Equalizer in a Hi Fi system

I've yet to find an equalizer that doesn't add hiss or noise. I am familiar with the Schiit equalizer you mentioned.  I tried one and got rid of it the same day!  It had to be placed far away from other components or it would cause hum.  It also put out excessive audible noise/ hiss whenever you turned the dials too far clockwise.  If noise and hiss is a concern to you, a digital equalizer would be the answer, but those are very expensive and not really a necessity if your equipment and your room are right. 

None of my systems have tone controls.  I guess the manufacturers of higher end systems frown on that, and I can see why, but I have always used an equalizer of some sort.  The main issue I run into is that every eq that I have ever tried adds at least some level of hiss, even if very low. 

Regardless of what others say and even with excelled equipment and room acoustics I have always felt a need for some level of equalization to suit my personal taste.   

If anyone can point me toward a non- computer analog EQ (parametric ok) with inaudible hiss, please let me know!

tattooedtrackman OP

Thank for the suggestion. I looked at it and see that the highest adjustment frequency is 10 Khz, but looks nice and has a descent THD and S/N ratio.  I am not sure that 10 Khz would be high enough.   A few 1/3 octave 31 band eq's that are hiss free is what I really want.  I have several, but they all add an undesirable level of hiss, particularly during quiet passages.  I need the bands because I set the rooms flat with a calibrated mic and spectrum analyzer using pink noise directly from the source as a reference point and then make slight adjustments to my liking.

tlcocks: Enjoy!  I don't use/ like headphones unless I am in a plane!  I never had a need for them such as neighbors nearby that may get disturbed.  I used them occasionally long ago when I used to DJ some and use them once in a while when mixing, recording, or mastering myself playing guitar, synth, theremin or drums and in my humble home studio and that's all. 

I prefer to feel the sound in conjunction with hearing it whenever I listen to music.

jtcf

What is the model # of the API unit you mentioned?

jtcf

Thanks for the reply. I looked at it.  I am not sure though.  I looked at the specs and S/N ratio of 100db is not that great.  If you put your ear right next to your tweeters (as in like practically touching them) with your ear, do you hear ANY hiss whatsoever?  Please be honest! 

I ask because I am doubtful that the eq would be silent in that manner. Currently I hear absolutely no hiss whatsoever when my eq's are out of the loop if I touch my ear on the tweeters, but all the components have higher S/N ratios of minimum 127db or above.  27 decibels is a lot and perhaps the difference between hiss or no hiss.  I am going to buy several once I find the right one and want to be 100% sure to avoid the hassle of returns.

mirolab  Thank you, someone recommended that one to me.  Although I know they make good stuff because I had a few components long ago I am no longer into McIntosh.  I know that their newer stuff is more neutral as opposed to their older warmer sound, but their overall looks and voicing are just not my preference. 

tlcocks  jtcf:  Thanks to both of you for the info on the EQ.  I am definitely going to do more serious research into the API equalizers.  It may sound picky, and you can call it girl stuff, but I want them in black and no rack mount ears, or removable ears.  Only one of them will be going on a rack, the others not.  I like everything to match!  

tlcocks  No offense to you or anyone but I gave Schitt a try by buying 3 components for a guest room and all 3 had issues of some sort and had to return them all.  Horrible customer service and subpar product in my opinion, and yes I am talking about their so-called top of the line stuff.  The saying you get what you pay for definitely applies to Schiit based on my own personal experience with them.  As far as well regarded, as you mentioned, definitely not to me. Perhaps as paper weights.

To anyone reading this, if you enjoy and are happy with your Schitt products, congratulations and enjoy, just don't try to convince me, because I won't even respond. They have made my permanent "never buy again list", together with other companies which I will not mention for the sake of not initiating a back-and-forth and time-consuming discussion in vain.  Peace...

vacountryboy It's very simple. Just take a look at your audiogram printout. It will show what frequencies you are deficient in on each ear as well as the decibel loss.

Then just find an equalizer that covers those frequencies and boost those frequencies by the same number of decibels to match the deficiencies on the printout, while leaving the remaining bands centered (not boosted or cut).