Equalizer in a Hi Fi system

It’s whatever works for you. 
 

I used to rely on a DBX back in the 1970s - 1980s. It was among the best in its day. It helped me kill the shoutiness of my Altecs. Today I no longer need nor use it. 

if you would like to try it out before you spend big $$$s, contact me through my website. You may even find that the DBX will do the job. Having been sitting around for decades, it may need new caps. 
 

theaudioatticvinylsundays.com

Thanks @jtcf for the response. And @unreceivedogma, you are right. Whatever works for you. I am just hoping to save any other avid EQers some trial and error, as I’ve made it my sub hobby to explore as many high end hardware EQs as I can. To both of you, happy listening!

@jtcf, I also have had evenings with friends and family like that as well. You know you have gear that is doing something special when this happens. Great feeling!  Enjoy. API is renowned in studio circles and makes great gear. 

Genius quote from Chris Henderson at Hendyamps. When I posed the question of digital vs analog EQ in the studio, this was his response. Enjoy:
 

“Honestly, digital and analog are two completely different beasts.  When you want precision tools that can break the laws od physics, then you need digital.  When you want a tonal enhancement and intangible “mojo” then analog is the way.  I have been a part of the process in designing the Oven and the Michelangelo digital emulations and while the final product is excellent, you are still in the world of trying to make an emulation of something else.  And this emulation is extremely limited by the ability to actually capture all nuance of boiling electrons and quantum field interactions on a fundamental level, which will never produce results that satisfy serious engineers and serious hifi consumers.  It really is that simple. They are amazing products, but it is much like wanting to fly an F-16 fighter jet and then claiming that the high end simulator is the same as flying the actual jet.”

Further thoughts on CO and MA. CO’s mids hold together better with larger bass boosts. No winners here. Calling it a tie. MA sounds better with milder EQ. Both great pieces.