How do I use an equalizer with a Hegel H390 using Spotify wirelessly?


I use my laptop to stream Spotify wirelessly to the Hegel and the Spotify equalizer does not work for some reason and I'd like to use an equalizer.  The Windows equalizer software works with my USB output for headphones but not wirelessly. I also thought of getting a Schiit Loki but it would have to have wireless capability. Any suggestions on how to use an equalizer in my system would be appreciated!

imabucfan

use roon  it has a built in parametric equalizer no Spotify instead it had tidal and quobuzz

Will anybody argue with me that a Wiim minihttps://www.wiimhome.com/wiimmini/overview or prohttps://www.wiimhome.com/wiimpro/overview will not sound better than a laptop? 
both have equalizers functions within the app. 

@imabucfan you need Wiim Ultra or if you want a more comprehensive DSP, get a MiniDSP SHD which has Spotify Connect too via Volumio - miniDSP SHD with Dirac Live® room correction

+1  with @gkelly, although I would skip the Wiim Mini and get either the WiiM Pro or ProPlus.  Both can use the parametric equalizer built into the app.  It will sound worlds better than using a laptop or PC.  And who knows, it might be so much better that you don't need to use equalization.

Question.  I'm assuming that you have a network cable (and therefore and Internet connection) going to the Hegel, correct?  If so, you could also go the Roon route, as @audiotroy suggested, and upgrade the streaming service to either Tidal or Qobuz.  Then you can stream directly to the Hegel, which is Roon Ready.  Both are going to give you a better quality source stream than Spotify.  And it is more worthy considering the level of the Hegel.  

[Spotify is still limited to 128kbs for the free version and 320kbs for the paid premium version.  320kbs is not even CD quality, you have to go over 4X to 1411kbs for that.]

...Just my 5 cents (including tariffs)...

-Jeff

 

 

 

I am at my sister‘s walking her dogs, and even the WIIM mini now has room correction. I remember a couple of months ago when it came out that I tried it and it wasn’t available then but apparently it’s available now so this is another plus. 

OK, I asked my sister when she got home to let me know what she thought.
Here is her response

This definitely sounds better, not so boxy if that makes sense.

I’m a firm believer that when a female can hear the difference there is a difference. 

Why won't the spotify EQ work? Are you sure you have it toggled on ? It works wirelessly for me via my phone for instance? 

 

If you have a bluesound set up you can use spotify via that device and bluesound has its own eq function too. 

*saugertiesbob The Spotify EQ does work it just doesn’t work with the wifi-ethernet-H390 setup and I don’t know why. It will work with usb out to my headphone amp.

Don’t get me wrong, I need very little adjustment to the Hegel, it’s nothing short of a phenominal piece of gear but I think everyone likes to hear more or less bass or trble in their music.

*jeffbij Yes, I use my laptop to stream Spotify to my modem device plugged into an outlet which has ethernet to the H390. It wakes the H390 up and begins playing the streaming Spotify. I assume the EQ only effects music using the USB output.

Thanks for the help guys, I’ll try Wiim Pro out or Pro Plus! (assuming they have an equalizer function)

@imabucfan

The WiiM should work since:

  1. The EQ is done internally on the WiiM hardware, and
  2. it will be directly connected to the Hegel, either by USB or Coax (you can use the RCA analog output of the WiiM, but I think you will find the Hegel's DAC to be better.)

The WiiM Pro and ProPlus models have both an Optical and digital Coax output. Use the Coax output into the Hegel's coaxial connection.  When you go through the initial setup of the WiiM, if I remember correctly, it will ask you to pick the output you want to use.  If you don't already have a digital coax cable, you will need to purchase one.  You can buy a very cheap no name one on Amazon just to get you up and going, and then, after doing some research, etc. pick a better one from a respectable manufacturer.  (And there are a lot of those ranging from $75 into the stratosphere.)

If you want to use USB instead, you would need to go to the WiiM Ultra.  But that isn't necessary for what you need.  And the Ultra is double the price.

-Jeff