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Question about Tone Controls + Equalizers

So I wanted to get opinions on Tone Controls.

I listen to all my music including LP's with Tone Controls defeated.

Why do I do that, you say? Because when I started on this journey I had the impression in my mind that in order to be an Audiophile, you have to listen to all music in it's purest form otherwise you are degrading the sound (I know, a very novice and naive mentality). 

So my first questions, do you all listen to LP's with tone controls on or off (if you have the capability in your system)?

My second question is about equalizers and in particular the Schiit Loki. If you have Tone Controls in your system, is adding a equalizer or tone control system useless or does it interfere whit your built in Tone Controls? Would you have defeat the Tone Controls on your own system in order to use the Loki or could they work with each other? I am not sure.

Do you all think a device like the Loki could possibly help fine tune your system sound? Is anyone using it in their own rig with LP playback?

That is what I would use it for, LP Playback, if I ever got the Loki or anything similar.

Thanks
jay73

Showing 1 response by big_greg

big_greg
6,708 posts
 
Schiit has a 15 day return period (with a restocking fee).  You could just order one and try it.  Consider the return shipping and restocking fee a rental fee if you don't like it.

Having said that, in general I don't care for tone controls.  For home theater, EQ is great.  For two channel music, I prefer leaving things flat.  I really only have one device with tone controls, my Vincent SV 237.  They are pretty good and were fun to play with when I first got it, but I have them defeated.

For LP playback, another option to consider is the Parks Puffin.  It allows you to adjust bass, treble, balance, "air",  and "tilt".  I like it a lot, however I ended up leaving everything flat on it after a while also.
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