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Equalizers - Graphiic, Parametric & Channel Balance

I know this topic has a history on these forums but my question has more to do with channel balance than to their theory of operation. Primaily due to personal hearing deficiencies but also to deal with unfortunate room acoustics, I will be installing/keeping an EQ in my system, so the question of whether or not to do so has already been settled.

I began experimenting with a graphic EQ simply because it's operation seemed at least visibility like it would be more direct and simple to use. I was wrong in at least one respect; to get good results, it's not all that simple. Anyway, the overall results have been good. Based on recommendations found here on Audiogon as well as other sources, though, I decided to experiment with a borrowed parametric EQ which I found to have better control and, in some ways, at least as easy to use.

Anyway, I like the PEQ better except for one important issue; with it I have no channel balance control. This is important because of the room layout and because my hearing loss is not bilaterally equal. For reasons discussed in other forums I can't / won't use hearing aids and, for the present at least, I'm sticking with my Peactree Audio pre and power amps. So the question is whether there exists such a thing as a parametric equalizer that has this control? I suppose that one alternative might be to use one parametric EQ for each channel, and if that's what it takes, so be it. Any suggestions?

My sources are Shanling CD S-100 or Apple TV using lossless files and the speakers are Martin Logan Ethos.
128x128broadstone
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Coincidentally, ZD, I have a like new DEQ2496 that I bought used (eBay) that was DOA and is being returned today. I also have two dbx1531's that I've been trying and one of these had a problem also. I agree with you, Mapman, from my research I've concluded that Behringer is, indeed, where my best choices are. The most recent experiment is with an old SAE parametric that I was messing with in my little garage system which does things that the DEQ's don't and I like it very much but, of course, the balance issue remains. There is a behringer DSP 8024 Ultra-Curve Pro for sale on eBay that I'm studying if anyone knows anything about that model.

Anyway, it looks like a graphic EQ will probably end up being the solution so, Ivan, I would appreciate a heads up when you're preparing to let yours go in case I haven't gone in another direction by that time.
bojack
636 posts
 
Take it from someone with a LOT of experience with this: Buy a new Ultracurve DEQ2496Â…problem solved.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"The most recent experiment is with an old SAE parametric that I was messing with in my little garage system which does things that the DEQ's don't and I like it very much but, of course, the balance issue remains."

What features are you talking about? It has both graphic and parametric EQ's, with a bunch of memory and setup options form both. It's also digital, so you can run it through a standalone DAC. You can get the owners manual off the Behringer web site. I wouldn't buy a used one, though. Pro gear isn't like high end gear. If you buy something used, you never know how many people had the item before you, and what they did to it. Guitar Center sells them and they have a very good return policy if you don't like it.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
ZD, I submitted my last post before reading it and absentmindedly said I was looking at a Behringer when I meant to ask about the Aphex 8024. Anyway, when you referred to "it has both graphic and parametric...", which one were you referring to? You're advice BTW about buying these things used is so true; I've bought 4 used in the last month and 2 were no good. When I make my choice, then, I will buy from a reputable dealer.
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,047 posts
 
Broadstone, I went through the reliability issue too when researching before buying. From what I read, most of the failures were on firmware revisions 1.1 through 1.4, thereafter they began to show at least some indication of being improved enough to not fail at such a high rate...mostly of either microprocessor faults or power supply problems. The ps problems I don't know that they ever effectively solved. As near as I can tell, the Behringer is designed so cheaply as to be less expensive to replace than repair (for the Pro users) and to take the burden off Behringer's customer service (which is generally regarded as terrible). They are essentially considered to be disposable. I certainly understand where notion of only buying new comes from, but a majority of the posts said that most of the units that failed did so within the first year or less. Mine, I can say at least, has had a perfect track record for 7 years. The Jantzen 4-pole cap and other substitutions in the ps may help it run cooler, which I believe, is one of the main problems with the ps...just ends up being too hot. The Behringer has rack ears which I've always left uninstalled to allow at least a little ventilation. My version is a 2.1 and you can confirm the version of any you have by powering up and going to the "main" screen and it will tell you there. Good luck, however you decide to go.
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