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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 1 response by jrussell88

jrussell88
15 posts
 
Do you enjoy listening to vinyl as much as other sources - a TV or radio for example, or music in the car? 

How about other sources on your vinyl system? Do you enjoy them? Do they share the same problems?

Those comparisons may help show what the problem is.

Live music often doesn't sound 'impressive' in the way that hifi can. It can also sound natural and involving but that is harder to achieve.

If there's a specific tonal problem, others have suggested where to look.

Personally I haven't felt any need for bass, treble, tonal controls since my first system with a Rega turntable in a small bare room, since these wouldn't fundamentally alter the experience. But that's not to say it's the answer for you.



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