Equalization for vinyl nirvana

Hi all,

I left out a description of my system because I'm more interested in hearing from folks about their experiences adding EQ, and whether it might be a more direct/sure-fire/affordable way to address sound deficiencies in recordings and playback. 

But, since some responders to this posting have asked, here is my system (what I would describe as a modest system):

• Tekton Electron SEs
• Willsenton R8 with EL34s and other nicer-than-stock tubes
• Sutherland KC Vibe Mk2 phono preamp
• Marantz TT15 turntable with Clearaudio Virtuoso cart
• Wires are mostly modest Audio Quest; QED speaker cable (probably a weak link); and a Decware power cable for the amplifier
• Digital, I use a Bluesound Node into a Denafrips Ares II DAC

All of the above, with the exception of the speaker cable, is generally well reviewed. With some recordings, digital or vinyl, this system can sound really good in my opinion. But, with many many recordings, I find myself wanting more. Especially a bit more bass and warmer midrange. 

Josh

I have a question for the Audiogon and vinyl community: do you think equalization is helpful for getting good results with vinyl playback? 

Um, no it is essential. RIAA equalization is required. Anything beyond that- look let's cut to the heart of the matter, okay? 

Either you got some crap gear, or you got some crap ears and want everything to sound the way you want it to sound instead of the way it is. Or maybe you drank the Cool-Aid and think digital is the reference and are trying to make your records sound like that. Or another possibility I guess, troll. But even trolls we take seriously, at least the one time.

I am just trying to cover all the bases here because anyone like me who knows vinyl knows it is perfectly capable of bass and midrange all the other formats but open reel can only dream of. So the last thing you need is EQ. Now if you want to talk about what else might be a good way to go, we can have that discussion. But the very fact you got one of the most clueless of all saying it is "absolutely vital" and pushing you to EQ that fact alone ought to be enough to make you step back and reconsider.

If you are underwhelmed by the sound of vinyl with a good recording it is a problem somewhere in the system because the best vinyl recordings sound as good as anything out there.

Sometime I think it's Donald Trump posting on audiogon under different names since he was banned on Twitter. 

@joshindc Since we have very similar components from source to output I think I can offer some pointers. As many have mentioned the room’s architecture, furnishings and treatment are key, but that’s the unknown here. Next, the method at which you’re placing and isolating the Marantz TT is extremely important - another unknown. Next the vinyl source: Playing Originals vs. Remasters, which related to what @erik_squires commented about studio engineering vs. home audio reproduction gaps. Then, setting the right Willsenton controls to towing the precise distance of the Tektons which you hooked-up with quality AQ cables. Before you invest more money in phono preamps, cartridges, other cables, power conditioning, EQ devices, etc. try experimenting with the above placement and room treatment. After you hear improvements from tweaks then you’ll know better what to upgrade with. Overall, EQ will better-attained in totality per above.