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 jjrenman

Before deciding on an EQ type I suggest that you get a simple test disc that has 1/3 band octave test tones. Play it and take notes of which frequencies are a problem for you. If you find that there are only a few bands that are an issue than a parametric is best as you can adjust the EQ to those specific frequency's as well as narrow or widen the band as needed. OTOH, if you have more than a few bands that are an issue than a 1/3 band per octave EQ will give you the control you need.

HTH and good luck.