Bob Burwen imparts his knowledge

Cdwallace3,...

Equalization is used to tailor signal coloration

My understanding of equalizers - they allow you to  augment or boost one or more of  a defined set of frequency ranges. Whereas coloration can be a far more complex and intricate scenario.

Or am I missing something 😞

Did anyone understand what he meant by "Frequency Response"?

Is it simply having a FR from 20-20k? (or greater)

Or does it also include the the actual "shape" of the waveform? Which I consider another aspect of frequency "response"

What do I mean? - if you take a perfect sine-wave and feed it into different amps the actual shape of the output waveform will vary slightly, dependent on the circuitry and parts used in the amp

- if the circuit has a "fast" response, the output waveform will be closer to the original.
-whereas if the circuit has a "slower" response the waveform will not be as accurately reproduced, resulting in a tonal variation,

One "metric" often talked about in audio circles that demonstrates this aspect is PRAT. The term I prefer to use is "Dynamic Performance".

e.g.- the ability to reproduce the "crack of a rim shot requires extremely fast dynamic performance in an amp - which means the waveform has been reproduced more faithfully. Some amps do not sound as "crisp" as others.

I have also observed this type of tonal variation when using different cables of all types - i.e. IC’s, speaker and power cables. But he believes cables do not add any value? (Hmmm.)

Then there were his rather generalized observations pertaining to speakers - where he did not mention anything about the tonal variations from one speaker to the next that are dependent on so many factors, such as driver choice, cross over design, cabinet design and materials used.
- so if I hear him correctly, an equalizer will make all speakers sound alike?
- I don’t think he thought this one out too clearly either

I do believe that this hobby if far more complex than the rather simplified observations Mr. Burwen has talked about - but if they work for him, so be it.

But he does sound a bit like Donald Trump - "It’s all fake!!!"

For the rest of us - the truth is out there :-)

BTW - this is just another opinion.

clearthink...

" Coloration is a deviation from a desired response. "

I would go even further...

" Coloration is a deviation from what was recorded." 

So how does one know exactly what the original track "should" sound like - since the sound engineer can "adjust" the final product to their will.

My approach - I have played several instruments over the years, to the point where their sound has become "ingrained" in my brain.

What if you have never played a musical instrument?
- seek out some live performances
- try to listen to a soloist
- Orchestral performances in small venues are good if not amplified

Has my system ever reproduced what was recorded - I would never be so bold as to make that claim, but it seems close enough to allow me to appreciate the more subtle nuances of the music and the venue.

WRT...

So to Mr. Burwen's claim that we just need an equalizer to insure proper performance - that's simplistic to the point of being just wrong

I have to agree in this case - he's dumb'd it down to make a point

As fore the statement from cdwallace3

.but it IS far too often overlooked - most times intentionally for a number of "audiophile purist" reasons

I guess I can see this point to some extent...you've read it right here on this forum - a person that is looking  for
-  a warmer sounding speaker 
- a speaker with a more dominant mid or high end
- a cable that will improve a specific frequency range

They may spend $$$ to replace a component, cable or speakers when an EQ might just do the job.

Having said that, I believe all electronic components colour the sound  - so introducing yet another component into the audio path, simply to augment a frequency range is not something I'd consider to be the best approach.

Not to mention the cost of all the additional cables.

Regards...

cdwallace3 - OK now I see where YOU are going with this. I assume you would use an SPL meter to determine output levels at the various frequency ranges.

I agree though that a "methodize’d approach" as you describe, should get you a pretty flat response. 

However - Mr Burwen seems to use his ears - from his web site...

Using 12 of the sliders above, on the screen of a notebook PC, you balance to your taste the tone and ambiance of
any 1 to 8 channel program source played through all your speakers .

Depending on what location you conduct the setup (e.g. at the speaker of at the listening position) you may still suffer standing waves, which I am not sure that an EQ will solve because they tend to be at a very narrow frequency range.

Perhaps this thread will inspire the owners of an EQ to test YOUR approach and let us know if they preferred the sound they had compared to the sound as adjusted, by their ears.

I think there will always be a "divide" as to what people believe makes a difference. Do companies commit a "fraud" or can they scientifically prove their products make a difference?

It really is up to the individual to perform their own "Due Diligence" and the assess the perceived value of any product.

However - I still consider much of what Mr’ Burmen’s states in his sound bite to be more like -  "mis-information".

EXAMPLE - His ridicule of the difference cables can make is one area where I have observed significant improvements in sound quality - so for me - many of his comments seem to be based more on conjecture than fact.

But again - Different strokes for different folks :-)

Thanks for the enlightenment.