2. misc-audio
  3. 1375887116

Stereo equalizer connection to integrated amplifie

I know that the use of equalizers is an affront to the sensibilities of many audiophiles but a combination of hearing problems and an unfortunate listening room layout force me to, at least, consider trying one. My primary goal is to attenuate those frequencies that are painful to my hearing due to a condition called hyperacusis.

I've never in 50+ years used an equalizer and have a couple of questions that will expose my near total ignorance of the issue. To begin with, I use a Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated hybrid amp with a tube based DAC between it and the CD player. Part of my concern is protection of the amplifier because I don't know what voltage levels are delivered from the equalizer to the tube input section of the amplifier.

In reviewing the various equalizers available, many seem to be designed for other purposes than home stereo use such as studio mixing; the rear panels depict connections with which I'm not familiar, some with what looks like microphone plugs. Most all of the others with with RCA plugs have record in and out connections with " out to amp" RCAs. Does this mean that the equalizer is taking the place of the preamp and that the pre section of the integrated amp should be bypassed?

Also, some of those advertised are designated as being parametric. I've tried to find info on what, exactly, this means to the process and is it a better way to go? Many of these, btw, seem to be of the type with the multiple connections on the rear panel that I described above.

I'm sorry to be so uninformed on the subject that it may be difficult to provide answers that I'll understand but any input would be very much appreciated.
broadstone

Showing 1 response by czarivey

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Hey Broadstone,
No need to multi-explain so much why you need EQ, It's much simplier than you think. EQ is to shape the signal of either poor recording, poor room or poor sound in general.

In your case with your integrated amp UNFOTUNATELY you don't have poweramp input terminals while having fixed or variable output ones. So your EQ options explained bellow will work if:

1. You decide to replace your amp with one having pre-outs and amp inputs separate.
2. Either DIY or professional upgrade to have poweramp inputs
3. Purchasing separate poweramp and using your integrated as a preamp(use fixed outs)
4. If you're using only ONE source, than you can connect EQ between source and one of the line inputs. Otherwise you will have to reconnect your EQ to different sources manually by pulling wires.

If one of four above conditions are met, enjoy to continue reading following:

Connect EQ preamp section(or separate preamp) -> EQ -> poweramp section(or separate box amplifier). So all three components will serve it's purpose. EQ won't be your preamp, but will be your outboard tone control board. Vintage EQs designed for home audio may be one of your best bets and you should shop for one offering bypass or simply bypasses signal when not powered on. The pro-audio studio mixing ones can work as well. Most of them have TRS balanced outputs/inputs which may require you to shop for wires with TRS/RCA plugs to fit your amp/pre.

A simple example could be found herehttp://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/231S/ where you can see a simple pro-audio EQ with 1 set of XLR in-outs and TRS in-outs in which case you can simply purchase these or simpilar cables: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=483167&is=REG&A=details&Q=

The EQ in the above example is one of my favorite in its capabilities for great home audio playback and it has a bypass switch. It also has gain settings and can boost up the gain of your preamp in case if you're driving low-sensitivity amplifier or your phono setup is totalling less gain than line components.

Hope that helps.
More to discover