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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
128x128joshindc
wolfie62
352 posts
 
I have 107 cartridges in my collection. Each one sounds different. Some emphasize the mids; back in the day, it was called “presence.” No amount of auxiliary EQ (not RIAA!) will give it to you if your cartridge doesn’t have it.

Other cartridges will sound thin, or “recessed” in the mids. Your Clearaudio cart is known for being “presence” shy, and recessed. Trying to EQ your way into a better sound will leave you disappointed.

Shure cartridges were renowned for great “presence.” ADC ZLM/XLM were as well. The Shure M97 Era IV will give you great presence, hard bass, and satiny, clear and focused treble with lots of “air”.

Way too many modern carts have a sterile, analytical sound.

Bottom line, you can’t get where you’re trying to go with that Clearaudio cartridge, even with auxiliary EQ.
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 
The OP is not speaking of RIAA equalisation.  Yes that is vital to restore  (very close to) equal volume at all frequencies from what is a very unequal cutting process.

The producer had a very big equaliser panel in front of him when the recording was made.  He was probably a fiddler, anxious to be seen to earn his fee, so likely he moved some frequencies away from flat.
That was his decision and he felt his work improved the sound of the recording.

If you buy an equaliser and fiddle about with the producer's frequency balance, all you are doing is saying you don't agree with the producer's decisions and want to change them.

Oh, and also introducing loads of noise and distortion from the equaliser instead of using straight wire whenever possible.

Don't.
jibooo312
1 posts
 
I use a Loki between my phono preamp and my preamp. I have a very nice system. As I have upgrated my phono preamp and cartridge, I tend to use it less than I use to. I find that a lot of albums lack the amount of bass that I prefer so I use it mostly to bump up the low end. I find that in most cases if you mess with the mix it only makes things worse but there are a few records that I cut a little treble or add a little mid. Would I recommend eq, sure why not. If it increases your listening pleasure then go for it.
mgolpoor's avatar
mgolpoor
55 posts
 
Let's tackle this question using a different analogy! If you go into an art gallery to view paintings the most important piece of equipment you need is a pair of glasses that is correct for your eyes so you can clearly see what the artist draw. Now if you don't like some the colors used in a painting or the details used in that painting do you go and get correction color filters or stronger prescription glasses?....NO!.....the same is true in Audio. Your system is the window looking into the music being played. If that system is accurate then nothing else is needed. You are going to like most of the music played on it but there will be some that you do not like for whatever reason. Trying to adjust everything to your liking sometimes will get you away from what the artist intended. I personally am not a fan of "Phil Spector's" Wall of Sound but I love the music so I just listen to the music or if really annoys me then I don't !!! I am sure some people will disagree.
lewm
13,030 posts
 
Clearthinker, the two devices that the OP says he would consider buying to solve his problem are not classic equalizers. Both afford ways of messing with RIAA equalization. Actually, though I personally wouldn’t go there, either of those devices is preferable to a typical graphic equalizer, all of which s&&k. These days we also have equalization that acts in the digital domain. I’d be interested to hear what that does. Very expensive.
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