How far can room treatments solve boomy bass?

Sorry River251, just noticed your Q above about an actual HiFi-quality parametric. What I use is a Ric Schultz-modified Behringer DEQ-2496. Have a rather minimalist 2.0 system: Onkyo carousel changer as transport, out to a Monarchy DIP Combo, out to the DEQ being used as my DAC, from there to a pair of Endler Audio shunt attenuators that are plugged directly into the inputs of a pair of Monarchy monobocks. About $2k worth of Alan Maher Design's power-conditioning stuff rounds out the electronics. This is a single-sourced, CD-only system. The stock sound of DAC section of the DEQ is unacceptable for HiFi. However, many choose to use it between a transport and DAC - that way the DAC section of the DEQ itself is bypassed altogether and all the DEQ is responsible for is signal processing in the digital domain and this does improve the sound dramatically. About the only issue to deal with at this point is the cheap, stock switching power supply. It's unreliable as well as a bit noisy. Ric's mod gave it a quality linear supply. But, I took things a bit further and let Ric replace the stock analog output stage with one of his own design and opted for an updated DAC chip as well. This allowed its use as a HiFi-quality DAC with true, differentially balanced analog outs to the monoblocks. The cost for the DEQ and the mods was around a whopping $625. If you need an analog input as well, Ric can mod the existing input circuitry into something equally HiFi-worthy for a few hundred dollars more. But, for me the sound is glorious and the flexiblity is unparalelled and all that. The DEQ itself has 10 bands/ch variable from 10 octaves wide to 1/10th octave narrow at more than 330 individual center frequencies from 20-to-20k in 1/2db steps. All that with 64 user-defined memories. The processing is 32-bit. There is no volume out control on the DEQ (except for up to -15db at the DEQ's input to accomodate higher-gained sources). The DEQ has a steeper-than-analog learning curve to it, but you'll get passed that after a while...took me almost year to begin to feel really comfortable with it, but I was a bit impatient about it, as I recall. But, I dunno how to answer better your Q about what you might want without knowing your system architecture.

Thanks everyone, I'm just reading and trying to learn. When I can afford my next step, it will be getting the equipment to analyze my room.

But Ivan, I am using a Creek CD43 MkII right now, with an optical (toss link?) out so I think I can accommodate the Ric's stuff, which would be my second next step. Can you provide contact info? I should talk with him. I'm really glad that through both analytics and room treatments there is some hope.

Martykl, where in the source-speaker chain does the PARC go, and how will it affect sound quality?

Thank you all so much, this takes things to the next level. Quality sound is worth the effort...

Jim

How long before you have your larger room?

Jim, i did not notice Martykl uses a PARC, but i do.
PARC is between pre and power, or if you'd use a cdp with volume, between cdp and power.
You can bypass it if needed and it is both rca or fully balanced (xlr).
It works the range 16-350Hz and 1-3 modes per channel individually set (left/right).

Affect sound quality, it does not affect in terms of resolution. Maybe if you use über expensive gear. I can't answer that. If you look at mys system under Nearfield you'll see what i use.

Jim,

I've never used a PARC.

My DRC set-up has evolved from using an NHT X-2 active x-over between my ARC LS-25 and VT130SE. The NHT fed a Velodyne SMS-1 subwoofer management system, which fed a pair of powered subs (originally Velos, then Rythmiks). This arrangement EQ'd only the signal headed for the subs and put only the NHT in the main path. It worked very well, but was kind of kludgy - 4 boxes to power up, etc.

I also maintained a parallel system in the same room with Joule and Cary or Prima Luna electronics that allowed for a non-EQ alternative, that I used mainly for vinyl.

Separately, I had also been using Audyssey in my HT room for years. When Stereophile did a very enthusiastic review of Audyssey XT32, I picked up an Onkyo pre-pro that contained this system. I figured that I'd try it out in my main 2 channel room and - if I didn't like it - I'd just use the Onkyo to replace my older pre-pro in the HT room.

Bottom Line: The ARC and Joule came out, the Onkyo went in and has never left. All sources - including vinyl - get the full XT32 treatment. I understand that this requires me to turn in my audiophile merit badge, but I simply prefer the sound this way.

Marty