Equalizer in a Hi Fi system

I have nothing to add to this interesting discussion except for another vote for the Manley Massive Passive. I purchased the latest version with switching power supply, initially to complement a custom speaker with a Purify 6.5" mid woofer and matching passive radiators that handle LF boost well enough to produce high quality bass to 30hz. Over time I’ve used all bands of the Manley with excellent results.

After break-in and experience on how to optimize its relatively complex and sometimes counter-intuitive controls, the Manley piece has become an essential component. It is a bit fiddly to tweak, and once set up properly, wants mostly to be left alone. It has a clean, open sound with tube characteristics that don’t sound "toobie." No hiss on top.

Of course it is well vetted by mastering pros-- which encouraged me to skip past lots of cheaper solutions.

I’ll add that at this level of performance, a studio equalizer is a seductive and cost-effective opportunity to improve a system without endless component and cable swaps. Perhaps an endpoint.

Esoteric K-O1x w/Rubidium clock>SOtM>AtmaSphere MP-1 or Goldpoint balanced passive>Pass XA-160.8 monos or modified BAT VK-75SE.
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@tattooedtrackman , as long as they are electrically compatible with consumer hi fi, why not look at the whole field for all their diversity and choices?  Some are more appropriate than others certainly 

@dgarretson , right on the money! Exactly!

“I’ll add that at this level of performance, a studio equalizer is a seductive and cost-effective opportunity to improve a system without endless component and cable swaps. Perhaps an endpoint.”

Exactly!

Most problems many audiophiles solve by "upgrading" at high cost, can be solved by room acoustics, tonal analog control and DSP  as the Choueiri BACCH ...

These three aspects of one solution   have something in common : they are ground in the human hearing  specifics... They are not tool you use once for the gear pieces ... They are permanent  acoustics elements integrating all the others factors in one hearing experience ...