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Equalizer...

post #1 of 51
1/4/07 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 
I know most of you here at Head-Fi are very anti-EQ, but does anyone use a graphic equalizer (a real one, not like Rockbox or from the computer) with their system? I'm wondering how well they actually work and if anyone knows of any that can be had for a cheap price in case I want to play around with one.

Thanks.
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post #2 of 51
1/4/07 at 11:16pm
My equalizer made the biggest improvement in sound of any of my equipment. I don't think any system should be without one. Digital equalizers seem to be quite pricey, but a good 31 band pro grade analogue graphic equalizer can be had at eBay for $300 to $500.

If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to share my experiences with equalizers.

See ya
Steve
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post #3 of 51
1/4/07 at 11:35pm
Behringer EQ's are probably the least expensive but I didn't really like a dual 31-band model that I used for several days. If I were to go back to using an EQ I'd get atleast a $200 dbx which I feel are worth almost twice the price. This is an entry level price into pro EQ's.

Buying used would be the best value if you're into buying used, I'm not.
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post #4 of 51
1/4/07 at 11:58pm
Thread Starter 
Oh wow...considering my gear (all pretty entry-level budget stuff), is a 31-band EQ necessary? I was thinking more along the lines of a 10-band one like this...seems pretty popular. Or something even cheaper like this. I didn't really want to spend all that much money on an EQ since I still have some other things I want to add to my setup like a DAC...
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post #5 of 51
1/5/07 at 2:08am
As bigshot already hinted equalization and room treatment make the biggest improvement to sound mostly if you are using speakers and want to correct the room response.

There is also nothing wrong with using an equalizer on a PC. In fact, you might get really high quality for free.

http://www.geocities.jp/webmaster_of...ex.html#lpgeq2


I also use a Behringer DEQ24/96 although completely in the digital domain and find the results very good.

Cheers

Thomas
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post #6 of 51
1/5/07 at 12:15pm
I use a Behringer 2496 between my transport and DAC, but that's only because my room has a seriously bad bass hump at around 40hz (i.e. close on +20db). I'd certainly prefer to not use it, as I'm sure that things would sound better without it in the circuit.

Using the 2496, I've tried auto equalisation, it's not nice. Seems that the less processing conducted on the signal, the better. So I just use a -15db manually entered reduction at 40hz.
One of the most useful aspects of the 2496 is it's ability to measure the room, using a serious of test sweeps. So at least you know where the more obvious issues are, allowing the use of passive solutions for things like bass humps.
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post #7 of 51
1/5/07 at 2:12pm
I have found that using the equalizer in Foobar2000 has a HUGE impact on the perceived sound quality of my headphones. My Sennheiser HD280 equalizer settings completely transform that headphone, in my opinion, from something that sounds pretty awful (compared to speakers) into something that sounds quite enjoyable. I've also been able to improve the sound of my Qualia headphones (with a slightly greater emphasis on midrange) with an equalizer.

In my opinion you will derive much greater benefit from good equalization with headphones (and speakers) than by endless experimentation with components and cables that might bring you slightly better bass, midrange, or high frequencies when used in the right combination. Of course, once you've achieved all you can with equalization, you'll need to start upgrading your hardware again. But start with the software (or relatively inexpensive equalizer hardware), it has far greater bang for the buck.
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post #8 of 51
1/5/07 at 3:52pm
Yes Behringer 2496 for me as well. Balanced my speakers to the room. Jim.
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post #9 of 51
1/5/07 at 5:21pm
Thread Starter 
I use headphones, so "balancing" the sound to my room isn't really a factor. I just want to be able to bring out whatever I find is needed in my current headphones with EQ (which seems like a much easier and much more customizable route than upgrading cables, sources, amps, etc).

I use a CD player as my main source, so I won't be able to use the EQ from my computer. Would a cheap $40 equalizer work fine for headphones?
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post #10 of 51
1/5/07 at 8:14pm
I think the second EQ that you linked would work fine - this one

I've never read anything about that brand but as long as it's not noisy or falls apart you should enjoy experimenting with it. For that price it should be worth it to atleast try out. If you find that you really like to EQ your cans then you could always buy a decent one for $200~$500.
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post #11 of 51
1/5/07 at 11:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrvile View Post
Oh wow...considering my gear (all pretty entry-level budget stuff), is a 31-band EQ necessary? I was thinking more along the lines of a 10-band one like this...seems pretty popular. Or something even cheaper like this. I didn't really want to spend all that much money on an EQ since I still have some other things I want to add to my setup like a DAC...
I would get an equalizer before a DAC. But I'd get a good one if I were you. A 10 band is pretty much a toy. You need all those dials to deal with the spikes and valleys in response.

Also, to the poster concerned about the equalizer adding noise to his system... EQ subtractively, rather than additively and that won't be an issue. My Rane is totally transparent when it's adjusted correctly.

See ya
Steve
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post #12 of 51
1/6/07 at 1:12am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigshot View Post
I would get an equalizer before a DAC. But I'd get a good one if I were you. A 10 band is pretty much a toy. You need all those dials to deal with the spikes and valleys in response.

Also, to the poster concerned about the equalizer adding noise to his system... EQ subtractively, rather than additively and that won't be an issue. My Rane is totally transparent when it's adjusted correctly.

See ya
Steve
Well I can't really afford a nice EQ (or anything) right now. Will a cheap EQ sound significantly worse? I'm pretty much set on getting that $40 since it has the most bands for the lowest price, but it is generic and obviously a pretty cheap unit.
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post #13 of 51
1/6/07 at 1:20am
I have what might be considered a toy, a 14 band Pioneer EQ. I got it on a scratch and dent floor special for like $20 quit some time ago. It makes a pretty big difference in my Sony STRD865 receiver. I've listened to several pairs of speakers with and with out the EQ, and there is no way I would be EQless with this receiver.
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post #14 of 51
1/6/07 at 2:03am
Here's the Behringer 3102 that I used for a very short time. As bigshot mentions, it's best to "EQ subtractively, rather than additively"

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post #15 of 51
1/6/07 at 2:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigshot View Post
EQ subtractively, rather than additively and that won't be an issue. My Rane is totally transparent when it's adjusted correctly.

See ya
Steve
Very interesting. I use a 10dB precut in Rockbox. But it makes sense that I should use a simialr approach in Foobar. My current config does not have precut but... rather than adding 2dB to the 55, 77 and 105 Hz bands, I should leave them flat and subtract 2dB of gain everywhere else. Does that sound right?
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