Equalizer in a Hi Fi system

I was shopping a while for a Schiit Loki Max, but ended up trying the Schiit Lokius instead. I only need a tiny touch of EQ and this did the job nicely. I did some a/b with and without the Lokius in the signal path. There is degridation in the sound, but it’s really minimal. If you don’t have a highly resolving system, you probably won’t even notice it. I ended up taking it out since tube rolling ended up getting me where I wanted to be without having to EQ, but will still swap it in once in a while. If you don’t want to pump out the $ for the Max, get the Lokius. I’m using the balanced connection BTW and it's dead quiet.

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Hi Tim, I just had a conversation with the last purchaser of the M3D. He is having a mismatch issue as he is using Phono level into a +4 device that is causing distortion. He initially assured me he had a converter but in fact does not. 

I wanted to give you a heads up that these are a +4 Professional level balanced device. Using Phono level into this will cause a huge impedance mismatch and level difference that will result in distortion so you will need to find something to convert it. 

Jason @ Revive Audio LLC”

For the scenario described above, you need to get the phono signal to line level with a phono stage preamp. Then if you’re still unbalanced, talk to me. I’ll get you to balanced properly without an additional box

Basically you have your custom pin wiring scheme with the XLR to rca that gets you to unity gain

Did that for my unbalanced Bryston tape loop. Cardas custom wired the pins (pseudo balanced) and works perfectly with no distortion and no need for an additional box. Once had a Aphex converter box in the beginning. The Cardas custom cable without the additional extra box obviously is the correct solution and sounds of course WAY better.