Equalizer in a Hi Fi system

@hartf36 +1 

I use a DBX Driverack 360 and love it. If you’ve never heard of it, pls take the time to research it. You won’t be disappointed. 

I love EQ, and have several studio eqs, but I really only keep one on the output of my phono preamp, for eq'ing vinyl playback. My eq of choice right now is the Vintage Audio M3D Skyline.  It's a 6 band EQ with very wiiiide bands for minimal phase shift.  Plus it has hardwire bypass, and has balanced I/O only.

@tlcocks  I owned the Charter Oak PEQ-1 for several years when it first came out.  I loved the sound of the bands, and the way it operated, but the unit was not totally transparent, even when in bypass.  It's not a true hardwire bypass.

@sudnh  So having an EQ is not high end?  REALLY?  So what about all the mediocre vinyl pressings that I have, that I can make sound amazing by restoring the lost low frequencies, or re-shaping the highs??  Am I supposed to suffer with mediocre playback in the name of purism and following your "high-end" rules against EQ?

Yes, I've read years and years of Stereophile and Absolute Sound diatribe, and always hated that they vilifyied EQ.   Look.... I know I've got a great system with good room acoustics, because when I play well recorded, well mastered records, my system sounds perfect.  But when I put on a record that has about 5 dB of lows rolled off to accommodate 20 minutes per side, why should I have to live with that? I know I can make it BETTER.... Yes I said it.... EQ can make it BETTER, even though I am putting more circuitry in the signal path!  Sorry if that offends the purists.  (actually.... No.... not sorry).    

Memories: I remember installing an equalizer in my car adjusted to a “M” setting.  I also recall my friends home equalizer which had me staring mesmerized by light bar indicators moving up and down to the music.  Hmmm, never thought of searching for a working vintage equalizer…

I like my Loki Max. Sonic
ally quiet with no hum or hiss. I like powered XLR and RCA outputs usable at the same time. The adjustments do bot allow crazy adjustments. Its been left on 24/7  with no ill effects.