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Equalization for vinyl nirvana

Hi all,

I have a question for the Audiogon and vinyl community: do you think equalization is helpful for getting good results with vinyl playback? I ask because I'm a vinyl newbie. Recently added a nice turntable and phono preamp to my rig and have slowly been collecting the recommended audiophile jazz, blues and rock albums that I like. But with few exceptions, most of the time I'm underwhelmed by the results. Lack of bass and midrange fullness is usually the problem. Sure, I could look for another amplifier, subwoofer, better cables... but I think a simpler, more affordable solution would be to get some Eq in the loop. So I just put an order in for a Schitt Loki+ 4-band equalizer. Figure it's a low-cost way to test the theory. 

Do any of you have similar experiences or related wisdom to share?

I'm also curious about the Sunvalley All Purpose Phono Eq that Herb Reichert loves, that has adjustable eq curves (https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-42-sunvalley-audio-sv-eq1616d-phono-equalizer), as well as the Decware ZRock2 eq (https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZROCK.html).

Thanks for your help!
Josh
joshindc

Showing 2 responses by joshindc

joshindc OP
29 posts
 
jasonbourn52. I love this: "Learn to accept reality!"

Kidding aside, we know there is no such thing as perfect recording or reproduction. If by "accepting reality" you mean that the goal of a good hi-fi system should be to accurately reproduce whatever is in the recording to the nth degree... suppose that's one worthy approach. 

But, if say 9/10 listeners appreciate boosting the bass when listening to a bass-deficient recording, then are they all wrong? Do all these listeners just have bad taste in audio and should be more appreciative of transparency no matter what?
joshindc OP
29 posts
 
Hi all,

I left out a description of my system because I'm more interested in hearing from folks about their experiences adding EQ, and whether it might be a more direct/sure-fire/affordable way to address sound deficiencies in recordings and playback. 

But, since some responders to this posting have asked, here is my system (what I would describe as a modest system):
  • Tekton Electron SEs
  • Willsenton R8 with EL34s and other nicer-than-stock tubes
  • Sutherland KC Vibe Mk2 phono preamp
  • Marantz TT15 turntable with Clearaudio Virtuoso cart
  • Wires are mostly modest Audio Quest; QED speaker cable (probably a weak link); and a Decware power cable for the amplifier
  • Digital, I use a Bluesound Node into a Denafrips Ares II DAC
All of the above, with the exception of the speaker cable, is generally well reviewed. With some recordings, digital or vinyl, this system can sound really good in my opinion. But, with many many recordings, I find myself wanting more. Especially a bit more bass and warmer midrange. 

Josh
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