Can components in the chain kill sound quality?

[LobsterSan]

I got to thinking about equalizers (graphic and parametric), and despite the lengthy debate about the changes to the sonic spectrum they make (which can be seen in an interesting thread here ), do componenets like that degrade the audio signal very much? The way I currently have my rig set up is for convenience, and I also run my audio through a yamaha stereo/home theatre receiver (so I can have multiple sources and so those sources can also come through my speakers with little hassle). Using say the tape out RCA connects to an amp, and having my CD player coming in from the CD IN RCA connects, would the yamaha color or degrade the signal to a noticeable level? How about going through the yamaha and a graphic equalizer? Even with primo RCA connect cables? Of course... I guess I could always just try and see for myself... but I thought I'd be lazy and just post and stir discussion.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

From my experience, which is somewhat leimited I'll admit, the mreo expensive theequipment, the more revealing it is of additional components. But, when using lesser priced stuff it makes absolutely no difference!! Until you start getting into equipement and components for a speaker system that costs in the thousands they just aren't revealing enough to tell the difference. Headphone systems can be much more revealing for a lot less money, so if this includes a headphone system I would be a little more careful. If not, plug it in and enjoy.

OBTW, I spent a lot of money on some speakers a while ago and added a 15 band EQ to the loop. I could never tell the difference in sound when it was in or out of the loop!

Once again, just my .02 worth, no flames please

 

[elnero]

I'm afraid you really shouldn't generalize like that. Sure in some cases you won't hear a difference and others you will. In some cases you may not hear a difference while someone else will.

Every added piece to the chain is going to add it's own sonic signature to the sound in one way or another. It's a matter of trade offs convienence vs. sound quality. If the sound is not degraded to a level you feel detrimental to the experience than convenience is the way to go. If your looking for the ultimate in quality then I would minimize components and go for the most direct route.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Elnero,

True, but his question was does it DEGRADE the audio signal, not change or add to it! His thread's title is "kill" the sound. I would not argue in the least that everything added will add it's own signature, only a fool would, but will it actually degrade it, or make it sound bad, is another matter all together. As I stated, the better the components the more sensitive they are to degredation when things are added in the chain.

But, as Elnero aptly stated, LobsterSan will have to A/B the sound before and after adding something to see if he can detect anything degrading the signal USING HIS EQUIPMENT.

 

[LobsterSan]

Quote:

Originally posted by ServinginEcuador But, as Elnero aptly stated, LobsterSan will have to A/B the sound before and after adding something to see if he can detect anything degrading the signal USING HIS EQUIPMENT.

True true... I guess I was just wondering what other people's experiences with doing so were. When I get my supermini v3 I'll do some A/B testing and give an account of my trials.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Quote:

Originally posted by LobsterSan True true... I guess I was just wondering what other people's experiences with doing so were. When I get my supermini v3 I'll do some A/B testing and give an account of my trials.

Make sure to post them here so we can read about it and update our opinion about adding components. I hope I'm right and your stuff sounds awesome!!!

 

[elnero]

My lord how nit picky can we get.

Changing or adding to the audio signal IS distorting/degrading it in one form or another. Any component added to the chain whether it be an amplifier, cable, or EQ will all add something to the sound, thus distorting/degrading it. That's why components sound different from one another.

I don't think you can generalize that lesser priced stuff will not reveal distortion/degradation to the sound. To me that's just a silly statement to make. I've heard lots of low budget systems that were plenty revealing. Whether you yourself can hear the differences is another story.

I personally feel that if your looking for the ultimate in sound quality then you want to keep the chain as simple as possible using only components that you feel add to the sound in an acceptable fashion. The best solution for me is Source -> interconnect -> amplifier (no tone controls, just a volume and selector switch if necessary) -> headphones. Adding things like an EQ to me are unnecessary additions that will have a detrimental effect on the audio signal, if for some reason you feel you need one and the trade off in degraded sound is acceptable to you then go for it.

 

[fredpb]

Depends on your equipment and cabling.

Take an equalizer to a fancy audio store, where they are really audio snobs, and see if they will demo their stuff for you with and without equalizer. Or just listen to their stuff.


You will hear a difference, if your ears are capable, and trained.

 

[dougli]

Degrade: to lower in rank, grade or status. This is not what I would say happens to the sound when I include either of my EQ's in my headphone rig. Rather, it is what happens to the sound when I listen after removing the EQ. I have spent a fair amount of time, and OK, a little bit of money, optimizing my rig's sound by incorporating an EQ. It's just my opinion, of course, and they're just my ears, but I think the improvements have been well worth it all.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Quote:

Originally posted by dougli Degrade: to lower in rank, grade or status. This is not what I would say happens to the sound when I include either of my EQ's in my headphone rig. Rather, it is what happens to the sound when I listen after removing the EQ. I have spent a fair amount of time, and OK, a little bit of money, optimizing my rig's sound by incorporating an EQ. It's just my opinion, of course, and they're just my ears, but I think the improvements have been well worth it all.

Doug,

I'm glad to hear that it works out for you to have the EQ in your system!! A general statement like everything you add degrades the sound is a little too general. As with all things, try it in YOUR system, verify it with YOUR ears, and see if it fits YOUR tastes!! No other opinion matters but your own. I used to love having an EQ in my system to add or take away some of the music as my tastes called for. I generally love lots of bass, so I added a good 6db or so to the 31.5 and 63Hz bands to make it more enjoyable since I had no subwoofer it was necessary and enjoyable to me.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

I will never use an equalizer, mediocre pre-amp, or even crossfeed circuitry in my system, ever! I believe there are just times when less is best.

 

[dougli]

That's what I like about these forums. People with quite different approaches to listening techniques, coming together to amicably discuss and debate their shared passion.

But only one of us can be right

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Quote:

Originally posted by CRESCENDOPOWER I will never use an equalizer, mediocre pre-amp, or even crossfeed circuitry in my system, ever! I believe there are just times when less is best.

Sounds great Crescendo!!! Considering your system I wouldn't WANT to add anything in the music stream other than my head to see what it sounds like!!!!!!! There are those who devoutly swear by EQs, and there are those who wouldn't touch 'em. That's why were not issued one at birth, we choose whether or not we want to add one to our system, and go with that decision.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Quote:

Originally posted by dougli But only one of us can be right

Neither of us is wrong, or right.

 

[dougli]

Quote:

Originally posted by CRESCENDOPOWER Neither of us is wrong, or right.

I know. I just thought I'd stir it up a little. The truth is relative in this area of life. The proof is in how pleasing things sound to each individual. And it never ceases to amaze me just how different the same setup can sound to 2 different people.