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Equalization for vinyl nirvana

Hi all,

I have a question for the Audiogon and vinyl community: do you think equalization is helpful for getting good results with vinyl playback? I ask because I'm a vinyl newbie. Recently added a nice turntable and phono preamp to my rig and have slowly been collecting the recommended audiophile jazz, blues and rock albums that I like. But with few exceptions, most of the time I'm underwhelmed by the results. Lack of bass and midrange fullness is usually the problem. Sure, I could look for another amplifier, subwoofer, better cables... but I think a simpler, more affordable solution would be to get some Eq in the loop. So I just put an order in for a Schitt Loki+ 4-band equalizer. Figure it's a low-cost way to test the theory. 

Do any of you have similar experiences or related wisdom to share?

I'm also curious about the Sunvalley All Purpose Phono Eq that Herb Reichert loves, that has adjustable eq curves (https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-42-sunvalley-audio-sv-eq1616d-phono-equalizer), as well as the Decware ZRock2 eq (https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZROCK.html).

Thanks for your help!
Josh
joshindc
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,606 posts
 
In my house of stereo, I have two vinyl systems. One a VPI  Classic TT with Kleos cart running through PS Audio stellar phono stage, the other a basic Pro-Ject TT with ortofon cart running through a Puffin phono stage. Both run into a Prima luna evo 100 preamp and parasound halo 23+ amp. I have a couple thousand LPs and I use the puffin system to equalize the ones that really need it. In the end, in the last year, I have put in about 35 hrs on the Puffin and over 600 hrs on the PS Audio, meaning that's how few records I feel are in need of equalization. The quality of your system and your listening room set up are the major factors in how many records may or may not sound good to you with or without equalization.
mastering92
870 posts
 
Equalization is necessary if you don't enjoy the sound. Far too often, we tend to lose sight of how enjoyable music can be...because we try to nit pick things about the sound.

Try to keep it sounding polite, but not too bright. Neutral, but not boring. Detailed, but without exaggeration. 

Using an equalizer at 16 KHz for air may also be useful if you find midrange and treble are competing too closely. 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,645 posts
 
With a Puffin you can EQ each cart and save the settings. Plus tube and tape transfer functions. Selectable bass boost, room EQ, rumble filter, warmth, air, bass, treble. Set it, save it, forget it.
Not to mention 1dB gain grain and ultra fine channel balance..
jallan's avatar
jallan
356 posts
 
Some recordings are just too bright. I have digital and analogue versions and both can sound too bright if they were mixed that way. Some early 60’s recordings, originally released as mono but then remixed in stereo sound bright and hot as lp’s, cd’s, and streamed. Your Loki will come in handy, at only slight aural cost (foreshortening in depth perception in my system). It is a great product, with the new version even better, according to the audiophiliac.
wolfie62
354 posts
 
I have 107 cartridges in my collection. Each one sounds different. Some emphasize the mids; back in the day, it was called “presence.” No amount of auxiliary EQ (not RIAA!) will give it to you if your cartridge doesn’t have it.

Other cartridges will sound thin, or “recessed” in the mids. Your Clearaudio cart is known for being “presence” shy, and recessed. Trying to EQ your way into a better sound will leave you disappointed.

Shure cartridges were renowned for great “presence.” ADC ZLM/XLM were as well. The Shure M97 Era IV will give you great presence, hard bass, and satiny, clear and focused treble with lots of “air”.

Way too many modern carts have a sterile, analytical sound.

Bottom line, you can’t get where you’re trying to go with that Clearaudio cartridge, even with auxiliary EQ.
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