2. analog
  3. 165795-140726

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
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
5,644 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.
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 
The OP is not speaking of RIAA equalisation.  Yes that is vital to restore  (very close to) equal volume at all frequencies from what is a very unequal cutting process.

The producer had a very big equaliser panel in front of him when the recording was made.  He was probably a fiddler, anxious to be seen to earn his fee, so likely he moved some frequencies away from flat.
That was his decision and he felt his work improved the sound of the recording.

If you buy an equaliser and fiddle about with the producer's frequency balance, all you are doing is saying you don't agree with the producer's decisions and want to change them.

Oh, and also introducing loads of noise and distortion from the equaliser instead of using straight wire whenever possible.

Don't.
More to discover