need of change, to reduce coloration, i.e. a properly eq'd system will be less "colored" .
Placed between your Cd changer and amplifier and used judiciously, it will make the largest possible improvement to your sound field, outside of better loudspeakers and maybe an unclipped amplifier.
Yes, I have one.

cheers,

AJ

 

[PearlcorderS701]

A (Behringer) DEQ2496 will not "color" the sound, it will change amplitude at various frequencies....specifically those in need of change, to reduce coloration, i.e. a properly eq'd system will be less "colored" .
Placed between your Cd changer and amplifier and used judiciously, it will make the largest possible improvement to your sound field, outside of better loudspeakers and maybe an unclipped amplifier.
Yes, I have one.

cheers,

AJ

Thanks AJ,

I was largely speaking in a general sense of EQ usage, where inappropriate usage of boosting certain frequencies can color a soundstage; of course, there are good ones like the Behringer you cite which will seemingly improve the sound based on how it's utilized...

That said, I would actually like to EQ the entire audio chain going through this amp, not just the CD changer, but my receiver doesn't have a Tape 2 loop -- is there any way around this?

Outside of the Behringer (which is probably out of my budget), would you recommend I look into any of the "generic" AudioControls?

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Yeah, actually, checking out the link you clipped, that Behringer is a beauty, with spectrum analyzer too, but a bit too much for me at three and a half bills; further, I see that the inputs and outputs need to be "RCA adapted"...

 

[AJinFLA]

I was largely speaking in a general sense of EQ usage, where inappropriate usage of boosting certain frequencies can color a soundstage; of course, there are good ones like the Behringer you cite which will seemingly improve the sound based on how it's utilized...

Correct. It's a double edged sword, like any other piece of audio equipment. The potential is there for improvement, or in the wrong hands, disaster.

That said, I would actually like to EQ the entire audio chain going through this amp, not just the CD changer, but my receiver doesn't have a Tape 2 loop -- is there any way around this?

Moving goal posts around eh?
Yes, there is a way around this. Sell the Onkyo for the sonically superior/thru-put featured HK3490..and rip all your music (including LP's) to a HD, dragging yourself kicking and screaming into the 21st century .

would you recommend I look into any of the "generic" AudioControls?

No.

Yeah, actually, checking out the link you clipped, that Behringer is a beauty, with spectrum analyzer too, but a bit too much for me at three and a half bills; further, I see that the inputs and outputs need to be "RCA adapted"...

It's $299 street now. I paid <$200, because the pro market is awash with them, so they pop up used all the time. Monoprice sells sonically transparent RCA<>XLR cables dirt cheap. It also has digital inputs, so you can feed it your CD players digital out...or better yet, HD. It also has analog in for those SACDs. It slices and dices.

cheers,

AJ

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Correct. It's a double edged sword, like any other piece of audio equipment. The potential is there for improvement, or in the wrong hands, disaster.

Indeed.

Moving goal posts around eh?
Yes, there is a way around this. Sell the Onkyo for the sonically superior/thru-put featured HK3490..and rip all your music (including LP's) to a HD, dragging yourself kicking and screaming into the 21st century .

I like Onkyo products and don't want to sell this stereo receiver as I'm very pleased with its build quality and ultimate sonics -- I never cared much for H/K's stuff.

I understand that the H/K has a better feature set -- including digital inputs and processing loops and the like, but I just got the 8555 and like it thus far in overall tactile feel, build and satisfaction. I also have a setup "issue" with running the digital out from my CD changer source -- which I will address below. Your suggestion of "entering the 21st century" while valid and interesting isn't one I am going to indulge in, as I will never rip music "files" to a computer and burn CDs that way -- I do it through a CD recorder...always have (well, in the post-tape deck days) and always will, as long as the technology remains.

So, I'm not givin' up my trusty (and also fairly new) TASCAM pro recorder.

No.

What don't you like about the AudioControls? What about a Rane?

It's $299 street now. I paid <$200, because the pro market is awash with them, so they pop up used all the time. Monoprice sells sonically transparent RCA<>XLR cables dirt cheap. It also has digital inputs, so you can feed it your CD players digital out...or better yet, HD. It also has analog in for those SACDs. It slices and dices.

Interesting on the prices and specs -- however, I do have one limitation in my setup, that being that I use my CD changer's digital out (coax) to feed the TASCAM recorder and my Marantz changer only has one digital output...