Equalizer for Model 19 (or any)??

[v847]

Hey Gang,
Do any of you run an EQ with your stereo system? If so, what are you using.
Looking for a good quality EQ that won't degrade my setup.
Also looking for something that is designed for home use...No rack ears etc.
Thanks,
V

[wilcal]

> Do any of you run an EQ with your stereo system?

Yes, and no. If you consider an active subwoofer
crossover (24db/octive slope) an EQ filter which
essentially it is then yes. But beyond the first
octave ( 20Hz -> 40Hz ) no.

> Looking for a good quality EQ that won't
> degrade my setup.

IMO none exist at any price. There have been some
pretty good EQ boxes offered over the years. To
do it right requires active circuitry. The really
good ones used discrete circuitry, the Radio Shack
variety used OpAmps. There are some pretty good
OpAmps and some folk will debate that those OpAmps
are better then discrete circuits.

Bottom line is that any filters will introduce
phase shift. And when you do that in narrow
parts of the audio band you produce at a minimum
phase distortion and likely both phase distortion
and harmonic distortion.

There were some vacuum tube EQ boxes built in
the 50's and 60's they "sounded better" but they
did that because being vacuum tubes they introduced
2nd order harmonic distortion which to 98% of the
listening public makes the sound "better" more "open"
and "warmer". Bottom line it's distortion.

Deliquist built an active EQ box for the DQ-10's
years ago that used polystyrene nonpolorized caps
and active circuitry. Those things are long gone
but probably the best EQ sub filters built. There
continues to be an on going interest in rebuilding
the DQ-10/EQ Box combos. The combo sounds better
then 99.9% of the consumer stuff found today at
any price.

> Also looking for something that is designed for
> home use...No rack ears etc.

The pro audio industry is awash with notch filters,
boosters, faders, echo boxa or whatever. Pretty much
all of those are for mixer board installs or racks.

The era of the home EQ box is long since gone.
Take a stroll next Saturday up and down your
blocks garage sales. You may stumble across
something fun to play with.

Wilcal

[just me now]

hello -- long time lurker, first time post -- I know you said no rack ears but just to chime in....

I use White 4400 EQs -- they are beautiful sounding.... and I hear that White is discontinuing them, there is a "deal" on the last several units they have in stock.....

FYI --
Urei 1620 main out to
White 4400s to
Altec 1590A and 1590C to
Altec Model 19s

Urei 1620 booth out to
Heathkit A151 to
Altec model 75 bookshelfs

[Jim Easley]

I disagree. With the advent of DSP solutions phase error just does not occur. In fact even with active analog e.q. this phase shift is only problematic if used in excess. Equalization cannot correct for poor equipment but it can go a long way to integrate your system to the room.

There are a number of companies that provide excellent equipment at reasonable cost. If your needs require a significant amount of e.q. go the DSP route. Check the equipment from Ashley, DBX or Behringer.