Graphic Equalizer --Ugh

I don't like the idea of using an EQ either(as indicated by the "Ugh" in the subject line) but I don't know what else to try. Anything else would then be in the system and affect my good CDs and not just the overly bright ones. My original question was hoped to give me a feel on whether to go analog or digital. Also, if I don't like the sound or can't get it to fix the brightness, I can return the unit anytime up to 45 days. If I put the unit in the tape loop then I can only go single ended and if I put it between the pre and power amp, then I can go differential.

I agree with Eldartford. I suspect that some of the "reliability" issues with Behringer were older units that were abused on the road. In your situation I can't see you having any problems. Also, Dirtyraggamuffin, what company doesn't have suspect labor practices? Unless of course everything you own was built on a utopian commune.

Of course there will be the anti-EQ, anti-digital, and anti-Chinese-made comments. This is why I suggested that the purchase (all $370 of it) be justified entirely by the RTA capability, which observes but does not affect the sound. I am sure that once you get your hands on the unit you will be curious enough to listen to it, and exercise the auto-EQ capability. Then, you decide.

I'm part of the anti-EQ camp. EQs are phase distorters. No matter what way you look at it, all you're doing is distorting your signal. I say instead of adding more gear (more noise and distortion), just get to the problem--perhaps there is a treatment you could try on the disc, a darker cable, or otherwise accept that some pressings are too bright.

I'm a pro audio guy and in the industry, Behringer is known to be unreliable, sonically uninspiring with questionable ethical and labor practices and sub par parts--fair warning. If you must have an EQ, you might consider a parametric EQ--I like them because you can set the bandwidth and sweep across the frequency spectrum to find hot and low spots. As far as pro audio units go, Ashly and Rane make fine eqs for a fair price; even the venerable DBX 242 may be a sturdier and more musical choice than a Behringer if you are ok with parametric control. They can be had on ebay for as much or less than the Behringers.

Cford...Unbalanced in. Balanced out.

Newbee...If there is a "tape" loop that is a logical place to put it. However, the DEQ2496 has a bypass switch which is the functional equivalent of the tape loop. NOT having a volume control after the DEQ2496 simplifies some level setting aspects of using the unit.

As for switching it out when "not needed"... I find that its most important function is to equalize the room response, so it's always in. I had no idea the improvement possible by room equalization until I actually experienced it.

If you need one use it. Most likely, the source material you are listening to has been run through one in the recording process!!

If you have a tape loop, and you are only going to use this EQ on poorly recorded CD's, get something simple and inexpensive, put it in the tape loop and only put it in into the chain when necessary. You are already getting compromised sound with the poor CD, why waste your money on a fancy solution.

I have no experience with the EQ's you mention. The last one I owned was a 10 band (each channel) Audio Control - fairly decent unit. I now keep a Perreauz 3 band tone control in my tape loop for bad lps and cd's, but don't seem to use it often.

Conversely, if you going to put it between the amp and pre-amp, which I would not recommend, get the best you can afford if you are at all fussy about your audio.

Eldartford
Do you use the balance I/Os or the other?

You ought to consider also the Behringer DEQ2496. It has a 31 band graphic equalizer, but also has a parametric equalizer, a 61 band real time display, auto-equalization, (neat!) and some other features. It costs,with the calibrated mic and cable, about twice as much, but still cheap by audiophile standards. The DEQ1024 seems to use the same 24 bit 96KHz digital stuff, which, to me, sounds good. I can't hear any difference when the digital processing is bypassed (A/D and D/A with the EQ flat).

Check them both out on the Behringer website.

I expect a lot of Audiogoners would urge you to eschew equalizers, but I think they're OK for the right applications.

I'm happy with a Rane ME 60, a semi-pro analog stereo equalizer with thirty sliders per channel featuring one-third octive bands. Alternatively, the old Cello Palette was well regarded as a high end product back in its day. It had fewer bands, but it may be more appropriate for your hot CD-taming needs. Sorry I have had no experience with the Behringers.